What does the term Sur Lie refer to in Champagne?

What does the term Sur Lie refer to in Champagne?

• A. Aging on the lees; maturation that enhances autolytic flavors
• B. Aging in oak barrels
• C. Carbonation on bottle
• D. Filtering wine

Answer: (A)

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.