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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Cascina Luisin Barabaresco ‘Paolin’ 2016

Nebbiolo | Barbaresco, Italy

‘Paolin’ is predominantly (90%) from a relatively cool and elevated cru called Basarin in Neive, of which Bruno Giacosa is also a major owner. The exposure is southerly and vine age is 40 years on average.  It shows a degree of delicacy, no doubt due to the site, with elegant aromas of rose, cherry and sweet spice. Slightly darker fruit characters come through on the palate: blueberry, blackberry and even blackcurrant. Savoury, cedar-like flavours play a part, and the spiciness of the bouqu
$105
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Margherita Otto ‘M8’ Barolo 2016

Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo

This one's another argument for blending sites! From a disciple of Maria Theresa Mascarello. The 2016 M8 is a blend of Castiglione Falletto, Monforte & Serralunga fruit! I rarely buy wine site unseen. In this case I couldn't resist! The story and experience behind Allan Manley's launch of his own venture has him working with a veritable who's who of Barolo ending with Maria Theresa Mascarello where he still works. As you might expect he's a proponent of blended Barolo vs single cru. I can't wait
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Bindi Kostas Rind Chardonnay 2021

Chardonnay | Macedon, Australia

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$75
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Sottimano Barbaresco ‘Basarin’ 2019

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barbaresco

As with the 2016, Sottimano's 2019 Basarin is a cracker. Finely balanced with the juicy acid that sits across Sottimano's 2019's. There's more immediate generosity compared with the Fausoni at this early stage. Excellent depth and length with fine long tannins. As with the 2016 this has to be one of the best handling of a tiny proportion of new oak in Barbaresco that you'll find. The is great drinking with beautiful shape. The fruit again shining through with an intoxicating set of aromas and f
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