Autolysis (alcohol fermentation)
THE COMPLEX CHEMICAL REACTIONS THAT TAKE PLACE WHEN A WINE SPENDS TIME IN CONTACT WITH LEES AFTER FERMENTATION
Aging on its lees; Aging on the lees; Lees aging; Sur lie aging; Aging on lees; Autolysis (wine); Autolysis (alchohol fermentation)
Autolysis in winemaking relates to the complex chemical reactions that take place when a wine spends time in contact with the lees, or dead yeast cells, after fermentation. While for some wines - and all beers - autolysis is undesirable, it is a vital component in shaping the flavors and mouth feel associated with premium Champagne production.