Which statement about volatile acidity is accurate?

Which statement about volatile acidity is accurate?

• A. Volatile acidity involves acetic acid–related vinegar-like aromas; can also present as nail-polish remover in higher concentrations
• B. Volatile acidity is described by nutty, caramelized aromas.
• C. Volatile acidity yields burnt matches.
• D. Volatile acidity has no smell.

Answer: (B)

Volatile acidity refers to the volatile acids in wine, mainly acetic acid, along with related compounds. These give vinegar-like aromas, a sharp, tangy note that you can smell even at low levels. At higher concentrations, acetates and related solvents can produce a smell reminiscent of nail-polish remover. Aromas described as nutty or caramelized come from other chemical processes and components, such as oak aging or Maillard-derived compounds, not VA. The burnt-matches smell comes from sulfur compounds, which are unrelated to VA, and VA is detectable by smell rather than being odorless.

Volatile acidity refers to the volatile acids in wine, mainly acetic acid, along with related compounds. These give vinegar-like aromas, a sharp, tangy note that you can smell even at low levels. At higher concentrations, acetates and related solvents can produce a smell reminiscent of nail-polish remover. Aromas described as nutty or caramelized come from other chemical processes and components, such as oak aging or Maillard-derived compounds, not VA. The burnt-matches smell comes from sulfur compounds, which are unrelated to VA, and VA is detectable by smell rather than being odorless.