Does oak aged wine contain vanillin?
"Vanilla" is one of the aromas used when described red wines.
I am allergic to natural proteins in vanilla, per Elisa blood test. I am interested to know whether the red wine will contain actual vanillin, or whether the aroma comes from unrelated substances.
Best Answer
Oak aging can indeed produce real vanillin, whether in wines or other liquids (spirits, beer, even vinegars can all be oak-aged) among thousands of other flavorful compounds. Somewhat surprisingly, it seems that vanillin is commonly synthesized for use in artificial vanilla extracts from lignin, a fibrous compound that serves to strengthen the cell walls in wood, or from guaiacol, an oil derived in turn from lignin.
However, this doesn't imply that you will necessarily have an allergic reaction to vanillin based on the information you've provided. Vanillin is a flavorful aromatic compound, and not a protein (which typically have much larger, more complex molecular structures). "Real" vanilla extracted from the eponymous bean gets much of its flavor and aroma from vanillin, but it contains much else besides. If you're definitely allergic to the proteins, those would be present in extract from actual vanilla beans, but not in vanillin produced from other sources such as wood, and therefore not present in oak-aged wines.
The caveat, of course, is that I'm not a doctor, an allergy specialist, or anything remotely close. You should confirm this with them before risking discomfort or bodily harm.
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Quick Answer about "Does oak aged wine contain vanillin?"
Vanillin. Vanillin is the main flavour compound in natural vanilla. It can be extracted in significant quantity from unheated oak wood and in even higher amounts from strongly heated wood. It is generally considered to be an important contributor to the character of barrel-aged wines.Is vanillin found in wine?
The data indicate that vanillin can be both simultaneously generated and consumed in wines when the pH is 6.0 or higher.What is vanillin in wine?
Vanillin is a positive flavour note in oaked wines. It imparts a creamy aroma and smooth mouthfeel when present at low levels in both red and white wines. It can also develop during aging of wines which are rich in certain phenolic compounds such as 4-vinyl guaiacol.Where does vanilla come from in wine?
It can be found in red or white wines, usually as an aroma instead of a taste. Vanilla notes are usually generated during the ageing process of wine in oak barrels, typically American oak as opposed to French oak, and younger barrels rather than older.Is Aged Red Wine Good?
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Answer 2
Wine that is aged in oak barrels, or with oak pieces or chips will contain a trace of real vanillin according to scientists. Red, white and rose varieties can be oaked, not just red wines, Chardonnay is a perfect example of a white wine that is oaked. Not all wines are oaked, you'll have to check which ones and do some research. Whether there would be enough to trigger your allergy is something you'll need to consult your doctor about.
Answer 3
First, you should ask your doctor at what level of the chemical Vanillin is considered dangerous in comparison to use of vanilla in industrial food products.
Second, there are many wines, good wines, red and white that are made without the use of oak (either as oak vats or oak chips)
They are made in stainless vats or concrete vats or lined terracota vats.
Ask your local wine store about un-oak wines.
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