Q&A: Wine & Food Questions
mold on my labels
I am trying to sell some old bottles of wine. The only problem is there are a few mold spots on the labels due to the storage cellar. Any suggestions on what I can use to get these spots out with out damaging the integrity of the label for selling?!
Answer From Expert Roger C. Bohmrich, MW
This is very difficult to answer without seeing the affected bottles. I would say it depends on how extensive the mold spots are and if they are just on the surface or have penetrated the label. Very light mold can be wiped off gently with a clean damp cloth; somewhat more mold could possibly be absorbed by pressing carefully and lightly with a paper towel. If the mold is deep, you are unlikely to be able to remove it without tearing away the label. All of this is guesswork since I haven't seen the bottles, so use your own judgement. I have many older bottles with extensive mold in my own cellar, but the enjoyment of my guests is not diminished when the wine is poured into their glasses! Perhaps drinking rather than selling the wine is your best solution...
About The Expert
Roger has enjoyed a lengthy career in the wine trade as an importer and retailer, and at present he is an educator, speaker and consultant. He set up and managed Millesima USA, a New York merchant affiliated with Europe's leader in direct sales of fine wines to consumers. Previously, he served as senior executive of Frederick Wildman & Sons, traveling regularly around the world to visit wineries and taste the new vintage from barrel. Roger became one of America's first Masters of Wine in 1993.
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