Chaptalisation

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

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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
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Passopisciaro Contrada 'G' Guardiola Nerello Mascelese 2020

Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily

Passopisciaro Contrada ‘G’ Guardiola Nerello Mascelese 2020

Guardiola higher elevation puts it on the more elegant side of the scales! Made from Nerello Mascelese, some call it the Barolo of the South, others a cross between Pinot & Nebbiolo. I prefer to say it is itself & delicious. The vineyards of Etna have undergone a major renaissance in the last couple of decades. Passipisciaro has been one of the wineries at the forefront. I was blown away the first time I tasted this wine.NOTE: The two reviews below were made almost 12 months apart. T

Vintage 2020
$188
$178ea in any 3+
$168ea in any 6+
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Fratelli Alessandria Barolo 'Gramolere' 2019

Nebbiolo from Monforte d'Alba, Barolo

Fratelli Alessandria Barolo ‘Gramolere’ 2019

'The 2019 Barolo Gramolere (with 7,000 bottles made) shows a slightly sweeter and riper fruit profile. This wine comes from the village of Monforte d'Alba, which is known for more structured and powerful wines compared to Verduno (where this winery is based), which offers lighter, more floral wines instead. Gramolere shows dark fruit, plum and spice, but it also has a pretty mineral note of rust or iron. However, within this portfolio, this wine may well deliver the longest drinking window.' Dri

Vintage 2019
$240
$230ea in any 3+
$220ea in any 6+
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Domaine Faiveley 'Mazis Chambertin' Grand Cru 2020

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

Domaine Faiveley ‘Mazis Chambertin’ Grand Cru 2020

Mazi is alway a favourite. Hugely long yet impeccably well-balanced! The 2020 Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru is deep and brooding, unfurling in the glass with aromas of blackberries, peonies, loamy soil and sweet soil tones. Full-bodied, ample and velvety, its concentrated core of fruit is framed by rich, powdery tannins and succulent acids. It's a worthy follow-up to the brilliant 2019.William Kelley, The Wine Advocate 93-95+ BH 92-94

Vintage 2020
$895
$875ea in any 3+
$855ea in any 6+
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Domaine des Marrans Morgon 'Corcellette' 2023

Gamay Noir from Morgon, Beaujolais

Domaine des Marrans Morgon ‘Corcellette’ 2023

About Domaine des Marrans Domaine des Marrans is located in Fleurie, in the heart of the northernmost section of Beaujolais. Founded in 1970, the current proprietor is the young and talented Mathieu Mélinand, who joined the family domaine in 2008. With old vines and crystalline granite sites, Mathieu is growing some of the most pristine […]

Vintage 2023
$58
$55ea in any 3+
$52ea in any 6+
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