Use code SENTIA200 at checkout and get $200 off a Sentia wine analyzer!

The Sentia hand-held wine analyzer measures 6 key analytes during the production process: free SO₂, glucose, fructose, malic acid, titratable acidity and acetic acid. Tests take just minutes, no special skill is required and calibration is automatic. Use in the winery, at the barrel, tank and bottling line – affordable, fast, convenient.

Offer ends 31st December 2023, terms and conditions may apply.

Unified is the biggest wine trade show in North America and that’s why Sentia will be there again in 2024.
We want you to be there too, so the purchaser of every Sentia analyzer sold until the end of December 2023, will be eligible for 6 general admission tickets to Unified 2024.

For existing customers, everyone purchasing 5 vials of strips or more in one transaction will be eligible for 2 general admission tickets.

Orders must be placed in November and/or December 2023 to be valid for this offer.

Just complete the form below, upload your order confirmation and we will email you your tickets in December.

We look forward to seeing you there!

A step-by-step guide for updating software.

1. Connect device to a power source.
2. Connect device to internet.  The Sentia analyzer can only check for software updates when connected to internet (via Wi-Fi).  
3. If a software update is available, an “i” for install will appear on the device Home screen, top left-hand side. *
   
4. Touch the “i” icon and permit the new update by pressing 
            

* Note: upon Wi-Fi connection it may take your device some time to recognize that a new software version has become available.  

If you are still seeing no software update information after ~1 hour, try turning the device off/on again, then repeat steps.

By Marnie Sanderson, Product Specialist – Sentia

So how should the wine industry define and describe our acidity measurements in wine, and what are the differences between titratable acidity measurements around the globe?

Definition and measurable differences of total acidity and titratable acidity

There are some slight but significant distinctions between the terms titratable acidity and total acidity that are important to define, in order to understand why confusion arises around these terms when used synonymously. 

The definition differences

Titratable acidity measures the amount of carboxylic acid protons in a sample that can be recovered during titration with a strong base (Boulton, R. 1980). In the wine industry, the titrations end point differs usually as a function of the analyst’s regionality of work or education.

Total acidity quantifies all the acidic protons within a sample, both donated and undonated, and therefore captures the entirety of acids present. This can be performed using spectrometry or chromatography laboratory methods.

The definition differences between the two terms are a reason why using the term “total acidity” in place of “titratable acidity” for the general titration method, is technically incorrect.

The measurable differences

Regardless of the definition technicalities, a study by Boulton (1980) also found that the amount of acids recovered by titratable acidity at pH 7.0 was only 74% of the total acids present. To achieve full total acidity recovery, the sample must first be passed through a column with ion-exchange resin and all the carboxylic groups released before the titration step (Rajković, M. et al. 2007). This highlights further that an inherent difference exists between total and titratable acidity and is the second reason why using these two terms interchangeably can be inaccurate.

Measuring titratable acidity in the winery using traditional methods

As the acidic characteristics of juice and wine are determined by relatively weak organic acids (Torress, A.R. et al. 2011), the titration of wines with a strong base will provide a meaningful acidity measurement fit for winemaking purposes. Titratable acidity is also simple enough to be taught to inexperienced personnel and cheap to measure, which is another reason why it is the industry standard adopted for measuring acidity in wine and grape juice. There are also automated titration instruments such as the Hanna Automatic Mini Titrator 230V or the Metrohm 916 Ti-Touch that offer further simplicity if the budget allows.

Regardless of whether you are using a manual or automatic titratable acidity method, all follow the same traditional principle. That is, slowly adding a strong base (usually sodium hydroxide) to a known amount of wine until it reaches a pre-determined end point which allows you to calculate the concentration of acids in the wine. In European countries and as shown in figure two, winemakers titrate to pH 7.0 and express the result as sulfuric acid. In other continents, winemakers titrate to pH 8.2 and express the result as tartaric acid. Results calculated to two different end points and expressed as different acids depending on your global location or educational and work influences, generates another layer of confusion.

Why do we measure at either titratable acidity at pH 7.0 expressed as sulfuric acid, or titratable acidity at pH 8.20 expressed as tartaric acid?

When titrating wine or juice with sodium hydroxide (the equivalent to titrating a weak acid with a strong base), the equivalence point occurs at a pH above 7.0 (Iland, P. et al. 2004). As pH 7.0 is where the dye indicator bromothymol blue changes colour, this is likely one reason historically that European nations measure to this end point.

Since wine acids are weak organic acids which are reluctant to donate their protons to a base at pH 7.0, some would argue that titrating to a higher pH of 8.2 is more correct, as this is where come donation is complete (FIVS, 2015). For this reason, and the fact a phenolphthalein indicator turns pink at this range as well, many of us choose a pH of 8.2 as our chosen end point when measuring titratable acidity.

