A month and a half long survey seeking to understand the real-world incidence of TCA taint in wine has concluded with results consistent with previously published results. These numbers appear to fall in the range previously reported in wine literature which has indicated incidences reaching 7%.

12 individuals (at least two winemakers and other wine professionals who describe themselves as writers, public relations professionals, wine education professionals and wine importers) opened total of 208 bottles of wine. 158 of those were sealed with a natural cork. Of those, 9 bottles were reported to be definitely tainted (5.7%) and 4 bottles were reported to be possibly tainted (2.5%). After elimination of a questinable contributor, the results changed: A total of 188 bottles of wine were opened by participants with 140 of those being sealed with a natural cork. Of those, 9 bottles were reported to be definitely tainted (6.4%) and 4 bottles were reported to be possibly tainted (2.9%).

The results of this short and informal survey indicate that the incidence of definitely tainted wine is in the range of 5.7% to 6.4% and that of possibly tainted wine is in the 2.5% to 2.9%. These numbers appear to fall in the range previously reported in wine literature.

To discuss this survey, visit winesooth.com.

The TCA survey is now closed.