Sediment
Beginner Aging & StorageDefinition
Solid particles that settle in wine during aging.
In Depth
In red wines, sediment consists of polymerized tannins, pigment molecules, and tartrate crystals. It indicates natural aging and is not harmful. White wines may develop tartrate crystals ('wine diamonds'). Sediment increases with age. Decanting before serving separates wine from sediment. Unfiltered wines may show sediment earlier.
Details
- Category
- Aging & Storage
- Difficulty
- Beginner