Tinny might seem like something you would never find in a wine tasting note, and certainly, nothing that you would want to find in your glass. I think it’s better suited for roofing. But tinny is yet another one of those weird wine terms that you might find in your wine tasting notes. So what is a tinny wine, and do you want it in your glass? Wine Terms Explained unpacks some of the weird wine terms used to describe wine. These guides break down the wine terms so that you can get back to enjoying wine!
What is a tinny wine?
Tinny is one of those wine terms that could be positive or negative, as it is very similar to other tasting notes like metallic. There are good and bad metallic or tinny tastes in wine, so sometimes it is good and sometimes it is bad.
Think about Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. These wines can often have a steely or flinty note to them which is seen as positive. This is often attributed to the grapes being grown in mineral-rich soil, and adds to the flavour profile.
On the other hand, unpleasant metallic or tinny notes can come from Brettanomyces. This is a yeast spoilage which is considered a wine fault. It’s often indicated by a metallic note mingled with barnyard or even band-aid aromas (gross).
Tinny notes can also come from your palate! Certain antibiotics and medications can make things taste metallic, so if it is happening a lot, make sure you keep this in mind.
Is tinny a good thing?
So now that you know what tinny is caused by, is it a good thing? Well, yes and no. If it’s in the right context such as a high-acid white wine, it can be a great thing. But it can also be an indicator of a wine fault, so it all comes down to where you find it. If it’s out of place, it’s not going to be a great wine to enjoy. So it all comes down to where you find it!
Want to learn about more wine terms? Check out all the Wine Terms Explained now.