Domaine Leflaive
Domaine Leflaive is located in the heart of Burgundy, France, and is among the most revered estates in viticulture. Nestled in Puligny-Montrachet, this winery is a benchmark for white Burgundy, particularly Chardonnay.
Its legacy dates back to the early 18th century. Domaine Leflaive has shaped the modern perception of fine white wine through its dedication to tradition, terroir, and biodynamic practices.
The History of the Leflaive Family
Intricately tied to the Leflaive family, whose stewardship has guided the estate through centuries of evolution, Domaine Leflaive has been present in Puligny since 1717. It was Joseph Leflaive, an engineer by profession, who laid the modern foundation for the winery in the early 20th century.
After acquiring the estate in 1905, Joseph devoted himself to the land, replanting the vineyards that had been ravaged by phylloxera. He undertook a programme of replanting, extension and enhancement of the vineyards with the help of his estate manager and friend François Virot (1890-1964). Together, they chose new rootstocks that were better adapted to each parcel of land, and gradually over time, Joseph began selling his wine under his own label and to his private clientele.
Joseph was succeeded by two of his sons Vincent and Jo, however, it was under the stewardship of Anne-Claude (Joseph’s great-granddaughter)
between 1990 and 2015 that the domaine became a leader in Burgundy’s biodynamic movement.
Anne-Claude, who took over the estate in 1990, was a pioneering force in the world of biodynamics, advocating for a holistic, environmentally respectful approach to farming. Under her leadership, Domaine Leflaive transitioned to biodynamic practices, eschewing chemical pesticides and fertilizers in favour of natural, regenerative methods. This commitment to sustainability not only reflects the estate’s respect for its terroir but developed wines of great finesse and incomparable elegance.
Since her untimely death in April 2015, the estate is now being managed by Brice de la Morandiere (great-grandson of the founder Joseph Leflaive) with the winemaking responsibilities under the care of Pierre Vincent.
The Vineyards
The Winemaking Process
Domaine Leflaive’s vineyards span some of the most hallowed ground in Burgundy, encompassing approximately 24 hectares (about 60 acres) of meticulously tended vines. The estate’s holdings include prestigious plots in four of Puligny-Montrachet’s Grand Cru vineyards: Bâtard-Montrachet, Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, and Montrachet itself. These sites are renowned for their limestone-rich soils, which impart a distinctive minerality to the wines, a hallmark of Leflaive’s Chardonnays. The estate also cultivates several Premier Cru vineyards, each contributing to the winery’s diverse and nuanced portfolio.
The winemaking process at Domaine Leflaive is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail, from vineyard to bottle. The estate employs traditional Burgundian techniques, with a focus on minimal intervention to allow the purity of the fruit and the essence of the terroir to shine through. The wines are aged for 12 months in 25% new oak barrels, and are then transferred to steel tanks where they are allowed to clarify naturally over the second winter. They are then fined and bottled.The resulting Chardonnays are celebrated for their elegance, balance, and longevity.
Today, Domaine Leflaive stands as a beacon of excellence in the world of wine, its name synonymous with quality and tradition. The estate’s wines are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike, with each vintage representing a profound expression of Burgundy’s unique terroir. As Domaine Leflaive continues to evolve, it remains deeply rooted in the values of family, respect for nature, and an unwavering commitment to crafting wines of unparalleled distinction.
