Terroir 2004 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 TCA – A status report on South African cork closures

TCA – A status report on South African cork closures

Abstract

Cork taint decreases the commercial value of wine as tainted wines are rejected by consumers. Although other compounds in wine and cork can also be responsible for causing a taint, 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) is regarded as the primary cause of cork taint. As cork taint is often used in marketing campaigns against natural cork closures, manufacturers extended their overall quality control to monitoring TCA levels. Since August 2004 a representative sample of all batches of cork closures that are imported by members of the South African Cork Quality Council (SACQC) are tested for TCA before release into the market. Quality control on TCA is conducted by an independent laboratory, established by the Institute for Wine Biotechnology (Department of Viticulture and Oenology, University of Stellenbosch) and Thalès Wine Cellar Services (Pty) Ltd. In this contribution we report on the current status of TCA in cork closures in South Africa. The analytical methodologies as well as the quality control program that is currently implemented are also outlined.

DOI:

Publication date: January 12, 2022

Issue: Terroir 2004

Type: Article

Authors

J.A. Minnaar

Institute for Wine Biotechnology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa

Contact the author

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2004

Citation

Related articles…

Metal reducing agents (Fe and Al) as possible agents to measure the dimensions of the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) pool of precursors in wines

Reductive wine fault is characterized by the presence of odors such as rotten eggs or spoiled camembert cheese, originating from hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methanethiol (MeSH) [1]. These compounds stabilize in polysulfide forms, creating a complex pool of precursors that will revert to both molecules when the environment becomes anoxic [2].

Conservation of intravarietal diversity in France: exhaustive overview and perspectives

Since the renewal of the French vineyard after the Phylloxera crisis, the panorama of cultivated varieties has dramatically changed. This current genetic erosion is due to the increasing interest

Chinese localization of wine aroma descriptors

Wine aroma descriptors are important tools for wine evaluation. The present well-known wine aroma descriptor system was created and based on Western culture, which makes difficult for Chinese consumers to recognize and learn wine. AIM: The aim of this study was to update the wine aroma descriptor system for Chinese.

Methods: Fifty-four wine aroma descriptors of ‘Le nez du vin’ was used as substitution candidates. Firstly, a survey on unfamiliar aromas was distributed to 150 untrained Chinese wine consumers. Twenty attributors, such as blackcurrent buds, quince, linden, were selected as the most 17 unfamiliar. Then, a descriptive analysis was performed by trained tasting panel to substitute the targeted twenty aromas perfume. Furthermore, reference standards were looked and new le nez du vin were made. Finally, a substitution analysis was performed to replace the unknown wine aroma to the Chinese local aromas.

Water status, nitrogen status and leaf area/ crop ratio effect on aromatic potential of vitis viniferaberries : example of Sauvignon blanc

Les effets de l’état hydrique et de l’alimentation en azote sur le potentiel aromatique des raisins de Sauvignon blanc ont été mesurés sur des vignobles du Bordelais. Les déficits hydriques ont été caractérisés par le potentiel tige déterminé en milieu de journée ΨTmin)­. L’alimentation en azote a été étudiée à partir d’une zone carencée en azote. Une part de cette zone a été supplémentée avec de l’azote minéral.

Influence of different Lachancea thermotolerans strains in wine acidity

Wine acidity is a parameter of great importance that influences different quality factors of the product such as biological stability or organoleptic characteristics. In the current context of climate change, which gives rise to wines with higher levels of ethanol and lower acidity, the biological acidification with yeast species such as Lachancea thermotolerans could be a solution.
In this work, the effect of the inoculation of different L. thermotolerans on the acidity of wine was studied.