This volatile acid (also known as pentanoic acid) is an organic acid or carboxylic acid. Valeric acid is usually only present in wine in trace amounts (0.01 to 0.4 g/l). It is primarily produced by microbial metabolic processes during or after fermentation. It usually remains inconspicuous from a sensory point of view; at higher levels, it can contribute to pungent, rancid notes together with other volatile fatty acids. In this case, its presence should be recognised as a sensory wine defect. In very small quantities, however, it can also contribute fruity nuances through the formation of esters with alcohol. See also under total extract and wine constituents.
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Weinberater, Weinblogger und Journalist; Schwendi