Gluten-Free, Vegan Wine? In Stock.

For a variety of reasons, some shoppers are looking for wine that is gluten-free, vegan, sulfite-free, or all of the above. When you consider that many wineries who practice simple organic farming don't even hype that fact, for fear of being regarded as a niche product, it can be even more daunting to find quality wines that are reasonably priced, gluten-free and/or vegan. And you just don't want to make a mistake.

You can do an Internet search and pore through lists of wine that may or may not be available in New Jersey. Or you can simply stop at Joe Canal's and pick up some Frey wine. We were in touch with the winery, and are reprinting their posting on gluten-free and vegan wines, with their permission.

Frey Petite Sirah, Biodynamic and pesticide-free

Probably the main issues in the vegan wine issue is the use of fining agents. That's their first topic: 

"What are Fining Agents?

Since ancient times, fining agents have been added to a barrel or tank of wine to help clarify and stabilize the wine. They drift through the wine, pick up solid matter, and eventually sink to the bottom of the container. Common fining agents include hydrolyzed wheat gluten isolate, pea protein isolate, casein (milk protein), gelatin, egg whites, fish glue, and natural bentonite clay. Once the fining agent settles at the bottom, the clarified wine is siphoned off the top, leaving behind the residue, which is discarded. Although no trace of these products is found in the bottled wine, some consumers may object to their use. At Frey Vineyards we use only bentonite, a natural earth clay, as the fining agent for our white wines. (Frey red wines are not fined).

Allergy Concerns

We make no health claims regarding our wines, however, bentonite clay fining should pose no problem for people with wheat or gluten allergies, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or for people who have chosen vegan lifestyles.

Frey Wines are Vegan

Biodynamic farms view animals as an essential component of farm ecology and nutrient cycling. We make all of our own Biodynamic preparations for our farm, in accordance with Biodynamic standards, from plants and animals we raise. This has allowed us to reduce the need for off-farm inputs and to create what we believe to be a more balanced ecology on our land, and a higher level of self-sufficiency and sustainability. Animals are an integral part of our sustainability as a farm, but animal byproducts never come into contact with the fruit in the vineyard and are never used during the winemaking process. Both our Organic and Biodynamic wines are produced without the use of any chemicals, preservatives or animal based fining agents.

Our promise to our customers is to continue to produce completely organic & biodynamic wines, made from carefully tended grapes and free from any additives. Our winemaker Paul Frey is vegetarian, as well as other family members."

Frey biodynamic Zinfandel vineyard and row of olive trees

"Organic Wine is Wine Without Added Sulfites

Under the USDA National Organic Program, sulfites are a synthetic food additive. They are not allowed in organic wine or any other certified organic food products, such as dried fruits, jams, salad dressings or juices.

In over 30 years of organic wine making, we have never added sulfites or other synthetic additives to our wines. Sulfur is abundant in all life forms and takes many forms in living organisms. Small amounts of naturally occurring sulfites are present in wine and other foods.

Synthetic sulfites added to wine are used as a mild antioxidant preservative and stabilizer. Sulfites are added to wine in the form of sulfur salts, SO2 gas or sulfur dioxide solutions. They are commonly used at several stages in the winemaking process. They can be added at the crusher when the fruit enters the production stream and after primary alcoholic fermentation, final levels are adjusted before bottling.

Due to the reactive nature of free sulfites, most join with other substances in the wine, becoming “bound” sulfites. Once bound, sulfites can’t be tasted or smelled, except at high levels. Any added sulfite that does not react with the wine remains "free". It is these free, reactive molecules that can be smelled and tasted and react with sinus tissues to cause a sulfite reaction."

At Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge, we carry both red and white wines from Frey, like their Natural Red.

Overall, Natural Red is Frey's best-selling wine. It's medium bodied, well balanced, and smooth, with a bright garnet hue. The finish is crisp and fruity. An excellent everyday red, carefully crafted with organic techniques. This wine pairs well with a wide variety of cuisine from picnic fare to holiday feasts.

For some great recipes, visit their web page http://www.freywine.com/recipes.html.