How To Know If Wine Has Gone Bad

Oh no! You've just opened that bottle of wine you've been saving for a special occasion, only to question whether it’s still good or not. Fear not, fellow wine enthusiasts! In this guide, we'll walk you through the key indicators to check if your wine has gone bad. Get ready to become a wine detective as we dive into the world of spoiled wine and what you should be looking out for.

Visual Clues

Color Change

A shift in your wine’s color is a great indicator of its condition. Here's what you should look for:

• Red Wine: Keep an eye out for any browning or brick-like hues. Fresh red wines usually have bright, vibrant colors.
• White Wine: Watch for a darkening or deepening of the color, as white wines should be more pale or straw-colored.

Cloudiness

If your wine appears to be cloudy or hazy, it could be a sign that it’s gone bad. This may be caused by excessive sediment, bacterial growth, or even a compromised cork.

Aroma Clues

Vinegar-like Smells

A strong vinegar scent is a telltale sign that your wine has oxidized and turned into vinegar. This is a result of the alcohol reacting with oxygen and producing acetic acid, which gives vinegary odors.

Funky or Musty Smells

A musty or moldy smell could indicate that your wine has been affected by cork taint – a common issue caused by the chemical compound TCA (2,4,6-trichloroanisole). This smell might be described as wet cardboard or damp basement.

Taste Clues

Sour or Vinegary Taste

If you're still unsure whether your wine has gone bad, give it a taste (provided the aroma isn't too off-putting). A sour or vinegary taste confirms that the wine has oxidized and is no longer enjoyable.

Flat or Flavorless Taste

Wine that has lost its characteristic flavors or tastes flat could be another sign that it has gone bad. This may be due to improper storage or exposure to heat and oxygen.

Storage Factors

Proper storage plays a crucial role in the longevity of your wine. Some key factors to consider are:

• Temperature: Aim to store your wine at a consistent temperature between 50-59°F (10-15°C).
• Humidity: A humidity level of about 60-70% is ideal to avoid drying out the cork or promoting mold growth.
• Light Exposure: Keep your wine away from direct sunlight or harsh artificial light sources.
• Positioning: Store your wine horizontally to keep the cork moist and maintain a tight seal.

How To Know If Wine Has Gone Bad Example:

Let's say you've recently discovered a bottle of red wine that's been tucked away in your pantry, forgotten for who knows how long. To determine if it's still good, you would first take note of its color. If it has developed a brownish hue, that's a strike against it.

Next, give it a good sniff. Are you picking up any strong vinegar or musty smells? If so, odds are this wine isn't going to taste great. However, if the aroma doesn't seem off, you could cautiously give it a taste to see if it's sour or flat.

If any of these indicators are present, it's safe to say your wine has unfortunately gone bad.

Now that you've become an expert at spotting spoiled wine, you can ensure that you're only pouring and sharing the freshest and most drinkable bottles with your friends and family. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with your fellow wine lovers and continue exploring Black Wine Club's site for more fantastic wine-related content. Cheers!