Olivier Leflaive is a respected négociant and wine producer based in Puligny-Montrachet, in the heart of Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune.

Emerging from a long line of Burgundian vignerons, Olivier Leflaive founded his own house in the early 1990s, branching out independently from the famed Domaine Leflaive. Today, the estate encompasses approximately 17 hectares of owned vineyards and sources fruit from over 100 hectares of contracted growers across Burgundy, including prestigious areas such as Chablis, the Côte Chalonnaise, and the Côte de Beaune. Known for its refined white wines, the house also maintains a small but focused production of red wines and Aligoté. Beyond winemaking, Olivier Leflaive has become a benchmark for Burgundy hospitality, offering luxurious accommodations, vineyard tours, and fine dining through its award-winning hotel, bistro, and Klima restaurant.

The vineyards under Olivier Leflaive span some of the most revered appellations in Burgundy, including Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, Chassagne-Montrachet, and Grand Crus such as Bâtard-Montrachet, Corton-Charlemagne, and Le Montrachet. The estate is committed to sustainable viticulture, sourcing grapes from growers who practice meticulous vineyard management and harvesting by hand. Chardonnay is the primary focus, though Pinot Noir and Aligoté also feature in the portfolio. His vineyards and grower partners follow an organic and biodynamic as well as sustainable approach, certified at the highest "High Environmental Value" level (HVE level 3).

Burgundy, located in eastern France, is one of the world’s most prestigious and complex wine regions. Known for its terroir-driven approach, Burgundy’s climate is continental, with cold winters, warm summers, and unpredictable weather—making vintage variation significant. The region is divided into key sub-regions: Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise, and Mâconnais, each offering distinct expressions of its wines.

The primary grape varieties are Pinot Noir for red wines and Chardonnay for whites. Soils vary dramatically across Burgundy, with limestone, marl, and clay dominating—contributing to the unique character of each vineyard. This geological diversity is central to Burgundy’s concept of “climat,” small, precisely defined vineyard plots often with their own classification.

Burgundy’s red wines, mainly from Pinot Noir, are typically elegant and aromatic, with flavours of red berries, earth, mushroom, and subtle spice. They offer finesse, structure, and ageing potential. The white wines, primarily Chardonnay, range from steely, mineral-driven styles in Chablis to richer, oak-aged versions from Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet, showing flavours of citrus, apple, nuts, and butter.

Burgundy’s wines are highly sought after for their purity, complexity, and expression of place, making the region a benchmark for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir worldwide.

Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular and versatile white grape varieties, originating from the Burgundy region of France. It is a relatively adaptable vine, thriving in a range of climates and soil types, making it widely planted across the globe. Chardonnay ripens early to mid-season and is known for its ability to express terroir, as well as respond well to a variety of winemaking techniques, including oak ageing and malolactic fermentation.

Today, Chardonnay is grown in nearly every major wine-producing country. In France, it shines in Burgundy’s Chablis (crisp, mineral-driven) and Côte de Beaune (rich, complex), and is also a key component of Champagne. In the New World, regions like California, Australia (Yarra Valley, Margaret River), New Zealand, and Chile produce diverse expressions, ranging from lean and citrusy to full-bodied and buttery.

Cool-climate Chardonnays tend to show green apple, lemon, and flinty notes, while warmer regions yield riper flavours like tropical fruit, peach, and melon. Oak-aged Chardonnays may exhibit vanilla, toast, and nutty characteristics, while unoaked versions highlight freshness and purity of fruit.

This remarkable flexibility makes Chardonnay a favourite among winemakers and wine lovers alike, offering a wide spectrum of styles and flavours.