Wine Composition and Chemistry Flashcards
The most prevalent of the acids found in grapes and wine
Tartaric Acid
The component that makes up 80%-90% of the volume of most wines
Water
Slow moving “tears” that may appear in a wine glass after the wine is swirled
Legs
Has little or no sensory impact on the major of quality wine
Citric Acid
The component that makes up 10-15% of the volume of most wines
Ethyl Alcohol
A type of secondary alcohol
Glycerol
A sharp tasting acid often associated with green apples
Malic Acid
An acid produced via the conversation of malic acid
Lactic Acid
An acid with a slightly bitter, slightly salty flavor
Succinic Acid
The acid found in most types of vinegar
Acetic Acid
Of the six main acids found in wine, list those that are typically found in unfermented grapes
Tartaric, Malic, Citric and Succinic Acid
Of the acids typically found in grapes, which are found in very small quantities?
Citric and Succinic Acid
Which acid is known to cause deposits known as wine diamonds?
Tartaric Acid
What is the name of the winemaking process that, in add-on to changing a wine’s acid components, often provides wines with a creamy texture and a buttery aroma?
Malolactic Fermentation
What measurement is used to define the volume of all the acids present in a wine?
Total Acidity
What does pH measure?
Combined chemical strength of the acids present
What is a typical pH measurement of a highly acidic wine?
2.9 (Lower the # the more acidic)
What pH measurement would you expect to find in a low acid wine?
3.9 (Higher the # the less acidic)
What are the two main fermentable sugars found in wine grapes?
Glucose/Fructose
What term is used to describe a wine that does not contain any detectable sugar?
Dry
Yellow pigments found in white wine
Flavonols
An aromatic compound found in oak barrels
Vanillin
A compound found in wine believed to be beneficial to human health
Resveratol
One of the most common esters found in wine
Ethyl acetate
The specific component that gives fino Sherries their distinctive aroma
Acetaldehyde
The compounds that give red wine its red, blue or purple hue
Anthocyanins
Bitter compounds found in the skins, seeds, and stems of grapes
Tannins