Handle the Cork-Taint Taste Pour
Respond to a suspected flawed bottle during the host taste without arguing or over-pouring.
The host says the wine smells like damp cardboard. What should you say and do first? Thank the host, ask to verify the bottle, smell discreetly, and replace it if the fault is present. Correct. This respects the guest, keeps the diagnosis professional, and treats the host taste as a condition check. Explain that Rioja can smell earthy and pour the rest of the table so everyone can judge. Weak. You are arguing before verifying and spreading a possibly flawed bottle. The principle violated is contain the risk first. Remove the bottle immediately without tasting and bring the most expensive…
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