Tartrate

Tartrate is a crystal formed when Tartaric Acid reacts with Potassium as the temperature of a wine cools.

Also known as Wine Diamonds, Tartrate is harmless, settles quickly to the bottom of the bottle and can be removed by simply decanting.

Chief Wine Hacker

« Back to Wine Words Index

Tartrate is a crystal formed when Tartaric Acid reacts with Potassium as the temperature of a wine cools.

Also known as Wine Diamonds, Tartrate is harmless, settles quickly to the bottom of the bottle and can be removed by simply decanting.

Tartrate in it’s pure form is also known as Cream of Tartar. It is used in baking, and, is an ingredient in baking powder. You guessed it, they source the tartrate from the wine industry!

Both Tartaric Acid and Potassium are naturally present in grapes. The solubility of Tartaric Acid and Potassium is dependant on temperature, alcohol concentration, pH and a number of other factors.

Commercial wines are typically made cold stable by chilling the wine down to close to 0ºC encourage tartrate crystallisation, the crystals are then removed by filtering or natural sedimentation followed by racking the wine. There are a number of other methods to achieve this result.

It’s common to see Tartrate in wines that have high acidity, Sauternes, German & Alsatian Riesling, Nebbiolo and many others.

Below is a picture of tartrate from the bottom of the tank when we racked the 2017 Shiraz after it’s second winter cooling in 2018. You can see it’s picked up a bit of colour too.

The cork of a 30 year old Botrytis Riesling with tartrate crystals on it.

The Chemistry

The decanter after a 2013 Sandrone Barbera was polished off. Barbera has very high natural acidity and is prone to forming tartrate in the bottle.

Synonyms:
Wine Diamonds
« Back to Wine Words Index

Feeling Thirsty?

Ar.Pe.Pe Valtellina Superiore Grumello Rocca de Piro 2019
Grumello is to the east of Sondrio on the opposite side to Sassella making for a fascinating comparison in site! Grumello is to the east of Sondrio on the opposite side to Sassella making for a fascinating comparison in site! This is where the largest strides have been made. We’ve seen both of the Grumello Riservas priced at the same point now. Whatever is happening in the vineyard or winery to make that happen is translating into this Superiore (ArPePe makes either Superiores or Riservas in
$108
$103ea in any 3+
$98ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Domaine de la Vougeraie Grand Cru Charmes-Chambertin 'Les Mazoyeres' 2022
This is also markedly floral in character with its cool, airy and equally pure nose of the essence of red berries, forest floor, earth and similar hint of smoked game. The delicious, vibrant and somewhat denser medium-bodied flavors possess a super-sleek yet solidly powerful mouthfeel, all wrapped in a detailed, balanced and beautifully persistent finish. I very much like the fruit-acid-tannin balanced and this is so good that it could well be the finest Charmes of the 2022 vintage. (from a .74
$999
$979ea in any 3+
$959ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Domaine de la Vougeraie Grand Cru 'Musigny' 2022
An admirably subtle touch of wood serves as a backdrop for the exuberantly floral-infused and perfumed nose that offers up notes of exotic spice, poached plum and jasmine tea. The equally tautly muscular yet refined and lilting flavors are blessed with excellent punch and power while exhibiting a pungent minerality on the hugely long built-to-age finish. This refined effort is both stylish and very classy. (from two parcels totaling .21 ha; 100% whole clusters) 2037+Allen Meadows, Burghound
$2,520
$2500ea in any 3+
$2480ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
R.H.Coutier Ambonnay Cuvée Tradition Grand Cru NV
House Fizz!

R.H.Coutier Ambonnay Cuvée Tradition Grand Cru NV

Blend | Montagne de Reims, Ambonnay

Coutier is to Ambonnay what Clouet is to Bouzy! Coutier is to Ambonnay what Clouet is to Bouzy! Two villages just around the corner from each other. Two makers dishing out some seriously tasty vino. Ambonnay is the home to so many great vineyards. Judging by the vino Coutier is playing with the best of them. Their NV along with Clouet’s would have to rate as two of the best value Champagnes at the mo.The Brut tradition is 25-40% Chardonnay 60-75% Pinot in any given release and around 40% r
$86
$82ea in any 3+
$78ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info