styrene

Technical specification

Assessment

The best way to detect plastics taints in wine caused by styrene is as follows. Cover the sample with your hand and swirl the glass to release the aroma. Remove your hand and take a single long sniff. Repeat as necessary.

Amount of flavour per capsule

634 µg per capsule

Threshold

The flavour threshold of styrene in wine is 50 - 210 µg / l.

Origins

Styrene is associated with storage of wines in plastic cooperage or plastic-lined transport containers. Residual styrene monomer can migrate from such lining into wine during storage.

Importance

Styrene omparts a plastic-like odour to wine which is reminiscent of polystyrene. It is associated with a moderate degree of consumer rejection and described by consumers as ‘chemical’, ‘plasticy’ or ‘contaminated’.

CAS registry number

The CAS registry number for styrene is 100-42-5.

Other names

• ethenylbenzene
• phenyl ethene
• phenyl ethylene
• styrol
• styrolene
• vinyl benzene
• vinyl benzol

Remarks

Additional hydrocarbon taints can come from compounds such as tetrahydronapthalene which has been implicated in some types of cork-related taints.

Threshold distribution

Capsules per pot

10