Have you ever opened a bottle of wine, poured it into your glass, and noticed strange little crystals at the bottom? Don’t panic! These mysterious ‘crystals’ in your glass are known as wine diamonds and they are actually a naturally-occurring phenomenon due to the presence of tartaric acid in wine. In this blog post, RayLen Vineyards & Winery is here to answer all your questions about these tiny crystals, and explain why you should not be worried next time you see them!
What are Wine Diamonds?
Wine diamonds, or tartrate crystals, are harmless and tasteless deposits of crystallized potassium bitartrate (KHT) formed during the winemaking process. They are most often seen in white wines but can also be present in reds.
Why Do Wine Diamonds Form?
These crystals appear when tartaric acid becomes unstable because of its reaction to temperature changes or other environmental factors. The solubility of tartaric acid in wine is temperature-dependent. When a wine is chilled to temperatures below 40 degrees, the remaining tartaric acid will bind with the naturally occurring potassium in the wine to form crystalline deposits (potassium bitartrates), or tartrates.
What is Tartaric Acid in Winemaking?
Tartaric acid is a natural acid found in grapes and is the most important organic acid in wine. It gives wine its tartness, contributes to its brightness, and helps to give it balance. Tartaric acid is also important for enabling malolactic fermentation, which reduces the wine’s overall acidity and creates a softer and rounder feel. When tartaric acid becomes unstable, it will crystallize into tiny salt-like particles commonly known as ‘wine diamonds’ or ‘tartrate crystals’.
Should You Worry About Wine Diamonds?
No! Not at all! They are neither harmful nor damaging to your health if consumed as they dissolve quickly on your tongue like sugar.
What Should You Do if You See Wine Diamonds?
If you see wine diamonds in your glass or at the bottom of a bottle, there is no need to panic! Wine diamonds are harmless and tasteless, so if you don’t mind them resting at the bottom of your glass then there is no need to do anything about it. However, if you would prefer not to have these tiny crystals in your wine, simply pour it into a decanter and swirl it around (similar to stirring) before serving. This will help dissolve the wine diamonds before they reach your glass.
Can I Prevent Wine Diamonds?
Unfortunately, there is no foolproof way to prevent the formation of these harmless wine crystals. The best preventative measure is to store the wine correctly. Bear in mind that refrigerators are not ideal for long-term wine storage. For a quick guide to correct wine storage you can read our blog: “Storing Wine: Tips for Keeping Your Wine Collection in Perfect Condition.”
Conclusion
Wine diamonds might look strange and unappealing, but they are completely harmless. You can prevent them from appearing in your glass by storing wine properly and decanting the wine before serving, but if you don’t mind these tiny crystals then there is no need to worry.
If you have any other questions about wine diamonds or anything else related to wine, please do not hesitate to contact one of our knowledgeable staff members at RayLen Vineyards & Winery today. We would love to help you out with any queries you may have. Happy sipping!
