2011 Domaine Leflaive Meursault Sous le Dos d'Âne

Domaine Leflaive, in Puligny-Montrachet, traces its roots back 2,000 years to vineyards planted during the Roman era. More specifically, the domaine was founded in the 1920s when Joseph Leflaive, an engineer by training, began replanting the family vineyards with improved grape vines. He sold wine to friends and later made it into a business. After his death in 1953 his children ran the estate. The business is still owned and managed by the Leflaive family and its white Burgundies are renowned for their quality. With 58 acres of vineyards planted entirely to Chardonnay, the domaine produces fewer than 4,000 cases of Montrachet annually. Since 1998 Domaine Leflaive has been farmed entirely according to biodynamic principles, which, among other things, means that no pesticides, chemicals or artificial fertilizers of any kind are used.

Meursault is one of the trio of famous Chardonnay producing appellations in the Côte d’Or. Although both red and white wines are allowed to be produced in the Meursault appellation, 98% of Meursault is Chardonnay. With a total of 2,500 acres of vineyards, there are no Grands Crus but 325 acres of Premiers Crus, which are divided into 13 main vineyards. As wine writers have often noted, Meursault’s fame is based on its Premiers Crus, including the prestigious Les Perrières, Les Genevrières and Les Charmes. Because the water table is low in Meursault, many producers have cellars here, including Comte Lafon and Jean-Francois Coche-Dury. Robert M. Parker Jr. wrote “the Premiers Crus, as well as the finest Villages Meursaults from the top vineyards, are among the easiest drinking white burgundies in the world. Why? High-quality Meursault is opulent, almost unctuous, with a fatness and a juicy, succulent, buttery, hazelnut and apple, peach-like fruitiness that often roars from the glass.”

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.