What is Acidity?
The tartness in wine that makes your mouth water, providing freshness and balance.
Understanding Acidity
Acidity is one of wine's fundamental structural components, providing freshness, lift, and the "mouthwatering" sensation. All wines contain acids (primarily tartaric, malic, and citric), but the perception varies based on other components. High-acid wines taste crisp and tart; low-acid wines taste soft and flabby. Acidity also affects aging potential—wines with good acidity typically age longer and remain vibrant.
Why It Matters
Acidity is essential for food pairing, especially with rich or fatty foods. It cleanses the palate between bites and balances richness. It's also crucial for the structure and longevity of wine.
Examples
- 1Champagne has high acidity that cuts through rich foods
- 2German Riesling balances sweetness with bright acidity
- 3Low-acid wines can taste flat or flabby
Related Wine Terms
Quick Definition
"The tartness in wine that makes your mouth water, providing freshness and balance."
Explore More Wine Terms
Balance
The harmonious integration of all wine components: fruit, acidity, tannin, alcohol, and sweetness.
Tasting TermTannins
Natural compounds in wine that create a drying, astringent sensation in the mouth.
Tasting TermBouquet
The complex aromas that develop in wine through aging, as opposed to primary fruit aromas.
Tasting TermBody
The weight and fullness of wine in your mouth, described as light, medium, or full-bodied.
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