As different amounts of base are used to reach each endpoint, the difference in acidity of the same wine being titrated to pH 7.0 and 8.2 is around 6-8% (Boulton, R. 1980). Therefore, comparing a USA based Chardonnay with USA titratable acidity measurement of 6.0 g/L has a very different meaning (and acidity level) to a Riesling grown in Germany with a European titratable acidity measurement of 6.0 g/L as well.  

Adding further complexity is that titratable acidity is expressed as though all the available protons were donated from one acid species. Those who measure titratable acidity to pH 7.0 usually                                                       express it in units of sulfuric acid, whilst those that measure to pH 8.20 express it in units of tartaric acid, which is the acid of highest concentration in grapes. Nevertheless, both expressions are incorrect and misleading, as the acids encompassed by the titration method incorporates many organic acids.

The major acids captured during wine and grape juice acidity measurements

There are many acids found in wine and grape juice besides tartaric acid, some more prevalent than others. When using Sentia or any titration-based method (even if you call it total acidity) you can expect the following acids to be captured: 

• Tartaric acid
• Malic acid
• Succinic acid
• Lactic acid
• Acetic acid
• Citric acid

Of these acids captured, tartaric and malic acids account for the majority within a wine (see figure three). Some studies such as that by Volmer found they accounted for over 90% (2007), whilst another at the Australian Wine Research Institute found this number is more like 60% (Wilkes, E. 2016).

Using the two terms total acidity and titratable acidity interchangeably

Regardless of the technical definition differences, the two terms, titratable and total are often used synonymously, even when referring to the same industry standard titration method. That is, titrating a volume of wine with a basic solution to get to a particular pH end point.

For example, the recommended method provided by the International Organization of Vine and Wine (a European based group), calls the measurement of acids in wine total acidity. However, by its method description, it recommends a titration to a pH 7.0 end point. As this method would not recover all the hydrogen ions expected from the acids of grape juice and wine (Boulton, R. 1980), it is understandable then, why calling the titratable acidity method “total acidity” causes confusion for those of us who like chemical definitions.

However, at the end of the day, there is a relatively simple rule to go by.

If you are comparing Sentia to your existing method of measuring acidity, you should consider the chemical reaction occurring. It is likely, regardless of whether you define your historical reference measurement as titratable acidity or total acidity, that you are still titrating your sample with a strong base (or an equivalent method). The Sentia acidity measurement correlates to this titration method in all corners of the globe – that is and as shown in figure one, to the historically used end points of pH 7.0 and 8.2 by a simple selection in the test type screen.

References

Boulton, R. (1980). The Relationship Between Total Acidity, Titratable Acidity and pH in Wine. American Journey of Enology and Viticulture, 31(1), 76 – 80.

Iland, P., Bruer, N., Edwards, G., Weeks., S & Wilkes, E. (2004). Chemical Analysis of Grapes and Wine: Techniques and Concepts. Patrick Iland Wine Promotions Pty Ltd.

FIVS. (2015). Harmonizing Expression of Measurement Results in Wine Analysis: Testing for Total or Titratable Acidity (TA) of Wine. International Wine Technical Summit, Technical Brief.

International Organisation of Vine and Wine. (2023). Compendium of International Methods of Wine and Must Analysis, Volume One. International Organisation of Vine and Wine.

Rajković, M., Novaković, I., & Petrović, A. (2007). Determination of Titratable Acidity in White Wine. Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 52(2), 169 – 184. 

Torres, A.R., Lyra, W., Andrade, S., Andrade, R., Silva, E., Araújo, M., & Gaiao, E. (2011). A Digital Image-based Method for Determining of Total Acidity in Red Wines Using Acid-base Titration Without Indicator. Talanta, 84, 601 – 606.

Volmer, D., Curbani, L., Parker, T., Garcia, J., Schultz L., & Borges, E. (2017). Determination of Titratable Acidity in Wine Using Potentiometric, Conductive, and Photometric Methods. Journal of Chemical Education, 94, 1296 – 1302.

Wilkes, E. (2016). Wine Acids, Not Just Tartaric. Technical Review No. 221. The Australian Wine Research Institute, 10 – 13.

Sentia – wine testing made easy during harvest and beyond

With harvest approaching, join us for a 45 minute webinar which will explain why Sentia is the most convenient wine analysis tool available to help you through your busiest time of the year.

Date: July 27th Time: 1pm PDT US

National Sales Manager Pelle Nilsson will introduce Sentia, followed by an explanation of the technical platform by the scientists who developed it. We’ll cover the hardware, software and strip technology which supports tests in just minutes for fructose & glucose, malic acid, titratable acidity, free SO² and acetic acid.

There will be time for Q+A after the presenters so you can be confident you’ll be armed with all the information you need to revolutionise your wine testing. Attendees will be offered a pre-harvest saving on analyzer purchases.

Please register for “Sentia – wine testing made easy during harvest and beyond” on Jul 27, 2023 1:00 PM PDT at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3200212588094784085

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

We look forward to seeing you on the day!

