Bâtonnage

Bâtonage is the process of stirring barrels, or any other vessel holding wine to re-suspend lees, consisting mostly of dead yeast. Stirring the lees impacts the texture, aroma and flavour. In addition, the process introduces oxygen as the vessel must be unsealed to insert the stirrer.

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Bâtonnage is the process of stirring barrels, or any other vessel holding wine to re-suspend lees, consisting mostly of dead yeast. Stirring the lees impacts the texture, aroma and flavour. In addition, the process introduces oxygen as the vessel must be unsealed to insert the stirrer. It’s an important part of the élévage of the wine. Typically stirring will be more frequent in the early phase of ageing. Frequency will be determined by experience and tasting the wine. There is little point in stirring the wine more frequently than weekly as the lees takes a week to settle and the impact of the introduction of oxygen could be too severe.

 

Synonyms:
Lees Stirring
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Vincent Dauvissat Chablis 2019

Vincent Dauvissat Chablis 2019

Chardonnay | France, Burgundy

Here too there is very fine typicity with its ripe but cool nose of white peach, pear, iodine and pretty floral nuances that also include a whiff of citrus confit. There is equally fine volume to the rich yet well-detailed flavors that flash a lovely mineral streak on the refreshingly dry finale. Good stuff in a robust and powerful style that should repay mid-term aging. Drink 2025+ ♥ OutstandingAllen Meadows, Burghound
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Moreau-Naudet Chablis 2021

Moreau-Naudet Chablis 2021

Chardonnay | France, Burgundy

Moreau’s village Chablis is drawn chiefly from 20- to 30-year-old vineyards in Préhy and Courgis, both south of Chablis. Then, there are parcels in Chablis and Chichée (under the Premier Cru vines of Vaugiraut/Vosgros). All up, the domaine works with 30 parcels scattered across the appellation, representing a variety of soil structures and exposures. All the fruit from the younger vines is sold off in bulk, lifting the standard in general. The 2021 Chablis was picked over various dates, dep
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$95ea in any 6+
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Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Premier Cru 'Vaulorent' 2020
This Climat is almost an extension of the slopes where the Grands Crus grow, with only a small path separating them. Sitting directly alongside Les Preuses, the proximity to its illustrious neighbours results in powerful, mineral wines.The restrained and layered nose makes clear that this could be from nowhere else but Chablis with its aromas of algae, iodine, oyster shell and spiced pear. The texture of the medium weight flavors is also sleek and intense with slightly better density to
$187
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Claudio Mariotto 'Pitasso' Derthona Timorasso 2018

Claudio Mariotto ‘Pitasso’ Derthona Timorasso 2018

Timorasso | Piedmont, Colli Tortonesi

It was fascinating drinking a range of Claudio's Timorassos with Simone his right hand man in Oct 2024. We were fortunate to be able to look at some 2018's alongside the 2021's and 2022's. The evolution of Timorasso with those few years really makes for a very complete experience as wines that are already harmonious on release find absolute comfort in their own skins and build in complexity. It's well worth holding them for 5 years+ particularly at this level of quality.The 2018 Pitasso was
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