
As wine enthusiasts, we often unknowingly drink a considerable amount of wine that is flawed. There is no need to feel embarrassed about this, as many of us are simply unfamiliar with the concept of wine flaws. Fortunately, the majority of wine faults are not harmful to our health. They simply have an unpleasant taste. Therefore, here is a brief guide to the most frequent defects found in wine and how to detect them.
Oxidised Wine
When wines oxidise, they lose their vibrant colour and flavour profile. Rich red hues transform into a brownish-orange shade accompanied by notes of vinegar and caramelized apple. White wines are more prone to oxidization than red wines due to reds' elevated tannin content. To see this firsthand, open a fresh bottle, pour a glass, and leave the rest for about a week. Taste it to compare with the initial glass.
Can it be fix it? While you can't prevent wine oxidation completely, you can extend its shelf life with a wine preservation tool. If the bottle is already oxidised when bought, it may have had a faulty closure or mishandling during transport. In such cases, consider returning it for a refund or exchange.
Cork Taint (TCA)
Wines with cork taint smell musty like wet newspaper, moldy cardboard, or a wet dog, overpowering fruit notes. Up to 2% of wines sealed with natural cork may be affected by TCA (2,4,6-Trichloroanisole), the second most common wine flaw.
Can it be fixed? No, your only option is to return the bottle.
Heat Damage (Cooked Wine)
The wine has a jammy, somewhat sweet, artificial aroma like a wine reduction sauce with nutty, brown, roasted sugar notes. Heat exposure can weaken the bottle seal, pushing out the cork due to expanded air, leading to oxidation.
Can it be fix? While you cannot control the outside temperature, you can control the storage conditions of your wine to ensure it remains in good condition. The ideal cellar temperature is generally accepted to be between 16-18 degrees Celsius. Consistency in temperature is crucial for proper storage, so it's essential to monitor how hot your storage area, such as a garage, gets during the summer months.
Secondary Fermentation (bubbles were bubbles aren't meant to be)
Look for bubbles or listen for the psssst. Some wines intentionally undergo secondary fermentation for added flavor. Certain traditional wine types naturally have a slight effervescence, such as Vinho Verde, Italian Bonarda, and Grüner Veltliner wines.
Can it be fix? No, but conduct some research on the style to ensure it is not meant to be present. Transfer the wine into a decanter-like container and vigorously shake it to eliminate the bubbles.
If you experience any fault in your wine, don't empty the bottle. Simply put the cork back in and return it to the store where you purchased it for a refund or an exchange.
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