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Brettanomyces

A yeast that can cause sticking-plaster, medicinal or stable-like smells and mask fruit. Not every unusual smell is Brettanomyces.

Explained simply

Brettanomyces is a yeast that can strongly change a wine’s smell—sometimes towards sticking plaster, stable or medicine. One unusual smell alone is not enough to diagnose it.

Sources: Natural wine without myths

In more detail

Brettanomyces can form volatile phenols that mask fruit and create medicinal, smoky or animal-like impressions. Perception and tolerance vary, but high concentrations are generally treated as a wine fault. Reliable identification needs more than one quick aroma association.

Sources: Natural wine without myths

What to look for

Do not judge from one unfamiliar note. If fruit stays hidden and several typical impressions appear together, Brett may be one possible explanation.

Sources: Natural wine without myths

Read in the journal A barnyard or medicinal smell in natural wine can hide the fruit — guests do not have to drink it bravely. Explained in context in our article about natural wine.

Sources

  1. Natural wine without myths ·

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