Acetic Acid
Intermediate Faults & DefectsDefinition
The primary acid in vinegar, a fault when excessive in wine.
In Depth
All wine contains trace acetic acid (0.2-0.6 g/L is normal). Acetobacter bacteria produce it when wine is exposed to oxygen. Above 0.7-0.8 g/L, the sharp vinegar character becomes objectionable. Some elevated VA is tolerated in certain styles (Amarone, Sauternes) where it lifts aromatics. The legal limit varies by country and wine type.
Details
- Category
- Faults & Defects
- Difficulty
- Intermediate