Wine on the Radio - July 25, 2003         Listen

Acidity

Acid doesn't sound very tasty does it?   Patrick W. Fegan of the Chicago Wine School talks about why acidity can be a good thing in wine.

"All wines contain some acids.

Might sound bad, but it's not.

Acidity is one of the most important components of wine because it affects what we taste and how the wine ages - plus it affects the balance of the wine and how it works with food.

Acids give wine that fresh or tart taste   . . . acid tastes sour on your tongue . . . but it's also refreshing.   Think of how a squeeze of lemon brightens things up . . . that's acidity in action.

Raw, young wines generally taste more acidic than older wines.   So when wine is described as "bright" or "lively" or even "tart" that's the acidity talking.and the wine should have a fresh, clean taste.  

Acidity is part of wine's balancing act."

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