Lake Chalice Reds is Not Vegan Friendly

Company email (January 2017)

"I’d love to have a clear answer for you however whether our wines are vegan or vegetarian can change vintage to vintage, depending on the type of tannins or phenolics in the grape and wine that year. Each vintage produces grapes with different levels of these each year and depending on these levels (high rain vs high sun etc) we sometimes need to add fining agents which may consist of non-vegetarian or vegan ingredients.

"Where possible we try not to use animal derived fining agents, however in some instances it is only an animal protein that will address the particular phenolic in the wine. In future vintages we plan to indicate on the back label if the wine is vegan or vegetarian friendly.

"In general, all red wines will be lightly fined with fresh egg whites due to the higher tannic content as a results of fermenting on skins. In comparison, Sauvignon Blanc will have no animal fining. Fresh skim milk is sometimes required for Chardonnay due to its interaction with oak which also delivers tannin of a different form.

"Again my apologies for such a convoluted answer. For all 2017 vintage wines we aim to have this stated on the label as well as tasting notes for each wine which will be easily referenced and downloaded via our website."