There is a famous white wine called Domaine Leflaive.
It has always received praise and is regarded as an object of admiration by wine lovers.
The taste, aroma, and effort and ingenuity that go into production are without a doubt the highest standards in the world.
Once you drink it, it will leave an impact that you will never forget.
However, there may be many people who don't know much about Domaine Leflaive.
It is true that it is slightly less well-known than "Romanée-Conti" and "Champagne".
In this article, we will explain in detail the charm and history of Domaine Leflaive.
Please feel free to use it as a reference.
What kind of wine is Domaine Leflaive?
First, let's understand what kind of wine Domaine Leflaive is.
Anyone who enjoys wine should know about Domaine Leflaive.
taste
The taste of Domaine Leflaive is, of course, rated as ``the best in the world.''
The main points of this wine are its transparency and freshness, which follows traditional white wine.
The sweetness is modest and the edge is just right, and the aroma is complex and rich.
It has an elegant fruit flavor and a gentle texture.
Domaine Leflaive, which combines all the virtues that can be found in white wine, will never let go of the hearts of wine lovers.
In short, it is clearly different from other white wines.
However, as will be explained later, the price is not so high that you can't get it.
This is a wine that anyone can easily enjoy.
Most of the grape varieties used are Chardonnay.
A unique personality is born from the clumsy obsession with Chardonnay.
Price range
The price range for Domaine Leflaive is approximately 70,000 yen to 130,000 yen per bottle.
However, if you order it at a restaurant, it may be a little more expensive.
As I mentioned earlier, it's definitely not in the price range that only a wealthy person can afford, and considering its quality, it's actually in a reasonable category.
However, as is usual with wine, some vintages can cost more than 1 million yen.
On the other hand, variations that can be enjoyed for a few thousand yen are also popular these days.
History of Domaine Leflaive
Domaine Leflaive is not only the name of the wine, but also the name of the producer.
Simply put, a domaine is a ``small wine manufacturer.''
Let's take a look back at Domaine Leflaive as a manufacturer.
Domaine Leflaive is a prestigious family with a history of over 120 years.
Domaine Leflaive was founded around 1900 by Joseph Leflaive.
It seems that he had the foresight to decide that ``wine is the way to go'' and decided to establish the company.
His foresight paid off, and Leflaive became one of the most successful domaines in the world.
It can be assumed that the establishment of the domaine was a ``once in a lifetime challenge'' for Joseph as well.
Originally, Joseph ran a small steel mill.
However, due to the effects of World War I, the steel mill was forced to close down.
After such a background, he poured all his assets into the domaine.
Of course, Joseph at that time was by no means a ``wine expert.''
He may have loved wine more than most people, but he didn't know much about wine production.
If Joseph had not taken up the challenge, Domaine Leflaive might not have been born.
After Joseph's death, his sons and brothers Joe and Vincent took over the wine business.
And the name ``Domaine Leflaive'' suddenly became known all over the world during Joe and Vincent's generation.
Around 1970, the brothers brought air conditioning equipment, which was still rare at the time, to wine making, and improved their temperature control and quality control.
The white wine produced in this environment is of the highest quality, typical of Burgundy wine.
Recognized for its quality, Domaine Leflaive became known as one of the leading domaines in Burgundy.
After Joe and Vincent passed away, the estate was passed on to their son Olivier.
Domaine Leflaive is a direct family business that has been run for three generations.
As with any family business, it is unusual for a business to be maintained by three generations in a family business run by direct descendants.
The current head of the domaine has changed to a person called ``Brice de la Mondiere.''
He is one of the 35 candidates to succeed the Leflaive family, and is chosen through fair voting.
Although the surname "Leflaive" is out of place, there is no doubt that it inherits the spirit of Joseph, his son and brother, and Olivier.
By the way, Domaine Leflaive currently has 25 hectares of vineyards.
