Bâtonnage: stirring the fine lees

Name: Domaine aux Conseillans
Address: 35 Chemin du Limancet, Saint-Caprais-de-Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, 33880, FR
Telephone: +33619700435
Price range: €€

The standard

Guided lees ageing derives the frequency and duration of stirring from the state of the wine, not from a fixed rhythm. Each stirring brings in oxygen and serves a purpose.

Criteria

Frequency and duration follow the state of the wine, not a calendar
Each stirring serves a purpose: texture, protection or binding of tannin
The oxygen brought in by each operation is part of the trade-off

Distinction

Bâtonnage ≠ lees ageing: lees ageing is the quiet contact with the lees, bâtonnage its active stirring. Bâtonnage ≠ oxidation: stirring brings in oxygen but aims at ageing. Without guided lees ageing, stirring becomes a habit.