Sur Lie
Intermediate Winemaking & Viticulturesoor LEE
Definition
Aging wine on its dead yeast cells for richness and complexity.
Im Detail
From French 'on the lees.' Extended lees contact allows autolysis — the breakdown of yeast cells releasing mannoproteins, amino acids, and polysaccharides. This adds body, creaminess, and brioche-like complexity. Muscadet Sur Lie is the most famous example. In Champagne, years of sur lie aging during tirage produce the finest, most complex cuvées.
Details
- Kategorie
- Winemaking & Viticulture
- Schwierigkeit
- Intermediate
- Aussprache
- soor LEE