Every Zinfandel I have ever tried has given me horrible headaches. Anyone know if this varietal is?

Question

exceptionaly high in histamines?

Anyone esle sensitive to the histamines in reds but still can enjoy a good Zin?
I love a big hearty Zin, just can't sacrifice a day to it any more.

http://www.wine-finese.com/Red-Wine/Red-Wine-Histamines.html

Sulfites are often mistakenly blamed for wine headaches actually caused by histamines especially in people who suffer from allergies. Like me.

Completely fine with all the Primitivio that I've tried. It's just Zins and any red from Chili. But I've given up on Chilean wines.

Yes I get Migraines too. But I take imitrex for them and all better, and I know which kinds of wines trigger them.

Yes to the Zin / Prim. But the terra that produces the grapes impacts the wine greatly and I've always found warmer climates can produce more dangerous grapes.

Answer 1

Have you tried taking Allegra or Claritin or another antihistamine beforehand?

I'd also be curious to know if you get similar results with an Italian primitivo.

I've never gotten a headache from zin or primitivo so I don't know if your mileage would vary, but if primitivo achieved different results, then I would begin to wonder about things like oak (tannin) or lactic acid from malolactic fermentation (which can increase histamine levels).

I've also read about possible allergen issues stemming from native versus cultured yeasts.

I've still not seen anything yet though ranking actual histamine levels in various red varietals or regions.

It's also said that darker alcoholic beverages in general, whether red wine or bourbon, have more "congeners" that lighter spirits, which theoreticially contribute to headaches. The definition of a congener is any byproduct of fermentation, which leaves me puzzled over a distilled spirit like bourbon (but what it has in common with a red wine is oak .....). Therefore, there may still as yet be some unnamed "congener" or other component responsible for the headaches, and perhaps only in certain reactive individuals.

Even in 2006 the red wine headache is still a scientific mystery (people also complained to me during my wine retail years of chardonnay headaches ... again pointing to oak or malolactic).

edit - hmm, if you're fine with the primitivo, then it makes me suspect winemaking methods rather than the grape itself (i'm sure you already know zin and primitivo are the same Croatian grape)

Answer 2

I am wondering if you are talking about a white zin, a blush, or a red zin. A red zin has sulfides in it, which can cause headaches, yes. unfortunately for you, this is in all reds, unless you go to another country. What you may want to try is getting a honey from the same region as the zin if you are concerned with the histimines. Honeies are a different type of pollen, since it has been digested a little by the bee, and can help tremendously with allergies. I eat local honey on a daily basis to keep my allergies at bay. It really works for me. When I lived in Oregon and drank only Oregon wines, I never got headaches, which I attributed to the honey. I don't know that this is true, but my doctor said it was likely. It might be worth a shot. It only takes about a half ateaspoon of honey a day to help this out. Otherwise, maybe you should try an antihistimine tablet before you drink. Just make sure it is non-drowsy or you will be out like a light with the combo of wine and rug! Good luck!

Answer 3

I have migraines. Some wines trigger a headache and some do not. Also some of the foods that you have with it also can cause the problem. For example, a good cheese can do you in.

If you headaches are as bad as mine, do yourself a favor. Just skip the wine!

Answer 4

Try a white zin next time - also it could be what you are pairing it with - alot of peple get headaches from wine and cheese pairings....

Answer 5

I drink white zinf and am fine but yes, red wines give me vicious headaches. I too have bad allergies. I never knew there was a connection! Thanks!

Answer 6

Awesome!

Answer 7

Try Chablis Blush. Its wonderful and makes me feel all warm inside.