Olivier Leflaive Saint Aubin 1er Cru en Remilly 2023 75cl.

The 100% Chardonnay grapes from the hillside En Remilly are hand-picked into small perforated boxes to prevent premature rupture of the grain and oxidation of the must before reaching the winery. The whole bunches go directly to the pneumatic press. Slow and progressive pressing is applied to extract a clean and aromatic free-run must. Subsequently, a débourbage (cold static decantation) is carried out for 12 to 24 hours to settle the thick lees naturally.

The clean must is transferred to French oak barrels where alcoholic fermentation begins with native yeasts. Next, complete malolactic fermentation (100%) is carried out, converting malic acid into lactic acid to provide creaminess and bacteriological stability.

The wine remains for about 8 months in French oak barrels. Only 15% of the barrel stock is new, which allows adequate microoxygenation and a subtle texture without masking the primary aromas of the terroir. A very moderate bâtonnage (lees removal) is carried out.

The wine is extracted from the barrels and transferred to stainless steel tanks to rest during the last 4 months of aging. This final phase in tank allows the batch to be homogenized, settle the acid tension and define the saline finish. After light clarification and gentle filtration, it is bottled by gravity.