What are tartrates?

What are tartrates?

• A. A sugar crystals
• B. A metallic flakes
• C. Tartaric acid crystals
• D. A salt formed by tannins

Answer: (C)

Tartrates are crystals that form from a salt of tartaric acid in wine, most commonly potassium bitartrate. In bottles, especially white wines or when chilled, the solubility of this salt decreases and crystals precipitate, sometimes seen as a sediment or “wine diamonds.” They are harmless and simply a natural byproduct of tartaric acid in grapes reacting with potassium. The listed option describes the origin of tartrates in terms of tartaric acid, which is why it’s the best fit among the choices. The other options describe sugar crystals, metallic flakes, or tannin-based salts, which aren’t what tartrates are.

Tartrates are crystals that form from a salt of tartaric acid in wine, most commonly potassium bitartrate. In bottles, especially white wines or when chilled, the solubility of this salt decreases and crystals precipitate, sometimes seen as a sediment or “wine diamonds.” They are harmless and simply a natural byproduct of tartaric acid in grapes reacting with potassium. The listed option describes the origin of tartrates in terms of tartaric acid, which is why it’s the best fit among the choices. The other options describe sugar crystals, metallic flakes, or tannin-based salts, which aren’t what tartrates are.