Is Sacramental Wine a Scam?

[Spiller]

Interestingly enough, even certified sacramental wines have nitrates (and possibly other things) added. I am wondering ig the sacramental wine business is a scam for the most part?

From Mont La Salle’s (formerly Christian Brothers) website FAQ at montlasallealtarwines.com/faq.php#qq1_1

Is our current Altar Wine approved for Sacramental use?
We at Mont La Salle like to state that we cannot determine how other suppliers make their wine or if it is made according to the requirements of Canon Law. We know with absolute certainty that Mont La Salle altar wine is made according to Canon Law and, in addition, our label states “approved for sacramental use”. As far as we know, there is no other wine offered for commercial sale that makes this statement.

Then:

Sulfites in Wine - (Why does the wine label state ‘contains sulfites’? And, what are sulfites?) Sulfites in wine are nothing new since the yeast cells during fermentation produce a small amount of sulfites and the better winemakers have made tiny additions of sulfites for many centuries. This miniscule amount of added sulfites acts as an anti-oxidant and as a yeast inhibitor which preserves the natural good condition of the wine and retards spoilage. For the information and protection of those few people who are extremely sensitive or allergic to sulfites, U.S. Federal Law, for some time now, requires that wine containing (10) or more parts per million of sulfites be labeled “contains sulfites”. This labeling requirement is mandatory for all wines produced in the U.S. The wines are the same as they were before such labeling was required. Substances that assist in making sound wine and that remain in the wine in minute traces, such as sulfites, have been and are considered by canonists and theologians to be acceptable for the Eucharist. One such approval, as reported in the Sacramentary, was the Holy Office Decree of 2nd August, 1922."

Which leads to:

*Mass Wine: Treated with Sulphurous Anhydride, Etc. (Holy Office) Private.

The Holy Office was asked by the Archbishop of Tarracona: Whether in the Sacrifice of the Mass, **wine may be used which is made from the juice of the grape, treated with sulphurous anhydride or with potassium bisulphite.

Reply. In the affirmative.**

(Private) ; Holy Office, 2 Aug., 1922.

Not published in the AAS; cf. Il Monitore, Oct., 1923, p. 289.*

I think a lot of parishes spend money on special wine for no reason.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Interestingly enough, even certified sacramental wines have nitrates (and possibly other things) added. I am wondering ig the sacramental wine business is a scam for the most part?

From Mont La Salle’s (formerly Christian Brothers) website FAQ at montlasallealtarwines.com/faq.php#qq1_1

Is our current Altar Wine approved for Sacramental use?
We at Mont La Salle like to state that we cannot determine how other suppliers make their wine or if it is made according to the requirements of Canon Law. We know with absolute certainty that Mont La Salle altar wine is made according to Canon Law and, in addition, our label states “approved for sacramental use”. As far as we know, there is no other wine offered for commercial sale that makes this statement.

Then:

Sulfites in Wine - (Why does the wine label state ‘contains sulfites’? And, what are sulfites?) Sulfites in wine are nothing new since the yeast cells during fermentation produce a small amount of sulfites and the better winemakers have made tiny additions of sulfites for many centuries. This miniscule amount of added sulfites acts as an anti-oxidant and as a yeast inhibitor which preserves the natural good condition of the wine and retards spoilage. For the information and protection of those few people who are extremely sensitive or allergic to sulfites, U.S. Federal Law, for some time now, requires that wine containing (10) or more parts per million of sulfites be labeled “contains sulfites”. This labeling requirement is mandatory for all wines produced in the U.S. The wines are the same as they were before such labeling was required. Substances that assist in making sound wine and that remain in the wine in minute traces, such as sulfites, have been and are considered by canonists and theologians to be acceptable for the Eucharist. One such approval, as reported in the Sacramentary, was the Holy Office Decree of 2nd August, 1922."

Which leads to:

Mass Wine: Treated with Sulphurous Anhydride, Etc. (Holy Office) Private.

The Holy Office was asked by the Archbishop of Tarracona: Whether in the Sacrifice of the Mass, wine may be used which is made from the juice of the grape, treated with sulphurous anhydride or with potassium bisulphite.

Reply. In the affirmative.

(Private) ; Holy Office, 2 Aug., 1922.

Not published in the AAS; cf. Il Monitore, Oct., 1923, p. 289.

