Effect of mixed fermentations with Starmerella bacillaris and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on management of malolactic fermentation

•Interactions among Starm. bacillaris and LAB were explored in wine mixed fermentations.•MLF was differently affected depending on the strains and yeast inoculation protocol.•Couple Starmerella/LAB stimulated, inhibited, or unaffected the outcome of the MLF in co-inoculum.•O. oeni always performed MLF successfully and minimally impacting on the wine aromatic profile.•Strain-depending interactions affected time of vinification and quality of the wine.