Domaine Leflaive - Chevalier Montrachet - Grand Cru

Domaine Leflaive, the most famous estate in Puligny-Montrachet, was founded in 1920 by Joseph Leflaive, an engineer in the marine engineering corps who helped to design and create the first French submarine. Following his marriage to Camille Biétrix du Villars, his career took on a different path as he found himself looking after the family vines in Puligny-Montrachet. His sons, Vincent and Jo, made it their aim to bring the Côte de Beaune’s Chardonnay up to the highest rank of excellence.

Under the management of Joseph’s grand-daughter Anne-Claude Leflaive, who was at the helm between 1990 and 2015, the domaine became a leader in Burgundy’s biodynamic movement, with the whole property being converted in 1997.

“Before I had even heard of biodynamism, my instincts told me that whatever we do in our lives must be done with a respect for nature and the environment.” Anne-Claude Leflaive

Now run by her nephew, Brice de La Morandière, the wines of Lefliave continue to startle, delight and astonish all those who are lucky enough to be able to drink them.

Leflaive has 22 hectares of vineyards, including 10 hectares of Premier Cru and 5 hectares of Grand Cru sites.

“Anne Claude Leflaive was probably the most indomitable woman winemaker to have lived. Her passion – and occasionally dogma - can in no short measure be held responsible for the rise of biodynamics in vineyard management, the reduction in the use of pesticides in Burgundian farming, and the celebrity of the white wines of Burgundy. When she died in 2015, at tragically only 59 years old, the world of wine shed a tear.” Rod Smith MW

The French Wine region of Burgundy (aka “Bourgogne”) may be small in size, but its influence is huge in the world of vino. The complexity of Burgundy can cast fear into the heart of even a seasoned wine pro, but fear not – the region need only be as complicated as you want it to be. Yes, it is home to some of the most expensive wines in the known universe, but there are also tasty and affordable wines.

Main grapes:

Pinot Noir originated in Burgundy and these vines cover 34% of the region, accounting for 29% of overall wine production. The red grape does extremely well in limestone and clay soil, which helps create their complexity. Pinot Noir wines from Burgundy range in colour from cherry to brick, are light in body, and typically have red fruit and spicy flavours. Gamay is a red grape also grown in Burgundy, but only makes up 10% of the vines.

Chardonnay is the primary grape for white wines in Burgundy, making up 48% of the vines and 68% of production. Chardonnay appreciates Burgundy’s marl soil, which gives it delicate floral, fruit, and mineral aromas and full-bodied flavours. Aligoté is the second white grape, accounting for 6% grown. {Read more about the ancient Aligoté grape in Burgundy.}

The region does produce a sparkling wine called Crémant de Bourgogne. It can be made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Aligoté, Gamay, Sacy, and Melon. Varieties include blanc, blanc de blancs, blanc de noirs, and rosé.