Cork Taint
/KORK TAYNT/Musty, wet cardboard smell caused by TCA contamination.
Full Definition
Cork taint is a fault caused primarily by 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA), producing musty, wet cardboard, moldy basement aromas and muting fruit. TCA forms when natural fungi in cork interact with chlorine-based sanitizers. It affects 2-5% of corked wines. Even below detection threshold, TCA can suppress fruitiness.