Influence of Climate on Acidity
Climate has a huge impact on grape acidity. The most important climactic variable is temperature, which is associated with the metabolic functions of the grape and vine.
The Influence of Climate on Wine Grape Acidity
Tartaric acid and malic acid are naturally occurring in grapes, and consequently in wine. Climate, more specifically temperature, has a profound impact on the total acidity of a wine. The warmer the temperature, the more the vines depend on alcoholic respiration to meet its energy needs. Thus, as temperature increases, the acidity in wine decreases. If it’s a long, hot summer, early harvesting may be necessary to avoid overly ripe grapes with too much sugar and insufficient acid.
A large determinant of the varietal planted in specific regions is dependent on the temperature. Because of the above relationship, certain varietals are planted in cool areas, and others are planted in warmer environments. Much of the current breakdown was established by trail and error to find the correct varietal for a vineyards specific terroir.
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