What is the white scale on my crusher?

I have asked several wine makers this question and no one seems to know the answer. After crushing grapes, both red and white, my crusher paddles have a white scale on them. The scale can be scrubbed off with a lot of elbow grease but tries to stay permanently attached to the stainless steel paddles. I have flaked it off and it has no discernable odor, is tasteless (yes I did taste it) and is white. If you know what this is, please tell us! I suspect that it is a protein possibly bound to sulfur.

Thanksgiving 2007: One to remember!

My wife and kids and I have just returned after a visit to my mother and father in OH for Thanksgiving. We were joined by my brother (from DC). We are truly blessed as there was an abundance of love, laughs, food and wine. Mom still delivers a mean kitchen, twice baked potatoes, oyster dressing, Grand Marnier Turkey (deboned by dad of course), candied pears, egg plant parmesan and steamed asparagus spears. The wine of course was a young and vibrant 2006, newly released, Tre Vinifera (a blend of Zinfandel [60%], Cabernet Sauvignon [30%], Merlot [10%]). This blend was a favorite at our blending party this year. Big aromas of cherries and black berries, currants and plum on the palate with a long finish of dark berries, hints of cocoa, candied fruit and subtle leather. We ate, drank, laughed, played games and ate some more. Gingerbread men, peach pie, pumpkin pie, canoli's, oh my!
The only downside, besides having to say goodbye (for now) was that my sister and our nieces and nephew could not be with us. But we were glad that she was able to spend the holiday with our cousins in Los Angeles.
Thanks mom and dad!