Does Your Wine Smell Funky? TCA May Not Be to Blame
For years, wine fans have raged against TCA, the chemical compound blamed for corked wine. But TCA, or 2,4,6-trichloroanisole, is not the only cause of moldy, earthy, wet cardboard aromas in your wine. Since 2004, scientists have known of another compound—MDMP, or 2-methyoxy-3,5-dimethylpyrazine—that can leach out of corks and into wine, but they haven't understood where it comes from. Wine Spectator's Stephanie Cain and Ben O'Donnell report.
Member-Only Content
Premium SubscriptionJoin today and get immediate access to this article, and to our entire database of more than 400,000 wine ratings. It only takes moments—but it will help you drink better all year long.
Already a member? Sign In

Try Winespectator.com Free for 30 Days!
Full access to our database of more than 400,000 wine ratings
Early access to reviews on our editors' favorite just-rated wines
Wine and food pairing tool,
chefs' pairing recommendations
Best value wines and winery intel
Subscribe today