Winetech Technical Yearbook 2022

JUNE

WINETECH VINE AND WINE INNOVATION WATCH: THE USE OF FUMARIC ACID TO CONTROL MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION

BY KARIEN O’KENNEDY

N SHUTTERSTOCK

NEW WINE ADDITIVE Fumaric acid has been declared legal for use by the European Union (Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/68) as an additive to wine to delay or prevent malolactic fermentation (MLF). 1 It was previously approved by the OIV in July 2021 (Resolution OIV-OENO 581A-2021). 2 WHAT IS FUMARIC ACID? Fumaric acid occurs naturally in various biological systems since it is an intermediary metabolite in the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle. 3 The cycle is used by all living organisms that respire, as opposed to those that ferment. 4 Fumaric acid used in the food industry is industrially produced

from maleic acid. Maleic acid is not to be confused with malic acid; they are two different organic compounds. 3 WHERE IS IT ALREADY USED? Fumaric acid is used as an acidity regulator in various foods. It is denoted by the E number: E297. Examples of use include certain dairy-based products, certain beverages, breakfast cereals and processed meats and spreads, and salt and vinegar potato chips. 3,5 THE RESEARCH BEHIND ITS USE Research into the use of fumaric acid in wine is not new. Already in 1974 professors Ough and Kunkee

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WINETECH TECHNICAL YEARBOOK 2022