DOMAINE LEFLAIVE BIENVENUES BATARD-MONTRACHET GRAND CRU 2018

The roots of the Leflaive family go back to 1717 when Claude Leflaive took up residence in Puligny-Montrachet. 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.

Domaine Leflaive is one of the pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in Burgundy. After increasing trials at the beginning of the 1990s, conversion has been total since 1996. Biodynamics is a method of cultivation based upon a sensitive understanding of natural phenomenon, taking into account terrestrial and lunar rhythms. It strictly excludes the use of all chemical products. Thus the wines can better express the qualities and particularities of their terroirs. The soils in Puligny-Montrachet are calcareous clay with different percentages of clay and limestone, according to the locations. The soil also includes trace elements: traces of iron, magnesium, boron that assure nourishment to the roots that make a difference to each vine.

In the cellars, the same philosophy of respect presides over the entire vinification process and follows the purest Burgundian tradition: long and natural fermentations in oak barrels in the first year and in stainless steel the second winter. Fermentations are solely from indigenous yeasts. A light bâtonnage (stirring of the lees) is practiced between the end of alcoholic fermentation and beginning of malolactic fermentation. Bottling takes place in the springtime of the second year.