Why Does My Wine Taste Metallic? Should I Be Concerned?

When you go to enjoy a glass of wine, you want to enjoy the flavors. But sometimes, wine doesn’t taste the way it’s supposed to. In fact, it can taste metallic. Some wines do taste metallic, but sometimes it could be you. How is that possible? Let’s find out.

 

Some wines can taste metallic

This is especially true for wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling that can resemble a metallic taste. This is because their grapes grow in mineral-rich soil, which in this case, can be good.

However, sometimes a spoilage yeast affects wines that have low ethanol. Here, the wine will taste metallic. 

Wines that have been exposed to oxidation will eventually change their flavors. So, when you drink these wines, you will experience a metallic taste. 

Certain Foods

There are certain foods that rarely mix well with certain wines. It can cause a metal aftertaste, which is not something people want to taste. So what foods can cause a metal reaction with metal? Check it out below:

 

Sushi

You particularly don’t want to mix sushi with red wine. This is because some red wines have strong tannins that will make the fish taste metallic. However, if you want to have red wine with sushi, go for a light-bodied red wine with low tannins.

 

Eggs

This is a very healthy protein that is commonly enjoyed for breakfast. While it’s more commonly enjoyed with white wines, egg yolks will make red wines taste like metal. Unfortunately, this means that you won’t be able to enjoy the flavors of the wine.

 

Most Seafood

It’s not just the fish that can cause a metallic taste with red wines. Because of the iron content, most seafood can cause the same reaction as red wines. Therefore, white wines are recommended for seafood because it has a lower iron content. 

 

Health Conditions

Certain health conditions can cause a metallic taste when you have a glass of wine. If you have any of these conditions, you may experience a metallic taste in your mouth while drinking wine:

 

• Diabetes
• Gastritis
• Dental problems
• Pregnancy**
• Sinus issues
• Allergies

 

**It is highly recommended not to drink if you are pregnant. You should always consult your doctor if you choose to have a glass of wine**

 

Medications & Supplements

Believe it or not, there are a variety of medications and supplements that can make wine taste metallic. Here is a list of some that will cause a reaction:

 

• Antibiotics
• Zinc
• Lozenges
• Most cold medications
• Iron supplements

 

These medications and supplements will cause a metallic taste in your mouth. You can choose to avoid taking supplements while having a glass of wine. 

But if you need to be on the medications because of health conditions, drink sparingly as medications and alcohol sometimes have a reaction, including metallic taste.

Final Thoughts on Metallic Taste of Wine

A glass of wine should be an enjoyable experience for your taste buds. If it tastes off or tastes metallic, look into it. Sometimes, it could be the wine, but most likely, it’s something else. 

Once you’ve figured out why the wine tastes metallic for you, you can adjust things around to where wine tastes delicious again.