Term for an unwanted acid degradation by bacteria of the genus Pediococcus and Lactobacillus, which are responsible for the degradation of malic acid in wine. This wine defect occurs as a result of uncontrolled malolactic fermentation or excessive malolactic fermentation due to improper procedures. Red wines are particularly susceptible to this. A drop in acidity is manifested by strong foam formation (due to increased carbonic acid), turbidity and possibly also by a rancid smell with sauerkraut and yoghurt tones similar to lactic acidosis. As with lactic acidosis, it is controlled by cooling and sulphurising the grape must and mash.
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Sigi Hiss
freier Autor und Weinberater (Fine, Vinum u.a.), Bad Krozingen