Can Bubbles Be Corked?

Popular misconception has it that sparkling wines and Champagnes cannot be corked because carbonation inhibits the formation of the taint TCA (trichloranisole). Not true. Sparklers can be tainted with TCA, and can take on the telltale odor that makes wine smell like a wet sheep dog. In fact, according to the French consulting oenologist and TCA expert, Dr. Pascal Chatonnet, TCA is easier to smell in bubblies than in still wines. The bubbles have the effect of volatizing the compound, making it smell more pronounced.