Solubility, acidifying power and sensory properties of fumaric acid in water, hydro-alcoholic solutions, musts and wines compared to tartaric, malic, lactic and citric acids

The lower content of organic acids in grape berries due to global warming, and therefore high pHs, is forcing winegrowers to acidify must or wine to preserve their microbiological stability and their physico-chemical equilibrium. Acidification is essential to avoid damageable consequences on the colour and the sensory quality of the wines. Of the possible modes of acidification, chemical acidification is still the most common one used by OIV country members. It consists of adding lactic, malic, tartaric or citric acids to the musts and wines. Fumaric acid, with its high acidifying power and availability on the market, could be an interesting alternative at lower cost than other acids. Very few studies describing the effects of the addition of this acid on the chemical and organoleptic quality of musts and wines have been published. The present study therefore investigated the impacts of fumaric acid - namely its solubility, acidifying power, and impacts on colour and phenolic compounds - on musts and wines in comparison to other acids. Sensory analyses were also carried out to evaluate the perception threshold of each acid in the wines and compare how the acids are perceived. Except for its low solubility, fumaric acid seems to be a good candidate for an economic alternative to wine acidification. It had the highest acidifying power and slightly affected wine chemistry and organoleptic qualities. Further studies are needed to determine the appropriate step during which this acid should be added during winemaking.

Automated summary

Due to global warming, the lower content of organic acids in grape berries is forcing winegrowers to acidify must or wine to maintain their microbiological stability and physico-chemical equilibrium. Chemical acidification, such as adding lactic, malic, tartaric, or citric acids, is still the most common method used. Fumaric acid, with its high acidifying power and lower cost, shows potential as an economic alternative. Further studies are required to determine the appropriate addition step during winemaking.