What makes wine smell musty?

Understanding Corked Wine: Causes, Detection, and What to Do

Ever noticed a musty, damp, or wet cardboard smell in your wine? That’s often a sign of cork taint, caused by Trichloroanisole (TCA). This compound forms when fungi, mold, or bacteria interact with certain fungicides and insecticides in cork, barrels, or winery equipment. While most common in wines with natural cork closures, it can occasionally affect screwcapped wines too.

Is Corked Wine Safe to Drink?

The good news—cork taint isn’t harmful to consume. The bad news—it makes the wine taste dull, musty, or downright undrinkable. Sometimes, a corked wine may not have a strong odor but will still taste off. As the wine opens up, the flaw can become more pronounced, making it all the more disappointing if you’ve aged the bottle.

Can You Fix Corked Wine?

Unfortunately, no. If a wine smells musty or like wet cardboard after opening, try aerating it in a decanter. If the unpleasant aroma lingers, the wine is corked and beyond saving.

What to Do if You Buy a Corked Bottle

If you suspect your wine is corked, don’t toss it just yet! Many retailers will replace a faulty bottle, so bring it back for an exchange.

While cork taint is a frustrating flaw, the silver lining is that it’s easy to identify. Trust your senses, and when in doubt, don’t hesitate to return a compromised bottle.