Good Eats Season 9 Episode 8 Good Wine Gone Bad

In the ninth season of Alton Brown’s Good Eats, episode eight is titled “Good Wine Gone Bad.”

In this episode, Alton Brown presents the science behind wine fermentation and the defects that can occur during the process. He explains that while wine production may seem like a mystical process, fermentation is simply the act of yeast transforming sugar into alcohol. However, this transformation can be affected by many variables, such as temperature, yeast strains, and malolactic fermentation.

Alton Brown also reveals the most common defects that can occur in wine, such as sulfides, oxidation, and cork taint. He explains that sulfides are naturally occurring compounds in wine that can cause a "rotten egg" smell. While they are necessary in some aspects of wine production, they can sometimes become too prevalent, creating an unpleasant aroma. Oxidation, on the other hand, is caused by the wine coming in contact with too much air, which can cause a loss of flavor and color. Cork taint is a defect caused by a chemical compound called trichloranisole (TCA), which can result in flavors that are musty, moldy, or flat.

In the episode, Alton Brown discusses ways to identify and avoid these defects, such as proper storage, wine aerators, and using synthetic corks. He also shares tips on detecting flaws in wine and how to rescue them with cooking techniques.

To put his knowledge into practice, Alton Brown prepares a few dishes that complement wine and help rescue flawed wines. He uses a Portuguese-style chicken recipe to contrast with the sulfide wine aromas. He also prepares a dish of mushrooms cooked in sherry to illustrate how foods can heighten and complement the flavors of wine. Lastly, he shows how to turn spoiled wine into a vinegar.

Overall, “Good Wine Gone Bad” is a fascinating episode that highlights the complexities of wine fermentation and the defects that can occur in the process. Alton Brown’s scientific approach and culinary expertise make for an entertaining and educational show.