Ethyl Acetate

/ETH-il AS-uh-tayt/

⚠️Faults 🍷Winemaking

Compound causing nail polish or solvent aromas.

Full Definition

Ethyl acetate is an ester that smells of nail polish remover or solvent. All wines contain some, but excessive amounts (above 150 mg/L) indicate a fault, often from acetobacter or oxidation. At moderate levels, it can contribute fruity character. It's a component of volatile acidity.

Related Terms

volatile acidity acetic acid esters

See Also

wine faults oxidation

Ethanol Back to Glossary Extra Brut

More terms starting with E

Earthy

Aromas and flavors suggesting soil, mushroom, or minerals.

Eiswein

German ice wine made from grapes frozen on the vine.

Elevage

The period of wine maturation between fermentation and bottling.

En Primeur

Buying wine as futures before bottling.

Enology

The science and study of winemaking.

Esters

Aromatic compounds formed during fermentation.