White Wine Grapes - Structure

Question 1

What 3 acidity criteria make grape varieties unique?

Answer 1

1. shape of acidity - most important - see below for explanation.
2. type of acidity
3. level of acidity

• type and level of acidity can change according to climate and winemaking, shape is the most consistent and reliable and for that reason the most important to start with.

Question 2

What is the best way to assess the acidity of a white wine?

Answer 2

After swallowing or spitting, leave your mouth open for five to 10 seconds and concentrate on how much you are salivating.

Question 3

How can acidity have a shape?

Answer 3

“In very simple terms, acidity is felt in different places and at different levels during the journey of wine across the palate. By ‘journey’ I mean the period of time the wine spends in your mouth.

Acidity may be felt primarily on entry. Or the finish. Or both.

And, if felt at both start and finish, it may remain consistent in terms of its level, or it may increase or decrease between the two.

By combining where the acidity is felt (beginning, middle, end) with how strongly it is felt at these points, you can identify a ‘shape’ to each acid structure.”

Question 4

How can acidity have a type?

Answer 4

Type of acidity refers to the quality of acidity - what it feels like.

Question 5

Two different types of acidity - examples.

Answer 5

Chenin Blanc has bracing acidity - if you keep it in your mouth for an extended time it feels like it will pull the enamel of your teeth.

• Bracing

Riesling has an acidity that tingles.

• Tingly or steely

Question 6

The simple explanation for white wine structure?

Answer 6

acidity is the skeleton of a white wine

the fruit is the flesh of a white wine