By now you may have heard that we just released our newest product, the SC-50 MLF Analyzer. We have been working on this for nearly two years, mainly to be sure that the product is easy to use, reliable and accurate. The approach we took was to have the device measure the increase in CO2 pressure that occurs when malic acid is converted to lactic acid, a process we call ‘Biopressure’. This increase in pressure is then converted to an electrical current that the SC-100 or -300 SO2 analyzers can pick up and display. Pretty simple really, but the devil is in the details as they say. And quite honestly we expect the methods (but not the hardware) to improve over time as we learn new ways to make it even faster to use.
(Chemical Structure of l-Malic Acid)
They idea of using pressure to measure malic acid in wine is not new in itself. Over 50 years ago, George Kolar of the Australian Wine Research Institute published an article entitled “Manometric Determination of l(—) Malic Acid in Grape Musts and Wines”* that described a method adapted from earlier biochemical research. This method was adopted widely during the 60s, but was eventually displaced by other analytical techniques, most notably the paper and liquid chromatographic methods, and enzymatic spectrometric assays. All of these later methods were either simpler (paper chromatography) or more accurate and suitable for commercial laboratory use. In contrast, the manometric (i.e., based on measuring gas pressure) method, while sensitive and accurate, involved complex glassware and a good deal of professional training to execute.
We believe that the SC-50 incorporates 21st century technology that makes it a pretty good manometric device that is easy to use; the Biopressure agents, reagents, and methods we have developed over the the last 2 years give Dr. Kolar’s technique an entirely new lease on life. You should be able to complete a few or a few dozen tests in 30 minutes, something that would have taken him (or probably his graduate student, poor soul) hours and hours, 50 years ago.
*Am. J. Enol. Vitic 1962 vol. 13 no. 3 99-104 http://www.ajevonline.org/content/13/3/99.abstract
“We tested the SC-50 Beta Malic Acid Analyzer for several months as well as the final production unit with four premium quality wines. It takes the guesswork out of MLF “End-Point” Determination and my wines are much smoother now in just months!”
Thomas Daniel Mincarelli Vinmetrica Southeast Distributor and CEO of “Eagles’ Nest” Sustainable Micro Home Winery & Vineyard eaglesnestsustainablevigneron.blogspot.com
I have my new SC-50 and would like to know how temperature impacts the results of malic analysis. How does temperature impact the results?
Bradley, Thank you for your inquiry.
Temperature may affect the Biopressure agent. The Biopressure agent should be at approximately room temperature. For example, if it is too cold where you are testing, or if the Biopressure agent has not come to room temperature, your reaction may not complete in 30 minutes as stated in the procedure. It may take a longer time or shorter depending on the conditions.
The 1M Malic Acid and the Boost Juice do not need to come to room temperature before using them in your reaction.
Please let us know if you have any further questions.