Volatile acidity (commonly abbreviated as “VA”) is the concentration of accumulated volatile acids, or those acids that can be separated through distillation. In wine, acetic acid is the primary volatile acid. Acetic acid is also the primary acid associated with vinegar. This is why high VA is associated with the detection and potential perception of […]
VA
Is Wine Analysis Important in Winemaking?
Maintaining good winemaking records is key to monitoring the quality of the wine. Many winemakers take good notes, recording processing steps as well as all ingredient and processing aid additions that go into the wine. However, maintaining adequate analytical records of wine is also important. As a consultant, I meet winemakers with a variety of […]
Acetic Acid Bacteria Growth in New Vintage Red Wine
A Case Study The Problem A freshly fermented batch of red wine, wine pH above 3.65, was put into a variable capacity tank (VCT). Following the completion of malolactic fermentation, approximately 50 ppm sulfur dioxide was added to the wine. The lid to the tank was floated on the surface of the wine and sealed. […]
pH Explained
A Winemaker’s Journey to Understanding Acid Chemistry One of the most common mistakes I hear winemakers make is when they reference a wine’s pH in response to someone else’s comment on how sour the wine tastes. We’ve all heard it. Someone: “The wine is a bit tart.” Winemaker: “Well, the pH is 3.24.” This simple […]
Jan. 14 – 18, 2019 “Oh, No! Wine Flaws” Online Course
Do you wish you were better at identifying when a flaw occurs during the winemaking process? Then don’t forget the “Oh, no! Wine Flaws” online course starts on January 14, 2019. It’s a short 5-day online course that will teach you how to make your own wine flaw sensory standards and review several technical wine […]
“Oh, No! Wine Flaws” Online Class Registration Now Open…
Are you nervous to let other people taste your wine? In fact, are you regularly getting expert wine tasters to evaluate your wine? Having trained professionals that can identify wine flaws before the wine reaches a consumer can be an advantageous quality control strategy for wine brands. No human is perfect in our ability to […]
