What does the term Sur Lie refer to in Champagne?

Study for the Champagne Production, Types, and Key Concepts Exam. Enhance your knowledge on Champagne production with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Ready yourself for this insightful exploration of the world of Champagne!

Multiple Choice

What does the term Sur Lie refer to in Champagne?

Explanation:
Sur lie means aging on the lees—the wine remains in contact with the dead yeast cells after fermentation. In Champagne, this lees contact develops autolytic flavors, giving notes like brioche, bread dough, and pastry, along with a creamier texture. The longer the wine sits with the lees, the more pronounced these autolytic characteristics become. This is distinct from aging in oak, carbonation, or filtration, which don’t produce the same autolytic profile.

Sur lie means aging on the lees—the wine remains in contact with the dead yeast cells after fermentation. In Champagne, this lees contact develops autolytic flavors, giving notes like brioche, bread dough, and pastry, along with a creamier texture. The longer the wine sits with the lees, the more pronounced these autolytic characteristics become. This is distinct from aging in oak, carbonation, or filtration, which don’t produce the same autolytic profile.

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