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 Hudelot-Noëllat 'Grand Cru' Richebourg 2022

Pinot Noir from Vosne-Romanée, Côte-de-Nuits

Domaine Hudelot-Noëllat ‘Grand Cru’ Richebourg 2022

An even spicier nose reflects notes of exotic black tea, dark cherry, incense, hoisin, plum liqueur and a broad range of floral elements. The gorgeously textured medium weight flavors are once again not especially dense yet manage to display impressive power on the dusty, compact and hugely long finish, indeed this offers the best persistence in the entire range. In sum, this is stunningly good with the development potential to match. Don't Miss!Allen Meadows, Burghound 94-97 Points

Vintage 2022
$2,485
$2465ea in any 3+
$2445ea in any 6+
Add to cart
Weingut Nikolaihof Federspiel Ried Vom Stein Riesling 2005

Riesling from Kremstal, Niederösterreich

Weingut Nikolaihof Federspiel Ried Vom Stein Riesling 2005

The late-released 2005 Riesling Vom Stein in fact represents only half of what was produced under that name. The Saahs family would have preferred to have left the total volume in cask for future release, but that wasn’t practical in this instance, so they split it. Raspberry, brown spices, incense, and sweet floral notes result in an unusual and scintillating bouquet. On the palate, there is a dramatically dynamic exchange of berry, citrus, and floral flavors, but also an adamant underlying s

Vintage 2005
$241
$231ea in any 3+
$221ea in any 6+
Add to cart
Domaine Marc Morey Bourgogne Blanc 2023

Chardonnay from Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte du Beaune

Domaine Marc Morey Bourgogne Blanc 2023

Sourced from vineyards directly around Chassagne this drinks like a baby version of the appellation. Bright and beautifully balanced, with aromas of citrus blossom, pear and white peach. The palate is fresh and mineral, combining fresh acidity with subtle texture and a long saline finish. A superb introduction to the precision and elegance of one of Chassagne-Montrachet's benchmark domaines.Fresh and cool aromas include those of green apple, petrol and citrus confit. There is both

Vintage 2023
$126
$121ea in any 3+
$116ea in any 6+
Add to cart
Domaine Trapet Père et Fils Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru 2022

Pinot Noir from Gevrey-Chambertin, Côte-de-Nuits

Domaine Trapet Père et Fils Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru 2022

The 2022 Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru is almost as elegant as the Latricières this year, soaring from the glass with scents of plums, raspberries, rose petals and spices, followed by a full-bodied, ample and perfumed palate that's seamless and refined, with terrific depth at the core, tangy acids and a long, rose-inflected finish.William Kelley, The Wine Advocate 94-96 PointsJM 93-96Slightly more prominent wood influence is present on the ripe and admirably pure aromas of essen

Vintage 2022
$1,815
Add to cart