Molecular SO2 is the active form against microorganisms and unwanted bacteria. The recommended level of molecular SO2 for red wines is 0.5ppm (mg/L), for white wines is 0.8ppm (mg/L) and desert wines is up to 1.5ppm (mg/L) . You can use this table to determine how much Free SO2 is required to protect your wine, based on its pH. Free SO2 over 50ppm (mg/L) can be tasted and detect in nose of the wine.
| pH | Free SO2 needed for 0.5 ppm molecular SO2 |
Free SO2 needed for 0.8 ppm molecular SO2 |
Free SO2 needed for 1.5 ppm molecular SO2 |
| 2.9 | 7 | 11 | 20 |
| 3.0 | 9 | 14 | 25 |
| 3.1 | 11 | 17 | 31 |
| 3.2 | 13 | 21 | 38 |
| 3.3 | 16 | 26 | 48 |
| 3.4 | 21 | 33 | 60 |
| 3.5 | 26 | 41 | 75 |
| 3.6 | 32 | 51 | 90 |
| 3.7 | 40 | 64 | 118 |
| 3.8 | 49 | 81 | 148 |
| 3.9 | 63 | 101 | 186 |
| 4.0 | 79 | 128 | 234 |