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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Feeling Thirsty?

Terrantez from Madeira, Portugal

Henriques & Henriques Terrantez 1976

A Garrafeira Selection “Old gold wine. Aroma to dried fruits, namely raisins, light vanilla and some wood. Complex taste between dry and sweet. This is a perfectly balanced wine. Long finish.”Henriques & Henriques21% alc/vol, 72 grams of residual sugar.The 1976 Henriques & Henriques Terrantez Madeira is a remarkable expression of one of the island’s most prized varieties. Produced by the renowned Henriques & Henriques winery, this Madeira exemplifies the

Vintage 1976
$1,235
$1215ea in any 3+
$1195ea in any 6+
Vietti Barolo Riserva 2016
2nd Release of Barolo Riserva!

Nebbiolo from Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo

Vietti Barolo Riserva 2016

Show the class of the vineyards and the winemakers! The stems in Teodoro, Serralunga (just next to Cerretta) are very ripe, so Vietti use 60% whole clusters to make their Barolo Riserva and then holds it in bottle another 5 years.The idea of the Barolo Riserva was born during continuous experimentations carried out both in the vineyard and in the cellar, for the choice of the grapes that will be used for the Barolo Castiglione. Throughout the years, some very high quality plots have started

Vintage 2016
$371
$361ea in any 3+
$351ea in any 6+

Nebbiolo from Commune di Barolo, Barolo

Luciano Sandrone Barolo ‘Le Vigne’ 2019

Bugger! The investors are onto it! An excellent Le Vigne. The restraint in oak use is clever, discrete, just a beuatiful layer. Going back to the 2013 the wood was more overt on release. Today the 2013’s are fully resolved and wonderfully layered. The 2019 is complex, refined & elegant, with vibrant fruit & faded flowerst. A delicacy with great density of fruit. Remaining refreshing. The heart shape of Novello, the faded flowers of Villero the combination of tannin profiles making f

Vintage 2019
$299
$289ea in any 3+
$279ea in any 6+

Shiraz/Syrah from Saint-Joseph, Northern Rhône

François Villard Saint-Joseph ‘Mairlant’ 2020

Love the perfume here very complete long layered fine, dark and red fruit with brooding and stalk. Harmonious with subtle pepper pop. Excellent élévage, fine acid. Build in structure and mid-palate grip, giving energy. Playful fun.Excellent comparision with Hauts Châssis’ Saint-Joseph made with no whole bunches.Saturated violet color. Vibrant, spice-tinged dark berry, cherry, potpourri and licorice aromas are sharpened by a smoky mineral flourish. Fresh blackberry and bitter

Vintage 2020
$107
$102ea in any 3+
$97ea in any 6+