Recognising a bad wine can be crucial to enjoying a good wine experience. Here are several indicators that can help you determine if a wine is in poor condition.

These tips can help you avoid a bad experience and ensure you get the most out of every bottle of wine.

Visual Inspection

1. Check the Cork:

   • A cork that is protruding from the bottle could indicate that the wine has been exposed to heat.
   • A crumbly or disintegrating cork might suggest that air has entered the bottle.

2. Examine the Wine:

   • Look for any cloudiness or sediment in a wine that is supposed to be clear.
   • Check for color changes. White wine that has turned brownish or red wine that looks brown or brick-colored might be bad.

Smell the Wine

3. Sniff for Off Odors:
   • A musty or moldy smell could indicate cork taint, often described as smelling like a damp basement or wet cardboard.
   • Vinegar or nail polish remover scents suggest that the wine has oxidized or turned to vinegar.
   • A cooked or burnt smell can indicate that the wine has been heat-damaged.

Taste the Wine

4. Sample a Small Amount:
   • A sour or sharp taste can indicate that the wine has turned to vinegar.
   • A wine that tastes flat, lacking fruit, or overly acidic might be past its prime.
   • Chemical or bitter flavors are also indicators of bad wine.

Bottle Condition

5. Check for Leakage or Damage:
   • Any leakage around the cork or capsule can be a sign of spoilage.
   • A damaged or broken seal can let air in, which spoils the wine.

Additional Tips

• Check the Wine's Storage History:
  • Wine that has been stored improperly, especially in fluctuating temperatures, is more likely to go bad.
• Consider the Age of the Wine:
  • Most wines are meant to be consumed within a few years of release, although some are designed to age for longer periods. If a wine is past its recommended drinking window, it might not taste as intended.