What are typical signs of oxidation in wine?

• A. Brownish color, sherry-like aromas, and flat flavors due to exposure to oxygen beyond desirable levels.
• B. Musty aromas and damp cardboard.
• C. Rotten egg odors and burnt rubber.
• D. Bright fruit aromas with high acidity.

Answer: (A)

Oxidation in wine shows itself through a brownish color, aromas and flavors that can be sherry-like or nutty, and a flattening or loss of brightness in the wine’s tastes when oxygen has interacted with the wine beyond what’s desirable. This combination of color change and diminished, older-appearing aroma and flavor is the hallmark of oxidized wine, which is why the description of brownish color, sherry-like aromas, and flat flavors is the best fit for typical signs of oxidation.

The other options point to different faults: musty aromas and damp cardboard come from cork taint, rotten egg odors and burnt rubber come from sulfur-related faults, and bright fruit aromas with high acidity are characteristics of fresh, well-preserved wine, not oxidized wine.