I think a lot of parishes spend money on special wine for no reason.

I don’t understand your post? The parishes here purchase Sacramental wine from suppliers that certify that it is made according to Canon Law. They do not and should not go down to the local grocery store and pich up a few Bottles. Which may or may not meet the requirements.

 

[Phemie]

I don’t understand your post? The parishes here purchase Sacramental wine from suppliers that certify that it is made according to Canon Law. They do not and should not go down to the local grocery store and pich up a few Bottles. Which may or may not meet the requirements.

I think he’s saying that since wine can have sulphites added and still be valid matter, a great many wines that are on the market today would do the job just as well but more cheaply.

While we purchase our Cribari sacramental wine through the local liquor outlet, at a much cheaper price than if we were buying it from our regular liturgical supplies store, there are a couple of priests I know who just go to the grocery store or liquor store and buy a dry red wine off the shelf and use that for Communion.

 

[lizaanne]

Sulfites can be naturally occuring - even in organic wines.

~Liza

 

[EasterJoy]

I don’t understand your post? The parishes here purchase Sacramental wine from suppliers that certify that it is made according to Canon Law. They do not and should not go down to the local grocery store and pich up a few Bottles. Which may or may not meet the requirements.

What are the requirements, other than that the wine be made of grapes and only from grapes?

 

[thistle]

What are the requirements, other than that the wine be made of grapes and only from grapes?

Canon Law:

§3 The wine must be natural, made from grapes of the vine, and not corrupt.

 

[EasterJoy]

Canon Law:

§3 The wine must be natural, made from grapes of the vine, and not corrupt.

I don’t see how they don’t have this, with a certainty, at the grocery store.

 

[Spiller]

I think he’s saying that since wine can have sulphites added and still be valid matter, a great many wines that are on the market today would do the job just as well but more cheaply.

While we purchase our Cribari sacramental wine through the local liquor outlet, at a much cheaper price than if we were buying it from our regular liturgical supplies store, there are a couple of priests I know who just go to the grocery store or liquor store and buy a dry red wine off the shelf and use that for Communion.

Bingo.

At my Eastern Catholic parish we are often given wine as gifts. Sometimes I take my bottle and use it for Mass at my Western Parish. The liturgy wonks at my Eastern parish were very upset and dismissive of me. So I looked it up using the vender they purchase their wine from. What a scam.

Easily the most orthodox Latin Rite parish in this deanery uses Two Buck Chuck (Charles Shaw) from Trader Joe’s. I think they know better…

 

[Spiller]

Sulfites can be naturally occuring - even in organic wines.

~Liza

They can also be added – no matter how one might interpret Canon law.

 

[Spiller]

I don’t see how they don’t have this, with a certainty, at the grocery store.

Agreed. Unless it’s not made from grapes or it’s somehow fortified (which would show on the label) it would be good to go.

Heck there is even a strong argument that sacramental wine was long fortified with brandy to keep it from going bad – so-called “Angelica.”

 

[Spiller]

I don’t understand your post? The parishes here purchase Sacramental wine from suppliers that certify that it is made according to Canon Law. They do not and should not go down to the local grocery store and pich up a few Bottles. Which may or may not meet the requirements.

I’m pretty sure you were one of those that once stridently said that sulfates could NEVER be added to sacramental wine…

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I think he’s saying that since wine can have sulphites added and still be valid matter, a great many wines that are on the market today would do the job just as well but more cheaply.

While we purchase our Cribari sacramental wine through the local liquor outlet, at a much cheaper price than if we were buying it from our regular liturgical supplies store, there are a couple of priests I know who just go to the grocery store or liquor store and buy a dry red wine off the shelf and use that for Communion.

SO my question is how are they certain that it meets the requirements of Canon Law and that they are not using illicit matter for the sacrament?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I’m pretty sure you were one of those that once stridently said that sulfates could NEVER be added to sacramental wine…

I agree with whatever those who interpret Canon Law say.

 

[Seatuck]

The sulfites seem to be part of the wine making process not a “flavoring” which is what is really the concern with additives.Since they seem to be for preventing spoilage I’d say it goes with keeping the wine “not corrupt”. Unlesss someone comes up with a church document for prohibition of using the sulphites they seem to be ok. They are not a fruit flavoring or something.

