The language of wine contains a wealth of meanings that are not all too familiar, particularly the technical interpretations. The glossary describes and offers an explanation to the most common terms.
sulphur
Definition:chemical elementRefers to the chemical element used as a reducing and sterilising agent in viticulture and vinification, and that is available in solid, liquid and gaseous forms. In winemaking, sulphur in the form of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and sulphurous acid (H2SO3) are the required chemical aids. There is a maximum legally permitted restriction as well as a chemical analysis for the contents of free and bound sulphur dioxide and total sulphur.