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🍷 About wine process 🍷 Wine fermentation
malolactic

malolactic

1 8.6
Relating to a wine fermentation that turns a sharp acid into a softer one to soften the wine
  • adjective
  • /ˌmæl.oʊˈlæk.tɪk/
  • Specialized
: maloláctico
  • After malolactic fermentation, the wine becomes smoother and less sharp on the palate.

Examples

  • The malolactic fermentation process enhances the wine's creamy texture and complex flavors.

  • Many winemakers prefer malolactic fermentation to soften the acidity of their wines.

  • The absence of malolactic fermentation combines with the gentle touch of wood to allow the rich pear and tropical flavors to shine.

    Blog text (19)

  • Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks followed by malolactic fermentation in traditional cement amphoras (tinajas).

    Blog text (12)

Surface Forms

malolactic positive

Morphology

malolactic = malic + lactic (opaque) = malic + lactic

The word is a technical compound built from malic and lactic, but the winemaking meaning is not readily recoverable for an average learner.

Etymology

Malolactic comes from the parts malic ('apple') and lactic ('milk'). So a malolactic wine is one that has moved from sharp, 'apple-like' malic acid to softer, 'milk-like' lactic acid, making the wine creamier.