Caftaric Acid

Caftaric Acid is one of the primary non-flavonoid chemicals present in wine. It is mainly used by winemakers to monitor the oxidative stresses in a wine.

The Role of Caftaric Acid in Wine

Caftaric acid is a nonflavanoid that impacts the color of white wine. Many beleive this molecule is responsible for the yellowish-gold color seen in some whites.

Cafteric Acid and Caffeic Acid are a class of chemicals known as Cinnamates. Cafteric Acid is formed when Cafferic Acid and Tartaric Acid undergo esterification. But during fermentation, Cafteric Acid is oxidized into its principle components.

Winemakers primarily use Cafteric Acid to measure the oxidation levels that a wine has undergone. Press Wines, which undergo a high degree of oxidation will have little to no Cafteric Acid. This one of the primary methods that winemakers can monitor this harmful process.

Related Articles


Cal Wineries Blog: See what’s new and interesting in California’s wine county. Go to the California Wine Blog

Join the community

If you’re interested in California wine, our community is perfect for you!

Learn more or Sign up for free!

About Calwineries

Ben Bicais Hello, my name is Ben Bicais, and I would like to personally welcome you to Calwineries. Growing up in the Napa Valley... Find out more.

Search the site