3

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?

Casanova di Neri 'Cerretalto' Brunello di Montalcino 2019
💯
The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is a showstopper, with a bouquet that mixes hauntingly dark florals, black cherries, incense, exotic spices and sweet sage. It seduces the senses with silken textures and ripe wild berry fruit scents, taking on a steady tension as hints of blood orange and an air of violet florals saturate the palate. It finishes structured and impossibly long as a primary concentration lingers, leaving a stain of blackberry and sour cherry, all framed by regal tannins.
$990
Add to cart
More Info
Roagna Timorasso Derthona Montemarzino 2019

Roagna Timorasso Derthona Montemarzino 2019

Timorasso | Colli Tortonesi, Italy

A grape variety saved by saved by Massa & on the rise! With Vietti, Roagna and Borgogno adding their names to those making Timorasso, it's clear something special is happening in Derthona (the old name for Tortona).'The 2019 Timorasso Derthona Montemarzino is bright, transparent and super-expressive. Luca Roagna's Timorasso is one of the most refined versions. I have tasted of Timorasso, which is usually a much more rustic white wine.'Antonio Galloni, Vinous
$215
$205ea in any 3+
$195ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Weingut Nikolaihof Reid Im Weingebirge Grüner Veltliner Smaragd 2015
Due December 2025
This wine is from the ripest Smaragd classification.Thought to be the oldest documented vineyard, the name “Im Weingebirge”, Wine Mountains, dates back to the 5th Century. The wines from this vineyard are known to have impressive depth and minerality. The soil is varied with loess on the higher terraces and deep topsoil over primary rock lower down the slope. The wine ages on its lees in old barrels, giving it a creamy texture.Bottled at the end of April this year (2018), the 201
$243
$233ea in any 3+
$223ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Nervi-Conterno Gattinara 'Molsino' 2014

Nervi-Conterno Gattinara ‘Molsino’ 2014

Spanna | Italy, Alto Piemonte

The 2014 Gattinara Molsino is shy and introverted in its first impression, with quite a bit of intensity lurking in the background. Today, the Molsino is not as expressive as the Valferana, but its day will come. With a bit of aeration, the 2014 starts to show the structure, layers of nuance and resonance that will emerge more fully in time.GalloniHard not to take notice wine Roberto Conterno decided to drop some coin on a new vineyard! Taking a 90% holding Nervi based in Gattinara is a
$420
$405ea in any 3+
$390ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info