MALO LACTIC FERMENTATION
While
at a restaurant I asked for a recommendation for a white wine and was
recommended brand X a Malo Lactic Chardonnay. I asked the attendant, “What
does this mean?” and was told that this was merely the variety of
Chardonnay. Clearly this was not correct and the attendant should have known
better but I didn’t correct the person. It is good to learn the meaning of
words and terms as knowledge is never a waste of time.
Malo Lactic Fermentation
is not really a fermentation process. The name is an historical one. Malo
Lactic Fermentation
occurs when lactic acid bacteria (LAB) convert malic acid in the wine to
lactic acid. Malo Lactic Fermentation is typically done in all premium red wines in Australia
and very few white wines. In Europe Malo Lactic Fermentation is common to
red and white wines and will occur naturally while the wines are stored in
the barrels or it is induced to reduce acidity and raise pH.
We will inoculate (add to)
the wine with a culture of the bacteria just before the wine finishes
fermenting so that the process will occur fast and thoroughly. The warm
temperature of the wine at this stage will assist the growth of the bacteria
and allow unwanted volatile chemicals to escape.
Malo Lactic
Fermentation helps to stabilises
the wine from further biological change and will soften and round the wine.
Malic acid is a sharp tasting acid that will become sharper to the palate
the colder the wine becomes. In colder climates some white wines will also
be put through Malo Lactic Fermentation to reduce the acidity.
Malo Lactic Fermentation
typically adds a buttery character to the wine. Other chemicals are produced
as well that can further enhance the complexity of the wine.
Taste
award winning local wines today at ILNAM Estate
ILNAM Estate is
a unique tourist attraction as we are the only winery on
the Tweed. ILNAM Estate Winery is located just 20 minutes from the Gold Coast
Airport, 40 minutes from Surfers Paradise and only 1 hour 20 minutes from
Brisbane.
ILNAM ESTATE WINERY- 750 Carool Road,
Carool NSW- Ph (07) 5590 7703
email
info@ilnam.com.au
