Glossary
Chaptalization
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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
See Also
Reference
More terms starting with C
Canopy Management
Techniques to control vine leaf and shoot growth.
Capsule
The foil or plastic covering over a wine bottle's cork.
Carbonic Maceration
Whole-grape fermentation in CO2, producing fruity wines.
Cava
Spanish sparkling wine made by traditional method.
Cellaring
Storing wine under proper conditions for aging.
Chai
French term for an above-ground wine storage building.