Moreover, the vineyards are located in Montrachet and Meursault, which have the best environment in the world for producing wine grapes.
Even now, we are producing world-class white wine one after another from the best possible environment.
How Domaine Leflaive is made
The production process for Domaine Leflaive is very interesting.
Once you learn about the production method, your interest in Domaine Leflaive will greatly increase.
The biggest point is "biodynamic" farming method
A feature of Domaine Leflaive's production is the thorough "biodynamic" farming method.
Biodynamic farming, in a nutshell, is a farming method that involves ``making wine using energy from the natural world, such as soil and sunlight.''
This is not just about ``just arranging the ideal environment, climate, and conditions.''
The biodynamic manufacturing method is based on a philosophy.
German philosopher Rudolf Steiner proposed a theory called the "agricultural course."
Rudolph says, ``All kinds of life exist in the universe, influencing each other and resonating with each other.''
Based on this theory, Domaine Leflaive incorporates not only soil and climate, but also celestial positions and dates into wine making.
It's a very spiritual idea, and some people may wonder, "What are you talking about?"
However, at Domaine Leflaive, we continue to adhere to this philosophy.
As a result, it has grown into a prestigious name that cannot be pushed down.
By the way, biodynamic manufacturing methods are also commonly used in drinks, beauty products, food, etc.
It's true that it was originally a spiritual idea, but it actually makes sense.
By the way, Domaine Leflaive is recognized as ``a pioneer in incorporating biodynamic winemaking into winemaking.''
Nowadays, it seems that more and more domaines are following suit and trying biodynamic wines.
traditional brewing
Although Domaine Leflaive uses tricky methods to grow grapes, the winemaking process is extremely traditional and orthodox.
The basic flow is
- Ferment the grapes in oak barrels for 30 to 60 days
- Aged for 1 year in separate barrels
- Stored in a stainless steel container for an additional six months
That's what it means.
This is the so-called "standard Burgundy manufacturing method."
Therefore, the elegance and luxury typical of Burgundy wine are firmly asserted.
Therefore, Domaine Leflaive is rated as a wine that combines the ``characteristic taste of biodynamic wines'' and the ``stability of traditional manufacturing methods.''
The flavor achieved through the farming and manufacturing methods that the Leflaive family arrived at through trial and error is a must-try.
A wide variety of "Leflaive"
Currently, Domaine Leflaive has developed various variations.
We have a wide selection of high-performance white wines that have all received high praise.
Below, we will introduce "Leflaive" which is especially recommended.
Domaine Leflaive/Meursault 1er Cru Sous le de Dane [2018]
The extremely popular Leflaive is produced from Meursault, which has an environment that can be called heaven for grapes.
It emphasizes the lively minerality and elegant flavor.
It maintains a heavy fruit flavor, yet has a sharp taste, making it very easy to drink.
This is an exquisite white wine that perfectly achieves a very difficult balance.
The price is also quite reasonable within Domaine Leflaive.
Despite this, the quality is outstanding, making it a perfect bottle to sample.
Domaine Leflaive/Bienvigne Batard Montrachet Grand Cru [2018]
This is a book that clearly expresses the character of "Leflaive".
The main characteristics are the spicy flavor and the citrus flavor.
The sweetness is modest, and the taste and aroma have a unique transparency.
It has a charm that can be called unique, and has a quality that once you drink it, you'll never forget it.
It is no exaggeration to say that it has the potential to easily overturn the values and habits of people who say they only drink red wine.
summary
Domaine Leflaive is one of the world's finest white wines.
At the same time, it is also one of the most prestigious wine producers.
As a wine, Domaine Leflaive is extremely highly regarded, and even top sommeliers have no choice but to praise it.
Despite this, you don't have to be a wealthy person to obtain it and feel free to try it out to some extent.
Be sure to try Domaine Leflaive, which is packed with innovative farming methods, Burgundian-style manufacturing methods, and the passion of the Leflaive family.
