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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Auguste Clape Cornas 2019

Shiraz/Syrah from Cornas, Northern Rhône

Auguste Clape Cornas 2019

Five in a Row for Clape with 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 all stunning vintages! Clape’s masterpiece is, of course, the classic Cornas, precisely blended from five to six cuvées of the oldest vines in the best sites. The backbone comes from Reynard, La Côte and Sabarotte. The old vines here are la Petite Syrah—the old clone considered by many to be the true Syrah—which creates a stunningly deep and complex wine that will develop for decades.

Vintage 2019
$360
$345ea in any 3+
$330ea in any 6+
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Casanova di Neri 'Cerretalto' Brunello di Montalcino 2015
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Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany

Casanova di Neri ‘Cerretalto’ Brunello di Montalcino 2015

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Swinney Riesling 2022

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Swinney Riesling 2022

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$41
$38ea in any 3+
$35ea in any 6+
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Domaine Racine Santa Rita Hills 'Sanford & Benedict' Pinot Noir 2019

Pinot Noir from Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara

Domaine Racine Santa Rita Hills ‘Sanford & Benedict’ Pinot Noir 2019

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Vintage 2019
$241
$231ea in any 3+
$221ea in any 6+
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