Benjamin Leroux
Summary
Benjamin Leroux operates a small-scale micro-négociant domaine in Beaune, crafting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from an impressive range of Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits vineyards, including prestigious Premier and Grand Cru sites. His minimal-intervention winemaking approach emphasizes terroir expression through partial whole-cluster fermentation and judicious oak aging, reflecting the exceptional technical knowledge he developed from age 13 and refined as winemaker at Comte Armand before establishing his own venture in 2007.
Heritage & Leadership
Benjamin Leroux established his eponymous domaine in 2007 in Beaune, Burgundy, releasing his first vintage that same year. His path to winemaking began unusually early, studying at the Lycée Viticole in Beaune at age 13. Before founding his own label, Leroux built his reputation as the manager and winemaker at Comte Armand in Pommard, a position he held from 1999.
As owner and winemaker, Leroux operates primarily as a micro-négociant, a business model common in Burgundy. While he owns some vineyard parcels, his approach centers on long-term contracts with carefully selected growers across the region. This arrangement allows him to work with fruit from multiple prestigious appellations while maintaining strict quality standards. His operations remain based in Beaune, with a focused team that reflects the small-scale, quality-driven nature of his production.
Vineyards & Wines
Leroux's portfolio spans both the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, encompassing a range of appellations including Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, Chambolle-Musigny, Pommard, Volnay, and Meursault. His wines include village-level, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru designations, with access to distinguished Grand Cru sites such as Bâtard-Montrachet and Clos de la Roche.
The production focuses exclusively on Burgundy's classic varieties: Pinot Noir for red wines and Chardonnay for whites, with small quantities of Aligoté also produced. All vineyards are hand-harvested, maintaining the quality standards expected of fine Burgundy. The total production volume remains relatively small, consistent with high-quality Burgundian producers focused on terroir expression rather than volume.
Philosophy & Practice
Leroux's winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention, allowing each vineyard's unique characteristics to shine through in the finished wines. He practices sustainable viticulture incorporating many organic farming principles, prioritizing vineyard health and natural balance.
In the cellar, his technical approach includes partial whole-cluster fermentation for red wines, varying the percentage based on the vintage and vineyard characteristics. Oak aging is measured and deliberate, typically using 20-30% new oak for village wines and up to 50% for Premier and Grand Crus. Leroux generally favors native yeast fermentations, further emphasizing his commitment to authentic expression of terroir.
His wines are characterized by precision, purity, and clear terroir expression, with elegant fruit profiles that reflect their Burgundian origins. This approach has earned him recognition among critics and publications as one of Burgundy's top winemakers of his generation.