What are those small crystals at the bottom of the wine bottle?

A customer sent me an e-mail today asking about the crystals at the bottom of a bottle of Max Black.  I thought it would be a good time to share with everyone else, just in case any other folks have the same question!

"First off, we Love your wines; however, back in late December, 2017, my daughter purchased a case of Max Black at your winery. She took it back to Colorado with her and every bottle she has opened has so much residue in the bottom of the bottle. See pictures. Is there something she can do? She loves the wine but hates the residue."

Tartaric acid crystals found at the bottom of a bottle of Max Black

Hello! 

Thank you for getting in touch with us.  This is naturally occurring in wines as they age and mellow in the bottle.  It is called tartaric acid which collects naturally (more often in red wines) at the bottom of the bottle after it has aged for some time.  Here is a link to read more on tartaric acid, sometimes referred to as "wine diamonds": https://www.jordanwinery.com/files/FlexibleFile/289/Wine_Tartrates_FAQ.pdf 

No worries, it is completely natural and harmless.  In fact, cream of tartar is the the byproduct of tartaric acid.  

I am glad you reached out to us and I hope this information is helpful.  I often use a Haley's Corker in my wine bottles at home which aerates the wine while you pour it, but the grid pattern also captures any tartaric acid crystals, if present, in the bottle.  This may be a good gift idea for your daughter!

Cheers!

We welcome your questions and comments, please feel free to write to us winery@deerrunwinery.com.