 

[Spiller]

The sulfites seem to be part of the wine making process** not a “flavoring” which is what is really the concern with additives**.Since they seem to be for preventing spoilage I’d say it goes with keeping the wine “not corrupt”. Unlesss someone comes up with a church document for prohibition of using the sulphites they seem to be ok. They are not a fruit flavoring or something.

It’s not just about “flavoring” – what makes you say it is?

While sulfates are indeed naturally occurring, they are also added to sacramental wine and canon law or the GIRM makes no mention of approving that addition. Without further explanation that most certainly contravenes paragraph 3 of Canon 924 and #322 of the GIRM:

*Can. 924 §3 The wine must be natural, made from grapes of the vine, and not corrupt.

GIRM 322. The wine for the eucharistic celebration must be from the fruit of the grapevine (cf. Lk 22:18), natural, and unadulterated, that is, without admixture of extraneous substances.*

I sorta wonder why the Church didn’t simply say it was OK to use sulfate-added wines in the Canon? Why do we have to rely on an unpublished and very obscure note that is next to impossible to find, even on the web?

Can we also add distilled brandy to the wine as noted in the Catholic Encyclopedia? Distillation is hardly a natural process but is the end result OK if we start with grape wine?

I really wonder why the Holy See hasn’t clearly defined all of this somewhere easy to access…

 

[Marauder]

I think the problem here is that sacramental wine is made in a way that says it definitly meets the requirements of Canon Law.

An off the shelf wine does not certify that NOTHING has been added other then the permitted sulfites. There are many things added to wine other then just is absolutely needed for the wine making process to happen. Most wineries don’t talk about this.

The average winery if they have a bad year compensates by using many different chemicals to finish the wine. Everything from gelatins to citric blends. They do not indicate they added this stuff on the label. Just buying an off the shelf wine risks having an illicit blend. Why mess with the sanctity of the sacrament when you don’t have to?

 

[Spiller]

Adding sulfates appears to contravene RS as well…

*RS 50. The wine that is used in the most sacred celebration of the Eucharistic Sacrifice must be natural, from the fruit of the grape, pure and incorrupt, not mixed with other substances. During the celebration itself, a small quantity of water is to be mixed with it. Great care should be taken so that the wine intended for the celebration of the Eucharist is well conserved and has not soured. It is altogether forbidden to use wine of doubtful authenticity or provenance, for the Church requires certainty regarding the conditions
necessary for the validity of the Sacraments. Nor are other drinks of any kind to be admitted for any reason, as they do not constitute valid matter. *

I really do wonder why the Church is not clearer on this matter?

 

[Marauder]

I really do wonder why the Church is not clearer on this matter?

It is actually pretty easy to understand. A licit wine should have nothing added to it beyond what is absolutely necessary for the process. Certain sulfities have been ok’d as necessary for the process. That doesn’t mean all sulfites and all additives have been OK’d. If you are using an off-the-shelf wine, there is no way to know what the winemakers actually added to it, other then asking them directly and trusting that they are being totally truthful since they are not required to disclose these ingrediants by law, yet.

That is why it is better to go with a wine that has been declared a sacramental wine, because you know (with a fair degree of certainty) that they made it the right way.

 

[Milliardo]

I don’t understand your post? The parishes here purchase Sacramental wine from suppliers that certify that it is made according to Canon Law. They do not and should not go down to the local grocery store and pich up a few Bottles. Which may or may not meet the requirements.

Strange in that many parishes here do exactly just that–have someone buy wine from the local grocery store (sacramental wine is sold in liquor shops here, btw)

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Adding sulfates appears to contravene RS as well…

RS 50. The wine that is used in the most sacred celebration of the Eucharistic Sacrifice must be natural, from the fruit of the grape, pure and incorrupt, not mixed with other substances. During the celebration itself, a small quantity of water is to be mixed with it. Great care should be taken so that the wine intended for the celebration of the Eucharist is well conserved and has not soured. It is altogether forbidden to use wine of doubtful authenticity or provenance, for the Church requires certainty regarding the conditions
*necessary for the validity of the Sacraments. Nor are other drinks of any kind to be admitted for any reason, as they do not constitute valid matter. *

I really do wonder why the Church is not clearer on this matter?

Remember that the issue is about licitness, not validity. However it can become an issue of validity if you are not careful.