2 tips for detecting corky wine

How to Detect Corked Wine

With our tips, you'll never have to worry about this question again!

Smell the Cork

The first thing to do is to smell the part of the cork that has been in contact with the wine (if you are at a restaurant, don't hesitate to ask the server!). If you detect a musty, moldy, stale, or dusty odor, there's a good chance your wine is corked. This phenomenon is often explained by a disease that the cork contracts when it comes into contact with a molecule called TCA. However, this molecule can also affect wood. Therefore, a corked wine can also result from aging in wooden barrels or casks. In such cases, the cork is not responsible for the wine's defects. This is why it is always preferable to taste the wine before drawing any conclusions, even if its nose seems suspicious.

Change the Glass

You've tasted the wine, and your worst suspicions are confirmed. Straight to the bin? Not so fast! Spotting a corked wine isn't always easy, and even at this stage, you might still be mistaken. If you are at home, we recommend taking another glass, rinsing it with water without using dish soap, and not drying it to ensure there are no traces of dust or detergent. Taste the wine again. If the wine seems flat and you detect aromas of mold and mustiness, it means it is corked. In such cases, it is not fit for consumption.

What to Do with a Corked Wine?

Unfortunately, there is no miracle solution to recover a corked wine. Decanting won't help and might even accentuate its flaws. If you thought of using it in a sauce, that's not a good solution either, as your dish might absorb the unpleasant aromas you noticed in the wine. The only thing to do is to pour it down the sink. However, you can also request a bottle replacement (if you are at a restaurant) or contact the winemaker directly to have another bottle sent to you. These defects can be found in any wine (including grand crus), so you might have a good chance of getting a replacement

FAQ - Corked wine

What is a corked wine?

A corked wine is a wine spoiled by a molecule called TCA, which contaminates the cork. It gives the wine musty, stale or mushroom-like smells and completely ruins the tasting.

How can you tell if a wine is corked?

First smell the part of the cork that touched the wine: a musty, dusty or stale odour is a strong sign. On the palate, the wine tastes flat and reveals aromas of mould and mustiness.

Is the cork always to blame for a corked taste?

No. The TCA molecule can also contaminate the wood of barrels and casks. A wine aged in wood can therefore show this fault even when its cork is perfectly sound.

Can decanting save a corked wine?

No, decanting will not help and may even accentuate the flaws. There is no way to recover a corked wine, so it is best not to drink it.

What should you do if you buy a corked bottle?

In a restaurant, ask for the bottle to be replaced. When buying direct, contact the winemaker: since this fault can affect any wine, even a grand cru, you will often get a replacement.