Weinfehler erkennen

Sometimes something is off in the glass: wine faults are rare but easy to spot – knowing the main ones means more relaxed enjoyment.

What is a wine fault?

A fault is a deviation that alters the wine unpleasantly – through faulty closures, oxygen or careless work. The good news: most faults can be spotted by smell and colour, long before you have to taste.

The most common faults

Cork taint (TCA) smells musty, like damp cardboard or a cellar. Oxidation turns whites brownish and sherry-like. A sharp vinegary note signals volatile acidity. Reduction, rarer, sometimes blows off with air. Musty cork, however, persists.

Discovering flawless wines

• Sancerre AOC – a fresh white – clean, fault-free fruit.
• Sacello Chianti Classico – a cleanly made classic with clear aromatics.
• Ciccilla Prosecco – lively and flawless – ideal for comparison.

How to check your wine

Smell the glass first, before drinking. If the aroma seems musty, vinegary or flat, give the wine some air. If the impression remains, the wine is probably faulty. Trust your nose – it perceives more than you think.

What to do about a fault?

A faulty wine is no cause for worry: reputable merchants replace a corked or oxidised bottle without fuss. Store wine cool and dark to best prevent premature oxidation.

Discover our selection of red wines and enjoy wine at its best. Free shipping from CHF 99 throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein.