When it comes to determining if red wine has gone bad, there are a few key indicators that you can look out for. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I've encountered my fair share of spoiled wines, and I'm here to share my knowledge with you.
One of the first signs that your red wine may have gone bad is an overly sweet taste. Now, I'm not talking about the sweetness found in Port or dessert wines, which are intentionally made to be sweet. I'm referring to a red wine that is supposed to be dry but tastes sugary. This could be a sign of fermentation issues or the presence of residual sugars that have not been properly fermented. In either case, it's best to avoid drinking such wine as it may not only taste off but also pose a risk to your health.
Another clue that your red wine has turned is the presence of fizziness or bubbles when it shouldn't be there. Unless you're drinking a sparkling red wine, such as Lambrusco or Brachetto, your red wine should not have any effervescence. If you notice a slight fizz or feel a tingling on your tongue, it's a clear indication that something is amiss. This could be due to a secondary fermentation occurring in the bottle, which can result in off flavors and potentially cause the wine to become fizzy. In this case, it's best to discard the wine.
A sharp, vinegar-like taste is another telltale sign that your red wine has gone bad. If your wine has turned into vinegar, it's likely due to a process known as acetic acid fermentation, where bacteria convert the alcohol in the wine into acetic acid. This can occur when the wine is exposed to oxygen for an extended period or when the wine is contaminated with acetobacter, a type of bacteria responsible for vinegar production. When you take a sip and it feels like you're drinking straight vinegar, it's time to say goodbye to that bottle of red wine.
In addition to these taste indicators, there are a few visual cues that can also suggest a red wine has gone bad. If you notice any unusual cloudiness or sediment in the wine, it may be a sign of spoilage or improper storage. Cloudiness could indicate the presence of bacteria or yeast, while excessive sediment might suggest the wine has not been properly filtered or aged.
To summarize, the key markers of a spoiled red wine include an overly sweet taste in a dry wine, fizziness in a non-sparkling wine, a sharp vinegar-like taste, cloudiness, and excessive sediment. If you encounter any of these signs, it's best to err on the side of caution and dispose of the wine to avoid any unpleasant experiences or potential health risks.