2007 Domaine Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc

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.

Burgundy in eastern France is, if not the most famous and storied wine region in the world, certainly one of the top two or three. Its winemaking history dates from the Roman era, and its relatively small size and reputation for outstanding wines means that the best wines of Burgundy are generally among the world’s most prized – and costly – wines. At about 110,000 vineyards acres, Burgundy is only 40% as big as Bordeaux, and its system of dividing up vineyards into small, family-owned parcels makes understanding the wines of Burgundy a life-long pursuit for Burgundy enthusiasts. The three main grapes of Burgundy are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gamay. Burgundy is a long, narrow, north-south running region consisting of five main areas. They are Chablis in the north, Côte D’Or, Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais and Beaujolais, which is just above the Rhone Valley. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are grown throughout most of Burgundy but Gamay is grown primarily in Beaujolais. The appellation system and rules about labeling can be confusing and the system classifies regions, villages and even individual vineyards. Grand Cru is the most prestigious appellation category, followed by Premier Cru and many village and regional appellations.

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.