Chaptalisation

Chaptalisation is the process of adding sugar to fermenting grape juice or must, enriching it to increase the final alcohol of the wine.

Chief Wine Hacker

« Back to Wine Words Index

Chaptalisation is the process of adding sugar to fermenting grape juice or must, enriching it to increase the final alcohol of the wine. Wine and food laws permitting chaptalisation vary from country to country and region to region. In most countries chaptalisation is carried using cane sugar. In Australia it is only permitted to use grape juice concentrate. This is typically made from high yield neutral varieties grown in the Riverland and will come in liquid form thicker than honey at concentration of around 70% sugar. It is common practice for winemakers who chaptalise in Australia to use cane sugar to avoid the flavours, aroma and other undesirable components that come in grape juice concentrate.

Synonyms:
Chaptalize, Chaptalization, Chaptalise, Crystal Sunshine
« Back to Wine Words Index

Feeling Thirsty?

Castello dei Rampolla 'd'Alceo' 2016
From high density plantings of Cabernet and Petit Verdot. This show how good Bordeaux blends can be in Italy and just how different they are from their French counterparts! Jumping from 4,000 vines a hectare to 8-10,000. Grown as bush vines. Immediate oppulence and generosity on the nose. The structural element from the tannin are very different from the tannins of Bordeaux, edgy again in a good way.  Such complexity with a layer of macerative characters and the perfume they can offer. Vibrant
$292
$282ea in any 3+
$272ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Giovanni Rosso Barolo 'Cerretta' 2018

Giovanni Rosso Barolo ‘Cerretta’ 2018

Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo

Owned by the Rosso family since 1920, the plot was partly replanted in 1984 and 2000. Situated about 2 miles (3km) to the north of Serralunga village, Cerretta lies close to the hamlet of Baudana and envelops that of Cerretta.The fruit for this Cru wine comes from the best parcel which is shaped like an amphitheatre facing south-east. This part of the vineyard provides a particularly good micro-climate for Nebbiolo since it is protected from stronger winds by the copse at the bottom of the s
$198
$191ea in any 3+
$184ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Domaine SC Guillard Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 'Réniard' 2023
Old vine depth & persistence
Cherry red fruits florals detailed and hint of floral cool and flowing red fruits and fine slightly chalky tannins very classy fruit and finish hint of new oak lifts aromas and finishTannins tightly packed but lovely balance and power, the length, the concentration, very impressive, classic old schoolDrink 2030-2040+Tom Carson
$122
$117ea in any 3+
$112ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Luigi Pira Barolo 'Vigna Rionda' 2021

Luigi Pira Barolo ‘Vigna Rionda’ 2021

Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo

In recent times, Vigna Rionda gets spoken about as the grand cru of the Langhe – altitude, exposure and soil profile play an integral part.As expected, this is Giampaolo’s flagship wine. The oak regime is similar to the ‘Marenca’ but with a larger portion of newer oak – around 30%.Ultra-powerful and layered in fragrances, flavours and textures. Smoke, graphite, incense, stock/porcini, sweet tobacco, violets. All this character is underpinned by a fierce, tingling acid line and
$285
$275ea in any 3+
$265ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info