Equilibrium and kinetic parameters for the sedimentation of tartaric salts in young wines

Abstract

In young wines potassium hydrogen tartrate is always present in supersaturating concentration and crystallizes spontaneously. The aim of this study is to obtain kinetic parameters, which explain the stability of young wines during the stabilization treatments. The kinetic and equilibrium parameters were evaluated and discussed. The heating factor has a decisive influence on the reaction rate of potassium hydrogen tartrate precipitation in young wines. An increase of temperature leads to a decrease in efficiency of stabilization process and to an enhancement of the activation energy of the system. According to the obtained experimental results, the optimal regime for production and stabilization of young wines has been established.