Term for undesired acid degradation caused by bacteria of the Pediococcus and Lactobacillus genus, which are responsible for the degradation of malic acid in wine. This wine defect occurs as a result of uncontrolled or excessive acid degradation during malolactic fermentation due to improper procedures. A drop in acidity manifests itself through strong foam formation (due to increased carbonic acid), a pronounced cloudiness and possibly a rancid odour with sauerkraut and yoghurt tones, similar to lactic acid tartness. As in the case of lactic acid sting, it is combated by cooling and sulphurising the grape must and mash.
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Dominik Trick
Technischer Lehrer, staatl. geprüfter Sommelier, Hotelfachschule Heidelberg