Olivier Leflaive Volnay 1er Cru du Champans 2018 75cl.

Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir

Viticulture is practiced according to the concept of Lutte Raisonnée (reasoned struggle), respecting the soil flora and minimizing chemical interventions. Harvesting is carried out entirely by hand in small, perforated crates to prevent the weight of the grapes from breaking the skins and initiating unwanted fermentation during transport. Upon arrival at the winery, the bunches undergo a rigorous manual selection process to discard green, overripe, or damaged berries, guaranteeing only grapes in perfect condition.

Unlike other cuvées where whole clusters are used, for this 2018 Champagne the grapes were completely destemmed. This aims to highlight the elegance, the roundness of the tannins, and the purity of the ripe fruit without adding bitterness or green astringency. The must undergoes an initial chilling process for several days. This cold maceration allows for the delicate extraction of aromatic precursors, color, and phenolic compounds from the skins without the presence of alcohol. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in open oak vats for approximately 21 days, using indigenous yeasts. Punch-down and pump-over techniques are employed.

The aging process lasts a total of 17 months , strategically divided into two phases: 13 months in French oak barrels and then 4 months in stainless steel tanks. After the 4 months in stainless steel, the wine undergoes a Gentle clarification and minimal filtration to preserve the creaminess, body and aging potential characteristic of this Premier Cru.

View:

It presents a bright ruby garnet red color of medium-high intensity, somewhat deeper and more intense than usual in the Pinot Noir. Violet flashes that evolve into warmer ruby tones at the rim of the glass. Fine, clean, and slow-falling tears.

Nose:

Aromas of red stone fruit such as cherry, red plum, and raspberry stand out, intertwined with hints of wild black fruits (blackberry and blueberry). An elegant perfume of dried violets and rose petals, characteristic of the finest Premier Crus of the Côte de Beaune, is present. Twenty percent new oak contributes a beautifully integrated aromatic base with notes of black licorice, allspice, clove, cedar, and a subtle touch of cocoa. As it breathes in the glass, nuances of undergrowth, damp leaves, and a chalky/mineral character emerge, typical of the brown limestone soils of Les Champans .

Mouth:

A pleasant, juicy, and enveloping entry. It quickly fills the palate without being heavy. Velvety and fleshy in texture. It displays a broader structure than other lighter Volnay wines, with a very structured, medium-to-full body. Ripe, round, and very fine-grained tannins. 100% destemming ensures a polished palate without harshness or green notes. Lively and fresh acidity provides tension and fluidity, balancing the richness and warmth of the vintage to maintain a wine of exceptional elegance.

Very long, clean, and persistent finish. Leaves lingering memories of Cherry in liqueur, fine spices, licorice and a salty and earthy nuance that invites you to take another sip.

The Olivier Leflaive Volnay 1er Cru "Les Champans" 2018 has a distinctive personality: thanks to the prestige of its terroir (considered one of the most structured in Volnay) and the maturity of the 2018 vintage, this wine possesses greater body, volume, and fruit richness than a standard Volnay. For the perfect pairing, seek a balance between succulent dishes with a tender texture and preparations with aromatic complexity (earthy or spicy notes) that do not overpower the varietal delicacy of the Pinot Noir.

• Duck breast with redcurrant or cherry reduction

• Roasted Poulard or Pheasant with Herbs and Truffle Butter

• Boeuf Bourguignon

• Glazed Beef Cheeks

• Beef tenderloin with morel sauce

• Risotto with Boletus Edulis and Black Truffle

• Puff Pastry with Veal Sweetbreads and Wild Mushrooms