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Malolactic fermentation enhances flavor and reduces acid
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More from Lifestyle ColumnistsWhat is malolactic fermentation?
This term refers to a secondary fermentation process that takes place after the initial alcoholic fermentation is complete.
Its contribution to a wine includes flavor enhancement, acid reduction and stability for aging.
Acids are some of the components that are present in wine after primary fermentation, along with alcohol, tannin and other compounds that together create a balanced and tasteful wine.
One of the acids, malic acid, can sometimes be desirous in certain wines, such as riesling and chardonnay, in that it can create a crisp sharpness.
Whether this is beneficial to the enjoyment of the wine is up to the winemaker. But in cases where the level of acidity creates some unpleasant characteristic to the wine, then a reduced level of malic acid is needed.
To achieve this, malolactic fermentation will be started, converting the harsher malic (and some citric) acid to softer lactic acid.
You can associate malic acid with the kind found in apples and lactic acid with that found in milk.
Upon completion of the malolactic fermentation, the wine's flavors become a little more pronounced and texture a little rounder on the palate.
The process has an added bonus of helping to make the wine less susceptible to problems triggered by bacteria while aging in the bottle.
Most red wines have undergone malolactic fermentation, along with many chardonnays.
The result is a smoother, more interesting wine with greater long-term potential.
— Len Napolitano lives in Central Coast wine country and believes that the more you understand wine, the more you enjoy it. He is certified in wine by the Society of Wine Educators, Wine & Spirits Education Trust, and Chicago Wine School and gains knowledge from his frequent contact with California winemakers. More information is on his Web site, http://www.wineology.com. Send your questions about wine to wineologist@earthlink.net or by mail to Len Napolitano in care of the Ventura County Star, P.O. Box 6006, Camarillo, CA 93011. Wineology is a registered trademark of Len Napolitano.
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