Acidity is one of the pillars of wine flavour — learn how to identify it and why it matters when choosing a wine.
At Vinha, one of the most common questions we hear is:
“Is this wine very acidic?” or “What does acidity mean in wine?”
If you’ve ever wondered the same, this article is for you.
What is acidity in wine?
Acidity is one of the fundamental components of wine, along with alcohol, tannins, body, and sweetness.
It’s what gives wine its freshness, liveliness and balance — and it’s essential for food pairing.
Wines with good acidity are:
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Refreshing and vibrant
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Great for pairing with food
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More likely to age well
How do you feel it?
Acidity is perceived in the mouth through a mouth-watering sensation, especially on the sides of the tongue.
If you’ve ever tasted something that reminded you of lemon or green apple — that was acidity!
Types of acidity in wine
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Tartaric and malic acid: naturally found in grapes
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Lactic acid: result of malolactic fermentation (more common in reds and oak-aged whites)
What does it depend on?
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Grape variety: Alvarinho and Arinto (white grapes), and Baga (red grape) are naturally high in acidity.
Other Portuguese grapes known for good acidity include Loureiro, Trajadura, Rabigato and Encruzado. -
Region: Cooler climates (like Bairrada or Dão) tend to produce more acidic wines
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Style: Young, unoaked wines usually show brighter acidity
Acidity = “green” wine?
Not necessarily. Many people associate high acidity with “green” or underdeveloped wines, but well-balanced acidity is actually a sign of quality, freshness and longevity.
Find your perfect match at Vinha.co.uk
At Vinha.co.uk, you’ll find wines with a wide range of acidity levels — from delicate to crisp and mineral.
Use our filters by style, region or grape variety, or reach out for a personalised recommendation.
Your next great bottle could be just a click away.
