Precision, intensity and mineral depth define the Domaine Leflaive Mâcon-Verzé ‘Les Chênes’ 2024, a single-vineyard Chardonnay from the heart of the Verzé valley in southern Burgundy. The wine is produced from two distinct parcels covering approximately 3.43 hectares within the Les Chênes lieu-dit. One of these parcels contains vines planted during the mid-1930s, while the wider vineyard includes plantings established through to 2003. The vines grow on shallow clay-limestone soils where the bedrock lies close beneath the surface. Slopes within the site range from gentle to very steep, creating variations in drainage, exposure and vine development across the vineyard. Domaine Leflaive cultivates the Chardonnay according to certified organic and biodynamic principles. Harvesting is completed entirely by hand, with the fruit sorted and picking dates determined through parcel-by-parcel monitoring of ripeness. These careful vineyard practices allow the estate to preserve the individual identity of this distinguished Mâcon-Verzé climat.
The 2024 season was particularly challenging, with rainfall between January and October reaching approximately one and a half times the usual amount. A cool and damp spring brought minor hail, difficult flowering conditions and significant downy mildew pressure, while the mild summer encouraged slow ripening. Harvest began in September, and the final crop was approximately half the size of the abundant 2023 harvest. Despite the reduced yield, the remaining grapes arrived in healthy condition and retained the freshness, precision and balance sought by the domaine. After harvesting, the grapes underwent long and gentle pneumatic pressing followed by approximately 24 hours of settling. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations took place in a variable combination of stainless-steel vats, foudres, concrete tanks and 600-litre barrels. The wine matured for ten months on its lees in the fermentation vessels before spending approximately six additional months on fine lees in stainless steel. Richer and more concentrated than the blended Mâcon-Verzé cuvée, Les Chênes combines peach and orchard-fruit character with restrained pastry notes, toasty oak and an underlying mineral structure.
Precision, intensity and mineral depth define the Domaine Leflaive Mâcon-Verzé ‘Les Chênes’ 2024, a single-vineyard Chardonnay from the heart of the Verzé valley in southern Burgundy. The wine is produced from two distinct parcels covering approximately 3.43 hectares within the Les Chênes lieu-dit. One of these parcels contains vines planted during the mid-1930s, while the wider vineyard includes plantings established through to 2003. The vines grow on shallow clay-limestone soils where the bedrock lies close beneath the surface. Slopes within the site range from gentle to very steep, creating variations in drainage, exposure and vine development across the vineyard. Domaine Leflaive cultivates the Chardonnay according to certified organic and biodynamic principles. Harvesting is completed entirely by hand, with the fruit sorted and picking dates determined through parcel-by-parcel monitoring of ripeness. These careful vineyard practices allow the estate to preserve the individual identity of this distinguished Mâcon-Verzé climat.
The 2024 season was particularly challenging, with rainfall between January and October reaching approximately one and a half times the usual amount. A cool and damp spring brought minor hail, difficult flowering conditions and significant downy mildew pressure, while the mild summer encouraged slow ripening. Harvest began in September, and the final crop was approximately half the size of the abundant 2023 harvest. Despite the reduced yield, the remaining grapes arrived in healthy condition and retained the freshness, precision and balance sought by the domaine. After harvesting, the grapes underwent long and gentle pneumatic pressing followed by approximately 24 hours of settling. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations took place in a variable combination of stainless-steel vats, foudres, concrete tanks and 600-litre barrels. The wine matured for ten months on its lees in the fermentation vessels before spending approximately six additional months on fine lees in stainless steel. Richer and more concentrated than the blended Mâcon-Verzé cuvée, Les Chênes combines peach and orchard-fruit character with restrained pastry notes, toasty oak and an underlying mineral structure.
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