Definition: acetaldehyde

A product resulting from the oxidation of alcohol, the main aldehyde present in wines. A chemical compound derived from ethyl alcohol, present in wine in small quantities. During prolonged oxidation, particularly in white wines, unpleasant acetaldehyde aromas appear. This is an irreversible accident. On the other hand, sherry and Jura's yellow wine owe their typical character to this oxidised quality, with a pronounced nutty taste. Syn.: ethanal.