The roots of the Leflaive family go back to 1717 when Claude Leflaive took up residence in Puligny-Montrachet, intent upon cultivating several acres of vineyards. The domaine, in its present form, was created by Joseph Leflaive between the years of 1910 and 1930, as a result of his successive purchases of vineyards and houses.
Today, the domaine extends over 24 hectares (59.3 acres) in Puligny-Montrachet, of which 4.8 hectares (11.9 acres) are grands crus and 10.8 hectares (26.7 acres) are premiers crus, all growing one varietal: Chardonnay. Since 2004 the domaine has expanded into the Mâconnais and cultivates some 20 hectares 49.4 acres) in Mâcon-Verzé and Solutré-Pouilly.
Domaines Leflaive represents an extension of Domaine Leflaive in the Mâcaonnais region to explore the family’s extensive vineyard holdings which are either owned or leased long term through the family’s close knit relationships in the region. The vineyards are all certified Organic and Biodynamic, and the family directly handles all work in the vineyards, harvest, as well as the wines vinification in the Domains cellar in Puligny-Montrachet.
Whilst a village-level in designation, this eminently drinkable bottling is a fantastic “house-wine” as it delivers the great essence of the area – lovely, floral, fruit, mineral verve, and a balanced finish. The Mâcon-Verzé is a wine of great purity, both floral and mineral, expressing a lively energy, ready to be enjoyed earlier than the wines of Puligny-Montrachet.
- Vineyard Profile
- Mâcon-Villages; 5 parcels purchased by Domaine Leflaive in 2003 in the Mâcon-Verzé Appellation.
- Appellation: Mâcon-Verzé, AOC
- Location: Bourgogne, Mâconnais
- Cultivation: Organic - Ecocert 1992; Biodynamic - Biodyvin 1998
- Size: 9.33 ha
- Vine Age: 20+ years
- Soil: Calcareous clay
- Vintage Report
The 2022 vintage was ultimately an excellent surprise for all the winegrowers in Burgundy, in quantity and above all in quality. The hot, even scorching summer that we experienced made us wonder about how our vines would react. It is clear that they adapted very well, which allows us to be optimistic about this 2022 vintage.
- Vinification
- Fermentation:
- 100% Chardonnay
- The harvest is entirely manual, with the pressing taking place in Verzé, in buildings purchased at the same time as the vines. The musts are transported every day after decanting to Puligny-Montrachet for fermentation and aging, under the watchful eye of the Domaine Leflaive technical team. Vinification takes place in vats, and aging lasts 15 to 16 months. 78% in stainless steel tanks, 10s% in wooden vats and 12% in French oak barrels (40% of which are new).
- Aging: After 10 months’ aging on lees in fermentation containers, the wine is racked into stainless steel tanks and aged on fine lees for 6 months
This white is harmonious and creamy in texture, featuring floral, peach, apple tart and lemon cake flavors, all buoyed by vibrant acidity. The oak treatment is subtle, with flashes of baking spices, and this ends with fine length.