Autolysis

De Wikignôle.

L'autolyse est le processus de décomposition des levures mortes. Elle peut peut être profitable ou non pour le vin, selon son style, les levures et la réalisation du processus. The favorable process can occur in wines that are aged sur lie ("on the lees"). Certain wines such as chardonnay or sauvignon blanc benefit from autolysis because they gain complexity during the process that enhances their structure and mouthfeel, give them extra body, and increase their aromatic complexity. Aging sur lie is usually done with an accompanying regime of periodic lees stirring that can result in a creamy, viscous mouthfeel. See Lees and Sur Lie Aging.