Clau de Nell: Anne-Claude Leflaive
The late Anne-Claude Leflaive, both vigneron and négociant, will need no introduction to knowledgeable Burgundy drinkers; this was Anne-Claude of Domaine Leflaive, the celebrated domaine in Puligny-Montrachet. Fans of biodynamic, organic and ‘natural’ wine will perhaps also be familiar with the name, as Leflaive long had an association with the Renaissance des Appellations, the organisation promoting biodynamic wine led principally by Nicolas Joly, along with Mark Angeli.
Her sudden appearance in this story is therefore not coincidence. In particular, alongside the Burgundy domaine for which she was best known Anne-Claude and her husband Christian Jacques, together with the famous soil specialists Claude and Lydie Bourguignon, also ran a small négociant business, Amis Vignerons d’Anne Claude. The business model is a somewhat altruistic one, as its aim is to assist biodynamic and organic domaines that are in difficulty. Claude and Nelly, with their failing Anjou domaine, battered by three difficult vintages, were perfect candidates.
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