We all know harvest is the busiest time of the winemaking year. Sentia makes it easier by saving you precious time when you need it most. Test fructose, glucose, malic acid and titratable acidity – plus free SO² and acetic acid – in minutes, on a hand-held device. That’s why Sentia is the most convenient wine analysis tool available.

New Sentia customers – save $100 on the Sentia Analyzer promo – SENTIA100 (ends 30 Sept 23)

All customers – Buy any 5 vials of test strips and receive 1 complimentary vial free SO² strips – SENTIA5+1 (ends 31 Oct 23)

Submit a Sentia endorsement below and receive a free Sentia analyzer protective cover, lanyard and stylus as a “thank-you” from us. Offer ends 31st July, 2023 or while stocks last.

Sentia™ patent information – https://sentiaanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sentia-Patent-Filings.pdf

Unfortunately, good wine doesn’t happen by chance.  It takes meticulous crafting. 

To produce a quality wine, winemakers must subject their product to a multitude of tests, checks and additions.  Most wines will be filtered, stabilized, adjusted, adjusted again, screened for microbes, checked for taints, and so on.  And what if a taint gets noted? Well, then we cross our fingers and hope that we’ve caught it early, because dealing with taints is a whole new ball game.

We also now have legalities to consider.  Will our wine pass government-set regulatory standards, and how can we check for this? … Say hello to more testing! 

Modern wine testing and intervention methods.

Modern day wine practices that have allowed us to improve upon the quality and taste of our wines fall into a number of action-based categories.  Tests that promote:

• Product physical and chemical stability

• Product microbial stability
• Product flavour
• Legal compliance with regulatory bodies 

Product physical and chemical stability

Many tests can now be performed to promote the physical and chemical stability of wine.  We can navigate around problems such as protein hazes and tartrate instabilities but one of the most well-known and encountered problems is oxidation.  The ability of winemakers to be able to keep oxidation damage under control has been a real game changer.

When wine is exposed to too much oxygen, oxidation ensues, and this can degrade your product in several ways.  Oxygen will readily react with ethanol to produce excess quantities of acetaldehyde, leading to a fruity/sherry taint.  It also readily reacts with wine components such as anthocyanins and phenols, which causes browning, unwanted aromas, and flavour profile changes.

So how do we test our way out of oxidation issues?  Simple.  We add an antioxidant preservative such as sulphur dioxide (SO2) that will “deal” with oxygen exposures.  We then monitor the heck out of it, checking its levels and making extra additions where necessary, to ensure that we always have enough in an available form.

These days we can check SO2 concentrations via a number of methods: A/O, Ripper, modified Ripper, spectrophotometry and Sentia.  And if you really want to spend some bucks, you could even try gas chromatography.   

Product microbial stability

There are several microbes that can impact wine.  Some of them we harness for use, and others we just want to avoid as “contaminants”.  Two of the biggest contaminants commonly noted in wine are Brettanomyces spp. and acetic acid bacteria.  Both can produce undesirable volatile compounds if present in wine and left untreated: acetic acid (both), and 4-ethylphenol/4-ethylguaicol (Brettanomyces).   

High acetic acid levels in wine can cause an undesirable vinegar taint, while high 4-ethylphenol/4-ethylguiacol (4-EP/4-EG) levels can cause smells and flavours often described as ‘Band-Aid’, ‘medicinal’, ‘horsey’ and ‘barnyard’.   

Common tests that we can now use to screen for microbial contaminants are culture plates, polymerase chain reaction procedures (PCR) and taint checks (e.g., GC-MS used for 4-EP, 4-EG testing, and Sentia or spectrophotometry easy options for acetic acid).

Product flavour

While there are some flavours in wine that we definitely do not want to enhance (e.g., taints), there are others that we do.  A winemaker will have to make decisions based on a style of wine that they are hoping to create.

Is your wine tasting a bit flabby and flat?  This could be due to your acidity levels.  Best to get a titratable acidity reading here.  White wine missing that sharp fruity edge?  Give your malic acid levels a check.  

Legalities – labelling requirements, additives, and taints.  

One last reason to test your wine: legalities.  In this day and age, a number of wine components must now be measured and concentrations declared.  

In most countries you must declare an alcohol content on your wine and this needs to be visible on the label.  There are then some components and additives that need to be checked for concentration due to “safety” requirements (e.g., SO2 and volatile acidity).

In Australia a legal limit for volatile acidity in wine has been set at 1.5 g/L (expressed as acetic acid) (AWRI).  In the US, this figure varies slightly, being 1.4 g/L for red wines and 1.2 g/L for whites (expressed as acetic acid) (CFR).

So, to test or not to test?

At the end of the day, how much or how little a winemaker wants to test their wine is really up to them.  If you’re looking to make something just “okay” and for personal use, then you can probably get away with cutting some corners.  If on the other hand you’re looking to create something special, something with the potential to be genuinely remarkable, then you should s invest in some testing! 

The more testing and monitoring one does during the winemaking process, the more control one has over final product outputs.