Acid InterconversionDeacidification ClassicDeacidification Double Salt MethodDeacidification Extended Double Salt MethodDeacidification MalolacticIncrease TA using a specific acid / TA TargetIncrease TA using an Acid Addition Rate

Acid Addition using Acid Rate

Purpose

Use this calculator to calculate the amount of acid to add using a target acid addition rate.

Background

The addition of acid to juice, must or wine results in a reduction in pH, an increase in titratable acidity TA and a change in the acid taste. The pH of wine is the major variable in the taste of sourness. With everything else equal, the lower the pH of a wine, the more sour it tastes. The pH and the TA both influence the sensation of astringency. Along with tanins they balance the sweetness of wine that results from the sugars, and the alcohol and glycerol concentrations, and help make wine a pleasant beverage to drink. Balanced pH and TA also enhance the fruit character of a wine. The change in pH as result of acid addition is not directly related to the amount of acid added. Because wines have different buffering capacities, the change in pH as result of acid addition is difficult to predict.

Approximations of pH impact by acid addition:

  • 1g/L of citric acid addition will increase the TA by approximately 1.17g/L and decrease the pH by 0.08 pH units
  • 1g/L of tartaric acid addition will increase the TA by approximately 1g/L and decrease the pH by 0.1 pH units
  • 1g/L of malic acid addition will increase the TA by approximately 1.12g/L and decrease the pH by 0.08 pH units
  • Low pH conditions increase the effectiveness of SO2, inhibit reactions associated with oxidation and microbial spoilage, increase color intensity and hue of red wines, increase the effectiveness of the action of enzymes and bentonite, and enhance ageing potential.
    • To adjust pH without affecting TA use ion exchage method.

This winemaking calculator is provided to you courtesy of NuVerge Canada Inc.

Disclaimer

Winemaker.Plus calculators purpose is to provide an alternative to user's current method(s). In making any additions or estimating winemaking data, we are strongly urging the user to respect all legislative requirements, follow regulatory health and safety protocols and make additions or estimate winemaking data based on number of sources including and not limited to supplier technical sheets, MSDS's and or local appellation resources. In no event shall Winemaker.Plus or its employees be liable for any direct or/and indirect loss and/or damage arising from the use or/and missuse of calculators in this progressive web application. Winemaker.Plus makes no representation, warranty, or claim that the information available in any of the calculators of this progressive web application is current or accurate. WinemakerPlus is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the resources or information contained in this progressive web application.