The main difference between vegan wine and normal wine is that vegan wine is completely free of animal products, whereas normal wine may contain fining agents, such as gelatin, egg whites, or casein.
Wine is a popular alcoholic beverage many people around the world enjoy. However, not all wines are suitable for vegans, as animal-derived products such as gelatin and egg whites are often used in the winemaking process. Vegan wines, on the other hand, are produced without the use of any animal-derived products, making them a suitable option for those who follow a vegan lifestyle.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Normal Wine
– Definition, Types, Features
2. What is Vegan Wine
– Definition, Fining Agents
3. Difference Between Vegan Wine and Normal Wine
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Vegan Wine, Normal Wine
What is Normal Wine
Wine is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes. The process of making wine involves crushing the grapes, fermenting the juice with yeast, and aging the resulting liquid in barrels or tanks. This process can produce wines with varying levels of sweetness, acidity, tannins, and alcohol content.
We can categorize wine into various types, including fortified wine, sparkling wine, and table (still) wine. To make fortified wine, winemakers add spirits to the wine. Sparkling wine is produced through a secondary fermentation process that creates bubbles. Table, or still wine, on the other hand, is a light wine that contains 8.5% to 14% alcohol content and does not fit into the previous categories. The still wine is classified by its color, which can be red, white, or rosé.
Wine classifications vary across different regions and countries. In Europe, wines are typically classified according to their regions of origin, such as Bordeaux, Chianti, Champagne, or Rioja. On the other hand, non-European wines are commonly categorized by the grape variety used to make the wine, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot.
What is Vegan Wine
Vegan wine is a type of wine that is free from animal products. Therefore, it is suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle. While wine is typically made from fermented grapes and does not contain any animal products, some winemakers may use animal-derived products during the winemaking process to clarify the wine.
Most manufacturers use fining agents to remove impurities and clarify the wine. However, these fining agents are not always vegan-friendly and can include products like egg whites or casein. Therefore, their use can pose a problem for those who follow a vegan diet.
Fortunately, many winemakers are now turning to alternative fining agents that are completely vegan, such as bentonite clay, limestone, kaolin clay, plant casein, and silica gel. These vegan-friendly fining agents work just as well as their animal-based counterparts, but they are ideal for vegans.
To ensure that a bottle of wine is vegan-friendly, look for wines that have labels like “vegan,” “vegan-friendly,” or “suitable for vegans.” Many winemakers now clearly indicate whether or not their wines are vegan-friendly, making it easier for consumers.
Difference Between Vegan Wine and Normal Wine
Definition
Wine is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes, while vegan wine is a type of wine that is free from animal-derived products.
Nature
Vegan wine is completely free of animal products, whereas normal wine may contain fining agents, such as egg whites or casein.
Fining Agents
Some vegan-friendly fining agents include bentonite clay, limestone, kaolin clay, plant casein, and silica gel, whereas egg white (egg albumen), casein, and skim milk are some non-vegan fining agents.
Conclusion
The main difference between vegan wine and normal wine is that vegan wine is completely free of animal products, whereas normal wine may contain animal-derived fining agents, such as egg whites or casein.
Reference:
1. “Wine.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “What makes a wine vegan? Plus 10 wines to try.” Decanter.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Close-up Photo of Wine Bottles With Cork” by Grape Things (CC0) via Pexles
2. “Pinot Grigio” by Brett Jordan (CC0) via Pexels
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