History
This domaine in the heart of Puligny-Montrachet needs little introduction. Domaine Leflaive is without doubt the most important estate in Puligny, one of the most iconic in Burgundy and one of the world's most significant white wine producers. The Leflaives have been in Puligny since the early 17th century, but the true Domaine Leflaive was founded by Joseph Leflaive when he inherited the winery and 2 hectares in 1917. Phylloxera and powdery mildew had driven many growers to sell their land, and Joseph built up a dazzling collection of Grands Crus and Premiers Crus in Puligny. Those two hectares became 20.
When Joseph died in 1953, his sons Jo and Vincent took over the running of the estate. Under them it kept its reputation and even added a small plot of Montrachet. In 1990, Jo and Vincent handed over to their children Anne-Claude and Olivier, and Anne-Claude took charge of the estate.
Sustainable practices
During her time at the helm, Anne-Claude made the estate one of Burgundy's leading examples of sustainability. From her arrival in 1990 she began experimenting with biodynamics, and by 1997 the entire estate was farmed according to its principles. In her own words, "the great challenge was to keep quality high while keeping practices sustainable". Working with Pierre Morey, who was at her side until 2008, Anne-Claude produced some of the most exciting and profound white Burgundies of her time. In the cellar, fermentations were long, always with native yeasts and always in barrel. Today the estate is run by Brice de La Morandière, great-great-grandson of the founder, Joseph.
