Chaptalisation

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

Chief Wine Hacker

« Back to Wine Words Index

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
« Back to Wine Words Index

Feeling Thirsty?

Olek Bondonio Barbaresco 'Roncagliette' 2020

Olek Bondonio Barbaresco ‘Roncagliette’ 2020

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barbaresco

From the same vineyard that offers us Gaja's Sori Tildin, we have Olek's Roncagliette! Tasting the 2020 (Oct 2023) 6 months after it's Oz release again demonstrated Olek's incredible touch. The man understands textures and tannins, creates wines with insane perfumes and layer after layer of divine flavours.On release it was quite bold. Now, everything is dialing into the right levels. The fruit has pulled back a little and the perfume is building. The shape and flow I've come to expect from
$175
$168ea in any 3+
$161ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Clemens Busch Riesling Marienburg Auslese 2019

Clemens Busch Riesling Marienburg Auslese 2019

Riesling | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany

AP: 15 20. The 2019er Marienburg Fahrlay Riesling Auslese, as it is referred to on the main part of the consumer label, was made from a selection of partially (10%) botrytized fruit picked at 108° Oechsle in this sector of the vineyard on blue slate and was fermented down to noble-sweet levels of residual sugar. It offers a beautiful nose made of pear, mirabelle, almond paste, smoke, fine spices and a hint of dried fruits. The wine is nicely zesty on the almond-infused and spicy palate and leav
$169
$162ea in any 3+
$155ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Luigi Baudana Barolo 'Baudana' 2016

Luigi Baudana Barolo ‘Baudana’ 2016

Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo

Nebbiolo, Barolo, Serralunga, Baudana, 2013 = Enough Said! The 2016 Barolo Baudana is laced with sweet red cherry, floral overtones and silky tannins, all of which make it one of the more refined, sensual Serralunga Barolos readers will come across. In this tasting, the Baudana impresses with its haunting aromatics and transparent expression of Nebbiolo. Like all of these wines, it needs time in bottle but it is super impressive, even in the early going.Galloni
$245
$235ea in any 3+
$225ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Domaine des Croix Beaune 1er Cru 'Les Tuvilains' 2022
“One of the more muscular, powerful wines in the range this year is the 2022 Beaune 1er Cru Les Tuvilains, a medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated red redolent of dark berries, cherries and plums.”William Kelley, The Wine Advocate 91-93 Points“Unlike other cuvées, the 2022 Beaune Tuvilains 1er Cru was completely de-stemmed, although it gives the impression that a few stems are 'in the mix.' The palate is very well-balanced, with a patina of new oak that needs to be subs
$238
$228ea in any 3+
$218ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info