How do you know if wine has spoiled?!
How do you know if wine has spoiled?
I read somewhere that if the cork is dry after you open it, then it has spoiled. Is this true? If so, is there anyway of knowing if the wine has spoiled without opening the bottle? How long does it take for an unopened bottle of wine to spoil? Thanks
Answers: The cork cannot tell you if the wine is spoiled. Only the wine can. I've seen many bad looking corks (moldy, dry, seepers, etc.) that have enclosed perfectly good wine.
You really have to open the bottle and try the wine. If it smells bad it probably is bad. But even an off-aroma can blow off sometimes. The dry cork alone doesn't mean the wine is off. There is absolutely no way of knowing before opening the wine. The only way to know is taste (or smell if you are really good). Wine can last for a really long time ( think a hundred years or so) if it is properly taken care of. When it turns to Vinagar When you order wine at a restaurant they do several things.
First, they show you the bottle to make sure that is the correct brand and vintage that you ordered.
Second, they open it and had you the cork. If the cork is dry, then you ought to be suspicious. Doesn't mean that it has spoiled, but it is not a good sign.
Lastly, they pour a small amount so you can taste it. You should swirl it around a little, smell it, then taste it. If it smells like feet or old cheese, then it's probably spoiled. Tasting it is really the best way to know if it is spoiled. And believe me you will know right away.
Hope this helps. It taste like vinegar.