Imagine this: You pour yourself a nice glass of wine, lift it to your nose, and instead of the inviting aroma of fruit, oak, or spice, you smell something that reminds you of nail polish remover. What is that? Should you drink it, or is this a sign of a serious wine flaw?
Let’s break it down. We’ll explore why this happens, what it means, and whether your wine is still safe to drink.
What’s That Smell? The Acetone Connection
The nail polish smell you’re picking up is likely acetone, the main ingredient in nail polish remover. Acetone belongs to a group of volatile compounds called ethyl acetate, which can develop in wine for several reasons.
Wine naturally contains many different chemical compounds, and sometimes, under the wrong conditions, these compounds can go rogue. Acetone-like aromas are a sign that something went wrong during fermentation, storage, or aging.
For a deeper dive into acetone itself, you can check out its Wikipedia page.
Why Does Wine Develop a Nail Polish Smell?
There are a few possible reasons why your wine smells more like a nail salon than a vineyard. Here are the most common culprits:
1. Fermentation Issues
Fermentation is a delicate process. If wild yeast or bacteria get involved, they can produce excess ethyl acetate, leading to that sharp, solvent-like aroma. This often happens when the yeast struggles due to poor nutrient levels or temperature fluctuations.
2. Oxidation Gone Wrong
Wine needs oxygen—but only in small, controlled amounts. If a wine is overexposed to air, oxidation can lead to the formation of acetaldehyde, which contributes to off-putting smells like bruised apples, sherry, or yes, nail polish remover.
3. Bacterial Contamination
Certain bacteria, like Acetobacter, can turn wine into vinegar. In the early stages, before it becomes full-blown vinegar, it might give off an acetone-like smell. This happens more often in poorly stored or old bottles.
4. Excessive Volatile Acidity (VA)
Volatile acidity refers to the presence of acetic acid and ethyl acetate in wine. While some level of VA adds complexity, too much of it makes wine smell unpleasantly like vinegar or solvents. High VA is often a sign of spoilage or poor winemaking practices.
5. Poor Storage Conditions
Storing wine at the wrong temperature or exposing it to heat and light can accelerate chemical reactions that lead to unwanted aromas. Always store your wine properly to avoid spoilage.
Here’s a quick table summarizing the causes and how to spot them:
| Cause | Smell Description | Can You Still Drink It? |
|---|---|---|
| Fermentation Issues | Solvent, chemical-like | Maybe, but not ideal |
| Oxidation | Bruised apple, sherry | Likely still safe |
| Bacterial Contamination | Vinegar, acetone | No, it’s spoiled |
| High Volatile Acidity (VA) | Vinegar, nail polish | Unpleasant, not harmful |
| Poor Storage | Muted or off aromas | Depends on severity |
Can You Still Drink It?
The short answer: It depends.
- If the nail polish smell is faint and disappears after swirling your glass, your wine might still be drinkable. Give it some time to breathe and see if the aroma fades.
- If the smell is overpowering and comes with a sharp, vinegary taste, your wine is likely spoiled. Best to pour it down the drain.
- If you’re unsure, trust your nose and taste buds. If it smells and tastes off, don’t risk it.
How to Prevent This From Happening
Nobody wants to open a bottle of wine only to be greeted with nail polish fumes. Here’s how you can avoid it:
✔ Buy from reputable sources. Cheap or poorly stored wine is more likely to develop faults. Stick with trusted brands or wineries.
✔ Store your wine properly. Keep bottles in a cool, dark place with consistent temperatures. Avoid excessive heat or light exposure.
✔ Drink wine at its peak. Most wines aren’t meant to age indefinitely. Check the recommended drinking window and don’t let bottles sit too long.
✔ Be mindful of fermentation issues if you make your own wine. If you’re a home winemaker, ensure proper yeast nutrition and fermentation control.
A Related Wine Mystery: Petrol Smell in Wine
Speaking of unusual wine aromas, did you know that some wines naturally smell like petrol? Unlike nail polish remover, which signals a flaw, the petrol aroma in certain Rieslings is actually desirable. If you’re curious, check out this article on why some wines smell like petrol.
Final Thoughts
A wine that smells like nail polish isn’t necessarily undrinkable, but it’s often a sign of a problem. Whether it’s a fermentation issue, oxidation, or poor storage, understanding the cause can help you decide whether to sip or skip it. When in doubt, trust your senses—good wine should be enjoyable, not smell like a manicure session.
Next time you open a bottle, take a deep breath. Hopefully, all you’ll smell is deliciousness!
Have you ever encountered a wine that smelled like nail polish? Let me know in the comments—We’d love to hear your experience!