Volatile Acidity
Volatile Acidity (VA) is a quality measurement used in winemaking that shows how much unwanted vinegar-like acid is in wine. Think of it like a quality control test that helps winemakers ensure their wine tastes good and meets industry standards. When someone lists this on their resume, it usually means they understand wine quality testing and have experience in wine laboratory work. It's similar to other wine quality measurements like pH testing or alcohol content analysis. This skill is particularly important for positions in wine production, quality control, or laboratory analysis at wineries.
Examples in Resumes
Managed daily Volatile Acidity testing for wine production of 50,000 cases annually
Implemented new VA testing procedures that improved accuracy by 25%
Trained junior staff in Volatile Acidity analysis and quality control procedures
Typical job title: "Wine Laboratory Technicians"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Wine Laboratory Technicians
Professional Organizations
Job Resources
Industry Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you set up a quality control program for monitoring Volatile Acidity in a large winery?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss implementing regular testing schedules, training staff, establishing acceptable VA ranges, creating documentation procedures, and developing corrective action plans when problems are found.
Q: What steps would you take if you noticed increasing VA levels in wine storage?
Expected Answer: They should explain monitoring procedures, preventive measures like temperature control and sanitation, and corrective actions including possible treatment options or blend adjustments.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the accepted VA levels for different types of wines?
Expected Answer: Should know standard industry ranges for different wine types (red, white, dessert wines) and explain why these levels matter for wine quality and legal compliance.
Q: Explain how you would train someone to perform VA testing.
Expected Answer: Should describe the step-by-step testing process, safety procedures, equipment calibration, and quality control measures to ensure accurate results.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is Volatile Acidity and why is it important in winemaking?
Expected Answer: Should explain that VA measures unwanted acids in wine, mainly acetic acid, and how it affects wine quality and taste.
Q: What basic equipment is used for VA testing?
Expected Answer: Should be familiar with common laboratory equipment used in VA analysis and basic testing procedures.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic laboratory procedures
- Simple VA testing methods
- Record keeping
- Understanding of wine chemistry basics
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced testing procedures
- Quality control program implementation
- Staff training
- Problem identification and solving
Senior (5+ years)
- Program development and management
- Advanced troubleshooting
- Quality assurance system design
- Team leadership and training
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on laboratory experience
- Unfamiliarity with basic wine chemistry
- Poor understanding of sanitation practices
- Lack of attention to detail in quality control procedures
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