LECLAIRE THIEFAINE

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A ripe family tradition reinterpreted

Leclaire-Thiefaine is the perfect example of a family winery:

Reynald Leclaire - fifth generation owner of the Leclaire winery in Avize, founded back in 1878, married Virginie Thiefaine. In 1991, it became the winery Leclaire- Thiefaine, a 3 ha. farm with vineyards in the famous Grand Cru villages of Avize and Cramant.

Four cuvées are named after her four children who are actively involved in the business, especially son Constantin.

The resulting combination of experience and accumulated knowledge on the one hand, and innovation and new ideas on the other, gives rise to exciting, highly original creations. Classicism and tradition meet modernity and innovation.

Not in every winery does the cross-generational collaboration run as harmoniously, fluidly and exquisitely complementary as it does here.

The team is actively supported in the vinification by none other than Eric de Sousa, whose biodynamic operation has long been one of the top producers in Champagne.

The common goal is to bring out the typicity and potential of the Chardonnay grape, which is predominant on the Côte des Blancs, and to prepare distinctive champagnes from it that are specific to the region.

Six different cuvées are produced - already distinguishable from the outside by the relief embossing on the elegant bottle label.

Even Cuvée 04, the successful "entry-level" Champagne, is granted at least three years of aging on the lees (15 months is the minimum required by law).

Finesse, drinkability and refreshing, limey, animating juiciness run through the all very low-dose growths of the family, of which one will surely hear more and more in the coming years.

Facts: R.M., Avize, Côte des Blancs, 3 ha.