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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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Feeling Thirsty?

“From the oldest, up to 50-year-old vines of the estate and cultivated on partly reddish phyllite soils in altitudes up to 300 meters, the 2020 Kiedrich Klosterberg Riesling Trocken was aged on the full lees until late July for the first time (instead of April, like in the former vintages). This brings a remarkable, delicate, subtle and articulated, very elegant and flinty, almost Mosel-like Riesling bouquet of bright fruit aromas (mango, passion fruit) intertwined with notes of crushed iron a
$100
$95ea in any 3+
$90ea in any 6+
Meet the future of McLaren Vale

Bondar Fiano 2020

Fiano | South Australia, Australia

Fiano - A little bit of Italy that has made it's way to Australia! Fiano one of those Italian varieties that just seems to work in the warmer regions of Australia. It holds it's acid, giving the wines great texture and balance, the flavours from the skins are superb, spice and all things nice. It has just a slight silvery line of bitterness to finish, common to so many good Italian whites, which perfectly cleans the finish and marries it to food beautifully.
$29
$27ea in any 6+
$25ea in any 12+
A slightly riper, and more deeply pitched, nose features a mix of both red and dark currant and more prominent earth wisps. There is again good vibrancy to the slightly more voluminous flavors that are at once punchy but succulent, all wrapped in a sour cherry-inflected finale that offers just a bit more depth and persistence. Drink 2025+ Allen Meadows, Burghound 88 Points
$160
$153ea in any 3+
$146ea in any 6+

Alphonse Mellot Sancerre La Moussière 2020

Sauvignon Blanc | Sancerre, France

There’s Sauvignon and then there is Sauvignon from Sancerre. There’s Sancerre and then there is Dagenau. Then a pack chasing him. Mellot right at the front of that pack. Beautiful poise, delicacy and vertical long shape to the palate. Lovely bright fruit that has shifted beyond primary to aromas and flavours of intrigue. Crisp fine acid. This is an impressive drink. There’s a little passion fruit and gooseberry if you look for it. Overall it’s just a wonderful seemless Sauvignon Blanc.
$79
$76ea in any 3+
$73ea in any 6+