1. to increase the sugar content of grape juice or wine before fermentation in order to raise the alcohol content of the finished wine
Usage: winemaking; also spelled chaptalise in British English

Examples

• The winemaker decided to chaptalize the must because the grapes lacked sufficient natural sugar.
• In cooler climates, vintners often chaptalize their wines to achieve the desired alcohol level.
• The regulations permit chaptalizing only up to a certain percentage increase in potential alcohol.
• Some wine regions restrict when and how much you can chaptalize.
• The practice of chaptalizing has been used for centuries to improve wine quality in marginal vintages.