Term for organic chemical compounds that enter into an equilibrium reaction with water or other solvents. The term "organic acids" is often equated with carboxylic acids; however, the latter are only one of several groups. The groups also found in wine include alcohols, carboxylic acids, phenols and thiols. They differ in their degree of acidity; carboxylic acids are significantly more acidic than alcohols or phenols. All acids without a carbon content are referred to as inorganic acids (exception: carbonic acid - also inorganic).
![]()
I have great respect for the scope and quality of the wein.plus encyclopaedia. It is a unique place to go for crisp, sound information on terms from the world of wine.
Dr. Edgar Müller
Dozent, Önologe und Weinbauberater, Bad Kreuznach