Which statement about malic and lactic acids is accurate?

Which statement about malic and lactic acids is accurate?

• A. They only influence aroma, not flavor.
• B. Malic acid contributes crispness, lactic acid adds softness; they influence acidity, mouthfeel, and balance.
• C. They are responsible for fermentation temperature control.
• D. They primarily color the wine.

Answer: (B)

Malic and lactic acids primarily shape a wine’s acidity and texture, not its aroma or color. Malic acid provides a crisp, bright bite, while lactic acid gives a softer, smoother mouthfeel. Together they influence overall acidity, mouthfeel, and balance, and malolactic fermentation converts malic into lactic to mellow sharpness and add roundness. The other statements misstate their roles: they don’t primarily govern aroma, fermentation temperature, or color.

Malic and lactic acids primarily shape a wine’s acidity and texture, not its aroma or color. Malic acid provides a crisp, bright bite, while lactic acid gives a softer, smoother mouthfeel. Together they influence overall acidity, mouthfeel, and balance, and malolactic fermentation converts malic into lactic to mellow sharpness and add roundness. The other statements misstate their roles: they don’t primarily govern aroma, fermentation temperature, or color.