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SIGNIFICANCE OF USE
Acids occur naturally during the growing of grapes and as part of the fermentation process. Wines
show lower levels of acid when there are hot growing seasons or when the grapes come from hotter
regions. In the proper proportion, acids are a desirable trait and give the wine character.
The three predominant acids in wine are tartaric, malic and citric, all of which are intrinsic to the
grape. Tartaric acid is the principal acid in grapes and is a component that promotes a crisp flavor and
graceful aging in wine. A moderate amount of a wine’s acid comes from malic acid, which contributes
to fruitiness, and a small amount comes from citric acid. Wine also contains trace amounts of other
acids. The least desirable acid in wine is acetic acid, which, when present in more than a nominal
amount, gives wine a sour or vinegary aspect.
Total acidity, also called titratable acidity, is the sum of the fixed and volatile acids. In the United
States the total acidity is usually expressed in terms of tartaric acid, even though the other acids are
measured.
Total Acidity directly effects the color and flavor of wine and, depending on the style of the wine, is
sought in a perfect balance with the sweet and bitter sensations of other components. Too much
acidity makes wine tart and sharp; too little makes wines flat, flabby and uninteresting. Proper
acidity in wine is what makes it refreshing and an ideal accompaniment to food.
The proper acid level of a wine varies, with sweeter wines generally requiring somewhat higher
levels to retain the proper balance. For dry table wine the acceptable range is usually 6.0 to
7.5 g/L; for sweet wine it’s 7.0 to 8.5 g/L.
