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
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André Clouet Brut Rosé NV

Pinot Noir | Champagne, Ambonnay

Amid an ocean of Champagne Rosé this is one of the few that stands out! A Rosé with great poise, well balanced, with a great depth and length of fruit delicious Pinot fruit. No need to rely on excessive sugar to make up for poor fruit here! The texture and spice from the addition of a small percentage of red wine to colour the Rosé is just right adding intrigue and cleansing your palate. Rosé as it should be!
$112
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Georges Deschamps Chablis 2022

Chardonnay | France, Burgundy

A richer more immediately generous iteration than the 2021 yet with a delicacy and elegance. Perfumed fruit ripe gold apple a little lemon oil at play and a salty pop. Delicous long fine, supple. Excellent texture, line and length, impressive élévage and that all important mid-palate weight. Complexed by the long slow ferment and time on lees. Great drinking.
$68
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Serious Chenin here. A big jump from the Midi. Lambert appears to be working with a little more phenolic extract adding a playful grip and cleansing astringency. Very complete and flowing. David’s extra time in old oak and a 2nd winter in tank give it harmony and refinement, flowing with a real step up in sophistication. Super zippy, mineral acid with the core of fruit to support it. Building generosity and freshness in the glass on a fine crisp acidity. Heading more strongly down the quinc
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Benchmark Villages Gevrey
Layers of concentrated fruit and a refined texture this is a superb effort full of personality! Very deep color. The is more new oak here to be seen of first impressions that elevate the overall complexity and class of the aromas, it is amply carried by the depth of fruit, wild strawberry, black cherry, blackberry and plum with a brooding background. The palate is suitably concentrated with ample extract and structure that has layers of fruit and texture. Very classy effort. The finish long and
$129
$110 in any 3+
$105ea in any 6+
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