Lead in modern wine

Most of the traces of lead from grapes are precipitated out with the lees during winemaking. However, as analytical methods continue to improve, microgram quantities per litre are likely to be found in most wines.

The equipment used in modern wineries should not result in any lead contamination. The few wines which contain lead in milligram per litre concentrations derive it principally from capsules or foils which contain lead, or from lead-crystal decanters. (Modern bottles are made of lead-free glass.) Seepage of wine around the cork can corrode the foil and, if the lip of the bottle is not thoroughly cleaned before pouring, the wine may be contaminated by some of the lead salt. To protect those who do not clean obvious lead salts from a bottle lip before pouring, however, the use of lead capsules or foils is now declining or prohibited in many regions.