Wines Chassagne-Montrachet Olivier Leflaive Frères - Les Pierres - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Olivier Leflaive Frères' Chassagne-Montrachet "Cuvée Les Pierres" 2022 is a superb example of fine white Burgundy, produced entirely from Chardonnay grapes. This cuvée reflects the elegance and complexity emblematic of Les Pierres, taking its character from the stony terroir for which it is named. The 2022 vintage benefitted from favourable weather, bringing both ripeness and freshness. Parcels are carefully selected, often from limestone-rich soils, and the winemaking is classic: gentle pressing, followed by fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels—typically with a subtle use of new wood to preserve the purity and nuance of the fruit. The resulting wine reveals aromas of white flowers, citrus peel, and ripe stone fruits, interwoven with delicate notes of hazelnut, flint, and a discreet, toasty touch from barrel ageing.

The Côte de Beaune, renowned worldwide for its white wines, is a section of Burgundy that runs along gently sloping hillsides. Chassagne-Montrachet, once known mainly for reds, has become a reference for Chardonnay, its vineyards rooted in ancient Jurassic limestone with clay and pebbly stones that lend tension and minerality to the wines. The region enjoys a temperate continental climate, marked by warm summers and brisk springs and autumns, helping achieve optimum grape maturity while retaining lively acidity. Viticulture here has been refined for centuries, with meticulous care in the vineyard and a constant pursuit of excellence in the winery.

A wine of this stature pairs beautifully with delicate, flavourful dishes. For a regional match, consider classic Burgundian fare such as poulet de Bresse with a cream and morel mushroom sauce or freshwater fish like pike-perch with herb butter. It also shines alongside shellfish, lobster, and scallops, subtle Asian-inspired dishes, or simply with a fine aged Comté. Avoid overpowering spices or excessively rich sauces that might mask the wine’s finesse.

Serve Olivier Leflaive’s Chassagne-Montrachet "Les Pierres" slightly chilled, ideally at 11–13°C. Decanting for half an hour before serving can help open its youthful bouquet. Enjoy now or cellar for the next five to eight years to reveal deeper layers of complexity.