Flavour chemistry: identifying faults in wine
What do ‘volatile acidity’ and ‘cork taint’ smell like? What causes ‘mousiness’ and ‘reduction’?
Join us, especially if you missed out last time, for this highly anticipated event with sensory scientist Sietze Wijma, who will guide us through a unique and insightful exploration of wine faults.
Hundreds of different flavour and aroma compounds have been identified in wine. These can be traced back to different grape varieties, winemaking techniques and microorganisms.
However, sometimes things don’t go according to plan. The unintentional appearance of wild yeast and bacteria can result in undesirable flavours. Taints can come from various external sources in the vineyard and the winery.
During this masterclass, you will learn to identify 10 important faults in wine by tasting. We will discuss the origins of the fault and what preventive and corrective measures are available to the winemaker.
How will it work?
You will receive 11 glasses of the same neutral wine – the first glass is untreated, while the remaining 10 glasses each have an individual flavour compound added. These are the compounds that have been identified by the scientific community as being responsible for a certain fault. Examples of these compounds are TCA, acetaldehyde and guaiacol.
After the origin of these flavours have been explained, you will practice their identification through a blind tasting exercise. The session will conclude with a blending activity.
This is the perfect event for any intermediate to advanced level wine student or enthusiast looking to take their tasting ability to the next level!
About the speaker
Sietze is a wine educator based in the Netherlands. With his company The Art of Tasting he shares his knowledge about flavour chemistry and helps people become better tasters. Sietze has a MSc in Sensory Science, holds the WSET Diploma and is an Advanced Cicerone®We look forward to seeing you!
Terms and conditions
- Once payment has been processed your booking is confirmed.
- Cancellations and transfers can be made up to two weeks before the event.
- Cancellations within 10 working days are non-refundable but can be transferred to another participant up to 2 days before the event.
- If you need to change a name on the booking, please give us as much notice as possible.
- Berlin Wine School reserves the right to cancel the event. If necessary, a full refund or transfer will be offered.
- Please note: The wine list and speaker/s may be subject to change.
- Participants must be over the legal minimum age for the retail purchase of alcoholic beverages in Germany to attend this event.
- For payment by bank transfer contact us directly at info@berlinwineschool.com
* images © The Art of Tasting © Berlin Wine School
top of page
bottom of page