History and Character of Olivier Leflaive Winery

History of Olivier Leflaive Winery

The Leflaive family has a long history in the wine industry, dating back to the 18th century. Olivier Leflaive is the sixth generation of his family to work in the wine industry. He and his brother Patrick inherited the family estate, Domaine Leflaive, in 1982. Two years later, they established the Olivier Leflaive winery with the goal of producing high-quality wines that would showcase the unique terroir of Burgundy.

Characteristics of Olivier Leflaive Winery

Terroir

Olivier Leflaive Winery is located in the heart of the Puligny-Montrachet appellation, which is known for its exceptional Chardonnay wines. The winery's vineyards are situated on slopes with a south and southeast exposure, which provides optimal sun exposure for the grapes. The soil is rich in limestone and clay, which gives the wines their unique minerality and complexity.

Vineyards

The winery owns 17 hectares (42 acres) of vineyards, which are spread across several appellations in Burgundy, including Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, Chassagne-Montrachet, and Pommard. The vineyards are managed using sustainable farming practices, with a focus on preserving the environment and producing high-quality grapes.

Winemaking Philosophy

Olivier Leflaive Winery follows a traditional winemaking philosophy, with a focus on minimal intervention and allowing the grapes to express their natural characteristics. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted before being gently pressed. The wines are fermented in oak barrels, with a mix of new and used barrels to provide complexity and balance. The wines are aged in oak for 10-12 months before bottling.

Wine Varieties

Olivier Leflaive Winery produces a range of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and other varietals. The winery's Chardonnay wines are particularly noteworthy, with a focus on the Puligny-Montrachet appellation. The wines are known for their purity, elegance, and complexity, with a balance of fruit, acidity, and minerality. The winery's Pinot Noir wines are also highly regarded, with a focus on the Pommard appellation.

Wine Ratings and Awards

Olivier Leflaive Winery's wines have received numerous awards and high ratings from wine critics around the world. The winery's Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru "Les Folatières" was awarded a score of 95 points by Wine Spectator, while the Meursault Premier Cru "Charmes" received a score of 94 points. The winery has also been recognized.

Conclusion

Olivier Leflaive Winery is a family-owned winery that has been producing high-quality wines in Burgundy for almost four decades. Their commitment to sustainability, tradition, and innovation has earned them a reputation as one of the leading wineries in the region. From their award-winning white wines to their complex and elegant reds, each bottle is a reflection of their passion and dedication to winemaking.