Brettanomyces: microbial, not terroir

Name: Domaine aux Conseillans
Address: 35 Chemin du Limancet, Saint-Caprais-de-Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, 33880, FR
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The standard

A microbial deviation is recognised by the fact that its cause lies in cellar events and not in grape variety, soil or vintage.

Criteria

The defining aromas trace back to 4-ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol
Their source is a microorganism, not grape variety, soil or vintage
Their extent depends on cellar hygiene, residual sugar and free sulfur dioxide
The impression overlays the origin-borne expression instead of complementing it

Distinction

Brettanomyces ≠ style: a style is chosen, whereas a microbial deviation is unwanted. Brettanomyces ≠ origin expression: origin expression comes from soil and vine, while the yeast's phenols are added to the wine from outside.