What are the white crystals on the bottom of my metal wine cork?

Question

I have a metal and rubber wine cork and today I discovered white crystals forming on the metal piece that sticks into the bottle. What are the white crystals and more importantly, is there a way to get rid of them?

Yes, I use the cork as a temporary stopper after opening the wine. Most of my wine is Californian and not more than 3-4 years old.

Answer 1

This is common in German wines. Sometimes the crystals attach themselves to the cork if the bottle has been stored on its side. They are "Tartaric Acid Crystals" (also called "Titrates") and are not harmful to the drinker or the wine.

Tartaric Acid is a natural component found in grapes, and therefore wine, that crystallizes when wine becomes very cold, or if the wine is old. Titrates are usually a sign of a good quality wine that has not been over-treated during vinification.

If you are simply using the cork as a temporary stopper after opening a bottle, then that is obviously less likely. Could you give a bit more information on the bottles you use the cork with?

Answer 2

The first guy hit the nail on the head

another word for it is cream of tartar

Answer 3

condensation of liquid and air mix specially in frig/