4-Ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol depletion in wine using esterified cellulose

► Esterified cellulose fibres were tested to deplete volatile phenols in wine. ► Cellulose acetate propionate was the most effective, 4 g/l reduced phenols of 30%. ► Wine treatment did not affect colour and polyphenol content and improve quality. ► The polymer is regenerable without notable changes in depletion efficiency. ► The study opens up interesting prospects for cheap treatments of defective wines.