Benjamin Leroux Bourgogne Aligoté

Benjamin Leroux is considered the golden child of Burgundy. Born and raised in Beaune, Benjamin studied oenology at the University of Dijon. He worked in several places that shaped his career forever, such as Cos d'Estournel in Bordeaux, Joseph Drouhin in Oregon, Louis Jadot in Beaune and finally landed at the eponymous Pommard estate of Comte Armand in 1999, taking over the reins from Pascal Marchand. His passion for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay pushed him to create his negociant label in 2007. Today, he owns 8 hectares of the vineyard throughout the Cote d'Or and purchases grapes from another 20 hectares of trusted growers. All his Domaine's vineyards are organically farmed and certified in conjunction with biodynamic practices. Similarly, the same vision goes for the vineyards from which he buys fruits. Generally, the whites are whole-bunch pressed, naturally fermented and using Diam corks; the reds see a maximum of 30% whole cluster fermented, naturally fermented, followed by a post-ferment skin maceration and aged in foudres and barrels with a maximum of 30% new oak. Benjamin uses natural corks for his reds. Aligote is one of the rising star varieties grown in Burgundy and this is coming from fruits growing in the village of Meursault. An incredible example of this variety.