Wine Composition and Chemistry Flashcards
Cross between Riesling and Madeleine Royale
Muller-Thurgau
Rivaner
aka Muller-Thurgau (aka Riseling-Silvaner)
Main Acids formed during fermentation?
Lactic, Acetic, Succinic
Acid w/ sharp/bitter/salty flavor
Succinic
What causes “wine diamonds”
Tartaric acid
5 major components of wine?
Water, Alcohol, Acids, Sugar, Phenolics
What is the typical pH of wine
2.9 - 3.9
Name 4 other wine components
Dissolved Gases, Aldehyde (oxidized alhohol), Sulfites, Esters
What are responsible for red hues in wine
Anthocyanins (phenolic)
What are responsible for yellow hues in wine?
Flavonols
Name 5 major phenolics
Anthocyanin, Flavonol, Resveratrol, Vanillin, Tannin
Do grapes contain lactic acid?
No - it is a byproduct of MF
Are tartrate crystals “wine diamonds” a defect?
No
Is citirc acid present in grapes?
Yes, in minute quantities - no sensory impact on wine
Is acetic acid present in wine?
Yes, but is volatile and evaporates quickly
How much sugar do grapes contain at harvest?
15 - 28%
What are the main sugars in wine?
Simple sugars glucose and fructose
What is used to balance high acidity in wine
Sugar
Which phenolic has a major impact on sherry?
Acetaldehyde
What causes flavonols to increase?
Exposure to sunlight
Name a naturally occurring preservative of wine
Tannin
What is polymerization?
Process whereby phenolic compounds combine to form longer molecule chains
What are the largest group of odiferous compounds in wine?
Esters (combination of acid and alcohol molecule)
What is a common ester in wine?
Ethyl Acetate. fruity/flowery aroma if low, nail polish remover aroma if too high
