# How to tell if wine is spoiled (and how to prevent it) · L'Humidor

> Spotting a spoiled wine is easy with three indicators: a dull, orange colour, a vinegar or glue smell (acetic acid) and a sharp, sour taste. Guide to identifying it, telling it apart from cork taint and preventing it.

URL: https://lhumidor.com/en/blog/how-to-tell-if-wine-is-spoiled/
Type: Article · Preservation · Author: Juan Serrate

## Key points
- Spoiled wine = acescence: acetic acid bacteria + oxygen turn alcohol into acetic acid (high volatile acidity)
- Three signs: brown/orange dull colour; vinegar/glue smell; sour, sharp taste
- Spoiled ≠ corked (TCA): spoiled smells of vinegar; corked smells of wet cardboard
- Causes: oxygen + heat (>20–25°C) + swings + cork dried by low humidity
- Prevention: constant 12–14°C, 60–70 % RH, bottle lying down, no light or vibration; once open, reseal and drink within 2–4 days

## Related
- How to store wine: https://lhumidor.com/en/blog/how-to-store-wine/
- Climate-controlled wine cellars: https://lhumidor.com/en/climate-controlled-wine-cellars/

## Contact
Tel +34 609 862 786 · lhumidor@lhumidor.com · https://lhumidor.com