Domaine Olivier Leflaive
Olivier Leflaive managed Domaine Leflaive from 1982 to 1990 together with his uncle, the legendary Vincent Leflaive. Until 1994 he managed the Domaine Leflaive estate together with his cousin Anne-Claude Leflaive. He left the family estate to set up his own business, and started working as a 'négociant' (wine merchant). With everything he had learned in the family business, his love for Burgundy and the help of some sensational winemakers, it was already certain that it would be a great success.
The company now owns approximately 40 hectares of land in some of the most prestigious appellations in Burgundy such as Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault and Chassagne-Montrachet. Leflaive also works as a 'négociant' with around 100 growers. His approach is special, because he buys the grapes while they are still on the vine, and not as wine in barrels. All wines bearing the name Olivier Leflaive are vinified, matured and bottled by him himself. Therein lies his strength as a négociant.
Olivier Leflaive's goal is simply to produce fantastic wines. That starts with top quality grapes. Leflaive works on its vineyards with sustainable agricultural methods, and its partners are also encouraged to do so. Leflaive follows biodynamic principles in all aspects of his viticulture. From soil health to biodiversity, and using natural preparations made from plants, minerals and animal manure to nourish the soil and the vines. The goal is a harmonious balance between the vineyard and its environment. Harvesting is of course done by hand and the grapes are strictly sorted so that only the best grapes are used for wine making. The result is wines that are not only of exceptionally good quality, but also express the unique terroir of Burgundy.
For vinification and maturation, Leflaive follows the Burgundian traditional method: long and natural fermentation in oak barrels with bâtonnage. He uses pneumatic presses and air-conditioned cellars but also follows traditions. People still work with 'tâcherons'. These are the people who work in the vineyards from picking the grapes to prepare the vines for the next season. Olivier Leflaive produces a wide range of wines that reflect the diversity of the Burgundian terroir. From Grand Cru and Premier Cru to Village and Bourgogne Blanc. The most important wine is without a doubt the Montrachet Grand Cru, which can cost thousands of euros in a good year.
