Calcium Instability in Wines: Origin, Chemical Forms and Management Strategies

Davide Camoni examines the chemistry of calcium in wines, analyzing different ionic forms, insoluble salts and the viticultural origin of calcium, with practical implications for enological stability management.

This video is an excerpt from the masterclass on wine instability organized by Vinidea. You can access the full recordings at this link: https://vinidea.it/en/product/wine-instabilities/

Technical Contents:

The presentation distinguishes between total, combined and reactive calcium, drawing an analogy with total, combined and active sulfur dioxide. Analysis of the main insoluble or partially soluble calcium salts: calcium phosphate, oxalate, gluconate, ammonium tartrate, propionate and sulfate. Importance of anion analysis to identify soluble salts capable of releasing calcium after fining.

Analytical Complexity:

Study of differential solubility of calcium salts as a function of alcohol content. Role of pectins, polyphenols, proteins and polysaccharides in supporting calcium in forms difficult to remove. Risk of delayed crystallization post-fining for calcium salts complexed with protective colloids.

Wine origin:

Physiological data on calcium uptake in grapevines: 40% before fruit set, 30% before veraison, 40% after veraison. Annual removal of approximately 100 kg/ha. Influence of soil pH, excess ammonium ions, precipitation, and rootstock on final accumulation.

Practical Case Studies:

Experience with Lambrusco wines from Emilia Romagna showing calcium concentrations up to 300-400 mg/L. Analytical trend in Franciacorta: average increase of 10-15 mg/L over the past 10-15 years. Structurally unresolvable calcium stability issues beyond certain concentration thresholds.

About the Speaker:
Davide Camoni – Specialist in sparkling wine instability and enological technology.

This video is an excerpt from the masterclass on wine instability organized by Vinidea. You can access the full recordings at this link: https://vinidea.it/en/product/wine-instabilities/