Potassium

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The bluish-silvery, soft alkali metal is the seventh most abundant element (K) in the earth's crust with a share of about 2.5%. The name is derived from the Arabic "al kalja" for "potash" (potassium), an old name for potassium carbonate obtained from wood ashes. The reactive element occurs in nature only in bound form. It is contained in many minerals such as mica, feldspar, kainite, potassium salt, polyhalite and clay. Experiments with increased potassium fertilisation have shown that vines react to this with an increased production of malic acid. Potassium thus has an influence on the acidity in wine. Wines rich in potassium have a "buffered or integrated acidity" that is perceived as balanced. Compared to other minerals, potassium is contained in high amounts in must (up to 1.5 g/l) or wine.

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Potassium

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