Interesting NinePine, befoe the snake a word abotu sulfates, ALL GRAPE WINE HAS SULFITES to some degree. It is a huge misconception that the US uses more sulfItes than Europe (Plum wine is not made form grapes, and is totally different). In America, especially California we use way less Sulfates than our European counterparts, but, we were the first and only country to make the law that all bottles of wine must be labeled "Contains sulfies" giving us a perception that we use more. I was SHOCKED when I saw how many sulfites werre used in HIGH end Bordeaux and Burgundy producers in France. But when you look at the rainey cold weather it makes sense (a copper, sufite mix si actually called the Bordeaux Mix, as the damp vineyards there need it much more then the dry vineyards of Napa).
Very good information,its eye opening,its great to have some one aboard with such great knowledge of wines. The habuto sake sounds like just what I need after all of the traveling I have been doing latley. I am going to research what herbs are in that concoction, the sake I had with the snake was not as a tradtitional recipe as the one you mentioned. My brother in law is from Okinawa so I will ask him about finding some of that poisonous snake sake! Again thats great about the sulfites, I can enlighten alot of people to that fact.