Tartrates
Tartrates in my Pet-Nat??
Tartrates are wine diamonds – these sparkly crystals are natural deposits of potassium bitartrate from grapes, often called “wine diamonds” for their gem-like appearance.
Why tartrates form in Pet-Nat?
Pet-Nats skip cold stabilization (a common processing step), so tartrates can precipitate naturally during fermentation or when it’s chilled.
Triggered by cold temps
Crystals often appear when wine drops below 40°F (4°C), like in a fridge, think of it as the wine “sweating” out excess acids.
Common in all wines, but Pet-Nat shines
While they can form in reds, whites and rosés, Pet-Nats embrace them as part of the bubbly, natural process.
A sign of quality
Tartrates are more common in high-end, natural wines like Pet-Nat because minimal intervention preserves the wine’s authentic character.
No impact on taste
They don’t change the flavor or quality of your Pet-Nat, just a cosmetic quirk that shows the wine is unfiltered and alive.
They’re completely harmless
Tartrates are safe to consume and non-toxic, they’re the same compound as cream of tartar used in baking.
Easy to handle
To keep crystals out of your glass, chill the bottle upright, then decant slowly or strain them, Simple as that!!