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.

Chief Wine Hacker

« Back to Wine Words Index

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
« Back to Wine Words Index

Feeling Thirsty?

Domaine de Montille Beaune 1er Cru 'Les Greves' 2022
This is aromatically more complex but also more reserved with its nose of warm earth, poached plum, violet and softly sauvage nuances. There is good power and punch, if only average density, to the muscular and lightly stony medium weight flavors that display excellent length on the more youthfully austere finale. Excellent development potential here. (from a 1.26 ha holding; 50% whole clusters) 2032+Allen Meadows, Burghound (91-94) Points
$265
$255ea in any 3+
$245ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Jean-Paul et Benôit Droin Chablis 1er Cru Vaucoupin 2023
A more elegant and slightly cooler nose freely reveals its aromas of shellfish, white flower and mineral reduction. The sleeker and more intense medium-bodied flavors flash evident minerality on the nicely punchy finish where a touch of lemon zest-tinged acidity helps keep the proper balance. This does though need better depth so a few years of keeping are recommended. Allen Meadows, Burghound 88-91 Points
$182
$175ea in any 3+
$168ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Quinta do Noval Vintage Port 2015

Quinta do Noval Vintage Port 2015

Port | Douro, Portugal

As always this 100% single-quinta wine is drawn from Noval’s own vines. There are three core parcels, all near the winery—the terraces directly surrounding the winery in Pinhão, the vines in the Roncão Valley and a parcel overlooking the Douro River.“The finish is long and jam-packed with delicious fruit, while the purity of that fruit is remarkable. Between its backbone and the freshness of the year, it should age well. Few will refuse a second glass of this debonair Porto at the
$203
$193ea in any 3+
$183ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Giovanni Sordo Barolo minor label stains 2021
ID 94 GW 94
Immediate generosity with plenty to offer from time in bottle. A complete wine. Perfumed, chocolatey and rich. Beautifully weighted with a sense of clarity. Vibrant, refreshing acid and ripe, layered nutty tannins. Loads of energy.ID 94 Points GW 94 Points80% La Morra**Arriving in multiple tranches beginning September + beginning of October 2025**
Original price was: $132.Current price is: $118.
$113ea in any 3+
$108ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info