Soft tribo-alloys are metal-matrix composites consisting of a soft phase embedded in a more resistant matrix to assure optimal tribological properties. The obtention of a finely dispersed second phase is not self-evident aluminium-tin alloys as Al and Sn are immiscible in the solid state and show very strong segregation during solidification. An Al-19%Sn-1%Cu alloy was produced through ingot casting, cold rolling and annealing. Sound casting techniques allow the production of ingots with very low porosity and inclusion content. The elongated structure obtained through 88% cold rolled is refined through annealing. Earlier work has shown that grain refinement and tin redistribution is impossible at low deformations, where only recovery of the aluminium occurs. At higher deformations, individual grains do recrystallise but cannot grow into neighbouring grains as they are separated by liquid tin. A simple model shows how the resulting microstructure depends on the grain boundary energy of the recrystallised aluminium and the surface energy of the solid-liquid interface, through a recrystallisation mechanism that is specific for this alloy.