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Last Updated: Mar 6, 2026Malic Acid
Malic Acid
Malic acid (C₄H₆O₅) refers to a naturally occurring organic acid in wine grapes, primarily found in unripe grapes or cool climate berries. It gives wines a sharp, green apple like acidity, tartness and freshness. It is very important in crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, but winemakers convert it to softer lactic acids in red wines during the process of malolactic fermentation. Sometimes, producers add malic acid powder to boost acidity in overripe grapes.
See Also
TCA
TCA stands for 2,4,6-trichloroanisole, a chemical compound that causes "cork taint". It forms when natural fungi in corks or wooden barrels interact with chlorine in cleaning products, resulting in musty, moldy or wet cardboard aromas in wines.
pH
The pH of wine is the measure of its total acidity (hydrogen ion concentration), typically ranging from 2.9 to 4.0 in most wines.
Lees
Lees are the dead yeast cells, grape seeds and skins left over in the fermentation tank after fermentation. There are two types of lees; gross lees and fine lees.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is a soft organic acid produced during malolactic fermentation of wines. It smoothens the wine's total acidity, increases pH and adds creamy, buttery or velvety textures and flavors.
Harvest
The harvest marks the end of the vine growing cycle, typically occuring between August and October in the Northern hemisphere. It is the stage where ripe grapes are picked from the vineyard to begin winemaking.
Assemblage
Assemblage is the French term for the process where winemakers combine different base wines that vary by grape variety, vintage or vineyard parcel, to create a balanced and complex final wine.
Irrigation
Irrigation is the artificial application of water to vineyards to provide the necessary 25-35 inches of annual water in dry climates.
Viticulture
Viticulture is the branch of science that deals with the study, cultivation and harvesting of grapes specifically for winemaking. It includes all vineyard activities, such as planting, pruning, training vines, soil irrigation and pest control.
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