20/01/2025
Did You Know? 🍷 Wine flaws and faults are like unexpected surprises—but not the fun kind!
Here’s a quick rundown of some common ones that might make you raise an eyebrow (or your glass):
Cork Taint (TCA): Ever sniff your wine and get a whiff of wet cardboard or a musty basement? That’s cork taint! It’s caused by a compound called TCA (trichloroanisole) and when corks or winery equipment are contaminated. Thankfully, it’s pretty rare, but it’s a major reason screw caps and synthetic corks are gaining popularity.
Oxidation: If your wine tastes flat, dull, or overly nutty, it might be oxidized. This happens when wine is exposed to too much air, breaking down its flavors. Think of it like leaving an apple slice out too long—it’s just not the same!
Brettanomyces (Brett): Love or hate it? Brett is a yeast that can give wine funky notes like leather, barnyard, or even sweaty saddle (yes, really). In small doses, some wine lovers find it adds character, but too much can overwhelm the wine’s true personality.
Volatile Acidity (VA): VA gives off aromas like nail polish remover or vinegar. It’s caused by too much acetic acid during fermentation. While a touch of VA can add complexity, an overpowering amount can ruin your sip.
Reduction: Ever smell rotten eggs, burnt rubber, or cabbage in your glass? That’s reduction, a fault that occurs when there’s a lack of oxygen during winemaking. Decanting or swirling might help, but if the smell sticks around, it’s time to pass on that bottle.
Mousiness: Here’s a weird one: "Mousiness" is a rare fault that leaves an aftertaste like a mouse cage (yes, it’s as strange as it sounds). The catch? It’s not detectable by smell, only by taste, and usually lingers after swallowing.
Cloudy or Hazy Wine: While natural and unfiltered wines often look cloudy, in conventional wines, haziness can signal instability or bacterial spoilage. It’s like drinking juice with pulp—not everyone’s cup of tea (or glass of wine).
The good news? Not every funky wine is a total write-off. Some flaws can be part of the charm (hello, Brett!), and others can be remedied with a little know-how.
Cheers to flawless pours! 🥂