chaptalization

[ shap-tuh-luh-zey-shuhn ]

noun

1. a method of increasing the alcohol in a wine by adding sugar to the must before or during fermentation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaptalization¹

First recorded in 1890–95; chaptalize + -ation

Example Sentences

Chaptalization is a process common for centuries, in which sugar or grape concentrate was added to fermenting grape must to boost the alcohol level in the finished wine.

From Washington Post

We adopted practices such as not using chaptalization or back sweetening of the wine, or adding Malic acid and it proved out by receiving rating in the top five in our vintage of Finger Lakes Semi-Dry Riesling.

From New York Times

Kabinett is a little bit "out of fashion" because in weaker years it´s hard to get convincing top Kabinett-style qualities without chaptalization.

From New York Times

The government has 'already given Burgundy producers permission to strengthen some of their poorer grades by chaptalization. a doctoring process devised by one Jean Chaptal for adding sugar during fermentation to build up a wine's alcoholic content.

From Time Magazine Archive