Styrene (also known as phenylethylene, vinylbenzene) is a benzene derivative belonging to the group of hydrocarbons and is used in the production of many plastics. Styrene is used in the manufacture of tanks for curing and then removed by evaporation. In the event of improper production, aggressive cleaning or cracking, it can be released again and thus get into the wine and negatively affect the taste. As a result, the wine takes on a pungent and pungent smell and taste reminiscent of varnish and typical and unmistakable plastic. Smallest quantities are sufficient, already a ten thousandth of a gram of styrene per litre of wine (0.1 mg/l) can be perceived. Today, however, the wine defect occurs rather rarely. See also under solvent clay and uhuton.
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Egon Mark
Diplom-Sommelier, Weinakademiker und Weinberater, Volders (Österreich)