Acid & Malo

Sep 17, 2004 1 Replies

What is the consensus on adding extra acid to low acid grapes so that you can do a Malo after the original fermentation? Is it better to skip it when the grapes in question have low acid? Or could one accomplice a better end result still by adding extra tartaric acid to bring the total up and then do the malo



We are getting the first load of grapes tomorrow from Central Valley, a day late because of Ivan, and you know how this load always looks…



SG Brix


Skip _what_? ML? If the grapes are low in acid (and of course high in pH) you won't be able to prevent ML from going, whether you inoculate or not.

Or could one

Hit it with tartaric to bring the pH down to at _most_ 3.5. If you don't, the final pH will surely be in the 4+ range after ML.

Tom S

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