What is Corked?
Wine contaminated by TCA, causing musty, wet cardboard aromas.
Understanding Corked
"Corked" wine has been contaminated by TCA (2,4,6-trichloroanisole), a compound usually originating from infected natural corks. Corked wine smells musty, like wet cardboard, damp basement, or moldy newspaper. TCA also mutes fruit aromas and flavors. Even trace amounts affect wine. Studies suggest 3-5% of natural-cork wines are affected. This has driven adoption of alternative closures (screw caps, synthetic corks) for some wines.
Why It Matters
Recognizing corked wine helps you identify faulty bottles and return them. Restaurants and wine shops should replace corked bottles without question.
Examples
- 1Musty, wet cardboard smell indicates cork taint
- 2Muted fruit without obvious off-odors can also signal TCA
- 3Screw caps eliminate cork taint risk
Related Wine Terms
Quick Definition
"Wine contaminated by TCA, causing musty, wet cardboard aromas."
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