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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Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Côte du Py 2020

Gamay Noir | Morgon, Beaujolais

I thought Bouland, Thivin & Foillard were good! Note on the 2019: Yes! This is superb. Right out of the gate I'm blown away. Taken far too long to get these on the list. An exceptional élévage has brought this wine to a place of great harmony, poise, and balance. Not the gangly teenager you see in many a young Beaujolais. This is a complete wine with impressive finesse over an underlying power. Dark cherry and spice, licorice and blood orange. Impressive depth and length, yet a sense of weight
$70
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$64ea in any 6+
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$93
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$85ea in any 6+
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$86
$82ea in any 3+
$78ea in any 6+
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Domaine Faiveley Échézeaux ‘En Orveaux’ Grand Cru 2020

Pinot Noir | Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy

The 2020 Echézeaux En Orveaux Grand Cru bursts with aromas of sweet red berries, rose petals, peonies, orange rind, plums and cinnamon. Medium to full-bodied, broad and enveloping, with powdery tannins, lively acids and a long, precise finish, this, too, is very promising. William Kelley, The Wine Advocate 92-94 BH 91-94
$750
$730ea in any 3+
$710ea in any 6+
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