[mer-KAP-tuhns] The result of hydrogen sulfide combining with wine components and producing a pungently offensive, sour odor that can smell like garlic, stale sweat, skunk, or rubber. Mercaptan characteristics in a wine are a sign of careless winemaking and signal the wine's deterioration.
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 | Wine Lover's Companion. Wine Lover's Companion. Copyright © 2003 by Barron's Educational Series, Inc. All rights reserved. Read more |
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