What is the compound responsible for cork taint?

Ever opened a wine bottle that smells like damp cardboard, mold, earth? That’s a wine fault called cork taint!

The main cause is a compound called TCA (short for 2,4,6-trichloroanisole). It can occur in natural corks and is transferred to the wine in bottle.

Even a tiny amount of TCA can ruin the wine’s smell and taste. It’s not harmful for your health, just disappointing!