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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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Ripe aromas of plum, black cherry and earth enjoy a floral top note accompanied by a hint of the sauvage. There is excellent volume to the suave and seductive yet sleek medium-bodied flavors that possess a caressing texture, all wrapped in a finer but equally structured finish. Good if not truly distinguished quality here. Drink: 2026+ Allen Meadows, Burghound
$270
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Here too moderately generous wood surround the nose that is also relatively high-toned with its aromas of pomegranate, red cherry, various floral scents and soft spice nuances. The medium weight flavors possess a notably finer texture thanks to the relatively fine-grained tannins that also support the long and mildly austere finish that is on the compact side today. I expect this to add flesh and unwind as it ages and as is often the case, this is the best of Lignier's 1ers in 2017. Burghound
$553
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$513ea in any 6+
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About Domaine Marc-Antonin Blain Marc-Antonin Blain, son of Jean-Marc and Claudine, grew up among the vineyards of Chassagne, but it was the vintages he spent abroad in Australia and New Zealand that inspired his passion for winemaking. Back in France, under the guidance of his grandfather Jacques Gagnard – an atypical figure in the world […]
$220
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Beautiful, savoury, with well-handled oxidative development, fresh yet energetic. Spiced, saline, a delicate sherry line, with a little cereal note. Ripe citrus oil on a flowing gentle mouthfeel. Love the dry crisp cleansing feel, super saline. Lovely. A great way to see a varietal Xarel.lo as a still wine and add the context to drinking top end fizz made with the variety. The acidity in this example if beautifully balanced, it shows just why it is such a good match for sparkling production.
$60
$57ea in any 3+
$54ea in any 6+
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