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PhrasesAt a Wine TastingQuesto bianco è molto acido?
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Questo bianco è molto acido?

Is this white wine very acidic?

Pronunciation

Acido: AH-chee-do. Stress on the first syllable. The ac- is hard 'ak'.

When to use it

Ask before tasting if you're sensitive to acidity, or after tasting to confirm what you're perceiving. High acidity is actually a quality in Italian whites — it means freshness and longevity.

What it means

Molto acido means 'very acidic'. In wine, acidity (acidità) is what makes your mouth water — it's the backbone of great Italian whites like Vermentino, Greco di Tufo, and Soave.

Variations

Ha una bella acidità fresca.

It has a lovely fresh acidity.

Positive expression — fresca (fresh) acidity is desirable.

L'acidità bilancia la struttura?

Does the acidity balance the structure?

Advanced question about balance.

Mi fa venire l'acquolina in bocca.

It makes my mouth water.

L'acquolina — salivation. A sign of good acidity.

Mini Dialogue

— Questo bianco è molto acido? — Ha una bella acidità viva. Non aggressiva, vivace. — Mi fa venire l'acquolina in bocca. — Perfetto! È quello che vogliamo. Si abbina magnificamente con i frutti di mare.

— Is this white wine very acidic? — It has a lovely lively acidity. Not aggressive, vivacious. — It makes my mouth water. — Perfect! That's what we want. It pairs magnificently with seafood.

Cultural Note

Italy's high-altitude vineyards (Trentino, Friuli, Alto Adige) and volcanic terroirs (Etna, Campania) produce whites with exceptional natural acidity. This is why Italian wines pair so well with food — acidity cuts through fat and refreshes the palate between bites.