What is Acidity in Wine?

Acidity, what is it?

Acidity is that tart, sour sensation that makes your mouth water. Imagine drinking a glass of water with fresh lemon juice. It's bright, zesty, crisp and lip-puckering.

The more lemon you add, the higher the acidity.

A useful way to picture acidity is on the pH scale. Lemon juice sits at around 2.6, while yoghurt is around 4.5. Wines generally sit in between, usually around pH 3 to 3.8.

At the higher-acidity end you'll find wines such as Albariño and Picpoul.

At the softer end you'll find styles such as Viognier or Shiraz. Some of my favourite high-acidity wine recommendations: Adams Picpoul de Pinet - £11.99, Adnams Balfour 1503 Albarino - £19.50, Majestic Martin Codax Albarino - £16.25, Ocado M&S Chel Michel Picpoul de Pinet - £9.50, Ocado Codorniu Albarino Organic - £8.00, Amazon Tesco Finest Vinas Del Rey Albarino - £12.00, Tesco No.1 La Val Albariño - £14.00, Waitrose Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc - £12.50, Waitrose

Elizabeth Hawthorthwaite