Volatile Acidity [VA]


Volatile Acidity is the combination of acetic acid (vinegar) and ethyl acetate (nail polish remover). It can be produced by both acetic acid bacteria and yeast.

« Back to Wine Words Index

Volatile Acidity is the combination of acetic acid (vinegar) and ethyl acetate (nail polish remover). It can be produced by both acetic acid bacteria and yeast. Other microbes in wine also produce volatile acidity.

Acetic acid bacteria increase in population on grapes that are infected by Botrytis and on broken grapes, from hail or high rainfall when the grapes are nearly fully ripe and soft causing them to swell and split. Poor winery hygiene and maintenance of empty barrels also result in an increased population of acetic acid bacteria.

Yeast naturally produces a certain amount of VA during alcoholic fermentation. The amount produced will vary according to the yeast strain(s) and the condition during fermentation. High temperatures, alcohol, and, insufficient nutrients can increase VA production by yeast.

VA will ‘blow off’ a fermenting wine to some degree, evaporating. Once the alcoholic fermentation is finished you’re stuck with what you’ve got in the wine. Techniques like reverse osmosis can be applied to remove VA from a wine prior to bottling. Refermenting it with fresh grapes can also do the trick.

At extreme levels VA is a fault. At low levels it can give the wine a complimentary ‘lifted’ aroma.

In some wine styles like the dessert wines of Sauternes, VA helps balance the richness and sweetness, and, gives the wine a clean finish. It is not uncommon for acetic acid to be at very high levels in these wines. Levels that would be considered faulty in a table wine.

Many of the classic vinegars, like balsamic vinegar, are made by allowing wine to be exposed to air in the presence of acetic acid bacteria.

There was a classic moment when I was studying winemaking. A potential student came to an open day with his family, including a young boy. On the bench was an array of wines to smell. He picked up one and proceeded to down it, proclaiming “Just like Dad’s”. It happened to be a sample adjusted with ethyl acetate to demonstrate what VA smells like! Having been exposed to many a Nonno’s garage winemaking efforts, I can relate!

 

Synonyms:
Volatile
« Back to Wine Words Index

Feeling Thirsty?

Barale Barolo ‘Cannubi’ 2015

Nebbiolo | Barolo (sub-region), Italy

Cannubi to the core! Savoury, dark, brooding, rich aroma with a hint of chocolate. You expect power from the nose. It comes through on the palate. Bold even tannins sit under a solid core of fruit that despite it’s generosity and richness has an elegance to itt. Something savoury layered in. Quite complete. I expect as the tannins resolve a little here and secondary development build this will be quite something. It has a certain harmony about it that rings true of great wines.
$249
$239ea in any 3+
$229ea in any 6+

Auguste Clape Cornas 2018

Shiraz/Syrah | Rhône Valley, Cornas

Four in a Row for Clape with 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 all stunning vintages! Clape’s masterpiece is, of course, the classic Cornas, precisely blended from five to six cuvées of the oldest vines in the best sites. The backbone comes from Reynard, La Côte and Sabarotte. The old vines here are la Petite Syrah—the old clone considered by many to be the true Syrah—which creates a stunningly deep and complex wine that will develop for decades.
$360
$345ea in any 3+
$330ea in any 6+
What's in the Box? Chablis Bougros Grand Cru Domaine WK 94, AM 92-94 Chablis Vaudésir Grand Cru Domaine WK 94, AM 92-95 Chablis Valmur Grand Cru Domaine WK 95+, AM 92-95 Chablis Les Preuses Grand Cru Domaine WK 95 Chablis Côte de Bouguerots Grand Cru Domaine WK 96, AM 93-96 Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru Domaine WK 96, AM 94-96  
DRY

Clemens Busch Riesling Vom Rotten Schiefer 2022

Riesling | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany

The 2022er Riesling vom roten Schiefer, as it is referred to on the main part of the label, comes from iron-rich sectors of the Pündericher Nonnengarten and Marienburg. It offers a beautiful nose made of cassis, brown sugar, dried herbs, a hint of cream, and fine spices. The wine is subtle and playful on the palate, where more herbal elements add to the overall sense of elegance. The finish is intensely flavored, with minerals, spices, and herbs dominating the fruity side at the moment. Jean
$69
$65ea in any 3+
$61ea in any 6+