Chaptalization

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🍷Winemaking

Adding sugar to must to increase alcohol level.

Full Definition

Chaptalization is adding sugar to grape must before fermentation to raise potential alcohol in cool vintages when grapes don't fully ripen. Named after Napoleon's minister Jean-Antoine Chaptal. Legal in cool regions (Burgundy, Germany, Oregon) but banned in warm regions (California, Southern France, Italy). The sugar ferments completely; it doesn't sweeten the wine.

Related Terms

enrichmentmust

See Also

ameliorationacidification
ChampagneBack to GlossaryChardonnay

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