malolactic ferm with kits?

Aug 16, 2003 3 Replies

Hi,



After a recent wine appreciation course, I noticed that many of the wines I liked had a "buttery" flavour which was attributed to malolactic fermentation.



While browsing around, I came across this which basically suggests that malolactic + potassium sorbate bad:



formatting link



Has anyone here taken a kit through malolactic fermentation, or are there any kits that are designed for this and come with a malolactic culture?



Perhaps alternatively, there is a mechanism to break down the potassium sorbate?



Both kits I have bought recently contain pot sorb in the ingredients.



Googling through this group there were a few interesting threads about this like this:

formatting link



Which suggests that kits contain mostly malic acid, which would mean that you would nuke the acidity if you were to take a kit through mal ferm.



The two kits I have, however, have citric acid listed before malic in the ingredients which suggests otherwise to me.



Any thoughts appreciated.



jp


The information on ML in the link you provided in your original message contains the following paragraph:

"What are some of the dangers of malolactic fermentation? In addition to transforming malic acid into lactic, leuconostoc oenos also transforms citric acid into acetic acid, which is the acid that gives vinegar it's distinctive flavour. This usually isn't a problem, unless the must has been treated with citric acid."

Then toward the end of your message, you state:

Good point.

Does this mean there is no naturally ocurring citric acid in vitis vinifera grape juice then? Perhaps the natural occurring quantities are low enough to be irrelevant?

jp

Jay Enterk> The information on ML in the link you provided in your original

Vinifera grapes contain 200 or 300 milligrams of citric acid per liter. See Margalit, "Concepts in Wine Chemistry," page 17. lum

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required