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?

Giovanni Sordo Barolo SCREW CAP HALF 2016
SCREW CAP Bottling for 🇦🇺

Giovanni Sordo Barolo SCREW CAP HALF 2016

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

From the Perfume of Barbaresco, the Barolo shifts to a savoury, earthy profile, the richness of La Morra fruit shining through! 80% La Morra. Immediate generosity has it open for action but so much more. A little chocolate and little coffee, savoury bits on dark fruit. There is a lot going on here with layers of flavours and tannins. The depth and length are impressive. Wonderful harmony and presence.Full, dense and obviously really bright. Rose, maraschino, fleshy red plum/red prune. More
$78
$74ea in any 3+
$70ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Jean-Paul et Benôit Droin Chablis 1er Cru Vaucoupin 2023
A more elegant and slightly cooler nose freely reveals its aromas of shellfish, white flower and mineral reduction. The sleeker and more intense medium-bodied flavors flash evident minerality on the nicely punchy finish where a touch of lemon zest-tinged acidity helps keep the proper balance. This does though need better depth so a few years of keeping are recommended. Allen Meadows, Burghound 88-91 Points
$182
$175ea in any 3+
$168ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Domaine Henri Germain Meursault 'Limozin' 2022

Domaine Henri Germain Meursault ‘Limozin’ 2022

Chardonnay | Meursault, Burgundy

“Another wine that has only partially completed its malolactic fermentation is the 2022 Meursault Le Limozin, a medium to full-bodied, satiny and fleshy wine that's broader and more voluminous than the taut Chevalières. Offering up reductive aromas of pear, hazelnuts and iodine, it concludes with a long, mouthwatering finish.” William Kelly, The Wine Advocate 91-93 Points
$280
$270ea in any 3+
$260ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info
Aphelion Trenery Single Vineyard Grenache 2021

Aphelion Trenery Single Vineyard Grenache 2021

Grenache | South Australia, Australia

Fascinating set of three wines. The Trenerry is the most perfumed roses, a little menthol, on red fruits, rhubarb and a little orange citrus. Fine, delicate and Pinotesque. Herbal stalk spice with a little grip from stalk tannin. Playful and fun. Fruit builds depth and length in the glass. A freshness, lively acidity and perfume. It will be fascinating to see how this resolves and builds in the bottle over the coming years.
$74
$71ea in any 3+
$68ea in any 6+
Add to cart
More Info