Colloquial term used in German-speaking countries (also Stinkerchen) for the unpleasant to disgusting smell and taste of a wine in the context of a wine evaluation or wine talk, which is also described as animal or earthy. The trivialising form "Stinkerl" ("small, minor stinker") is to be understood rather positively. What exactly is meant by this, however, is interpreted differently or there are no objective criteria (e.g. certain aromas) that allow a clear identification. It is an impression foreign to wine that results from chemical compounds. The cause may be, among other things, the alcohol type geosmin.
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien