As an experienced sommelier and brewer, I can assure you that when wine tastes carbonated, it is indeed a sign that something is not quite right. Wine should not have a fizzy or effervescent character unless it is intentionally made as a sparkling wine through a secondary fermentation process. So, if you open a bottle of still wine and find it to be carbonated, it is not a desirable or enjoyable characteristic.
When wine undergoes a second fermentation after bottling, it can result in the production of carbon dioxide gas, which leads to the fizzy or effervescent sensation. This secondary fermentation can occur due to various factors, such as residual sugar in the wine, the presence of yeast, or improper storage conditions. The carbonation can also be a result of a fault in the winemaking process.
One possible cause of carbonation in wine is an incomplete fermentation. If the fermentation process is not properly managed or prematurely halted, residual sugars may remain in the wine. These sugars can then be fermented by wild yeast or other microorganisms present in the bottle, leading to the production of carbon dioxide gas.
Improper storage conditions can also contribute to the unwanted carbonation of wine. If wine is exposed to warm temperatures or fluctuations in temperature, it can reactivate dormant yeast or introduce new yeast strains, triggering a secondary fermentation. This is why it is crucial to store wine in a cool and stable environment.
Additionally, if a winemaker accidentally adds too much sugar or yeast during the bottling process, it can result in a secondary fermentation. This can happen due to human error or a miscalculation in the dosage.
When wine tastes carbonated, it can be quite off-putting for most wine enthusiasts. The presence of carbonation can mask the flavors and aromas of the wine, making it difficult to appreciate its true character. It can also give the wine a slightly prickly or fizzy mouthfeel, which is not desirable in most still wines.
Personally, I have come across a few instances where I opened a bottle of wine expecting a smooth still wine, only to be greeted by an unexpected fizziness. It can be quite disappointing, especially if you were looking forward to enjoying a particular wine. In such situations, it is best to reach out to the producer or retailer to address the issue and potentially get a replacement bottle.
To summarize, wine tasting carbonated is not a desirable characteristic in still wines. It indicates a fault in the winemaking process or improper storage conditions. If you come across a carbonated wine, it is best to avoid consuming it and seek a replacement or refund.