Lightstrike
Our love of clear designer bottles, especially for rosé can result in ruined wine
Lightstrike is a big issue in the wine industry. Our love of clear designer bottles, especially for rosé can result in ruined wine
Lightstrike occurs when a wine is exposed to ultraviolet or blue light. At these wave-lengths, the naturally occurring amino acids (that make up proteins) transform into compounds that ruin the smell of the wine. Common examples include DMD’s (dimethyl disulphide) and other sulphide compounds. These chemicals result in the wine smelling damp or cabbage-like- not what you want in an otherwise fresh and fruity glass of rosé.
What’s worse is that these chemical reactions don’t take long to occur. It can take as little as 30 minutes for these smelly compounds to form under strong blue or ultraviolet light. This means a clear bottle can become damaged if left outside on a sunny day or in a shop or restaurant if the lighting isn’t adequate. This is one of the reasons never to purchase a bottle that has been in a storefront display, especially if it is in light or clear glass.
Certain colours of glass such as brown or dark green limit the amount of light that can reach the wine meaning the liquid is better protected. This is why wines that are destined for long ageing, such as vintage port or quality Bordeaux, are bottled in these colours of glass.
What does it mean for you?
Assuming the wine wasn’t tainted before it got to the shop you are buying from, which is unlikely as most producers will do regular quality checks, try to limit light as much as possible.
Buy by the case rather than the bottle. While this isn’t always possible if you are buying wines bottled in clear glass try and purchase them still inside their sealed cardboard packaging. This will mean the box hasn’t been opened and hasn’t had contact with light.
When you get home keep your wines in a dark room such as a cupboard. More information about storing wine can be found here.
Pour your glass of wine and then return the bottle to the fridge or inside. Don’t leave clear wine bottles outside on a table or if you are using an ice bucket keep it covered and out of direct sunlight.