Alexis Leconte
- Champagne, France
Started in 1870 with a single hectare of vines on steep hillsides, the Leconte family vineyard now covers 10 hectares, made up of 40 plots spread across the villages of Troissy, Dormand, Mareuil-le-Port, Vandières, and Aÿ. Alexis took over for his father in 2013, becoming the family's sixth generation winemaker. Before returning to Champagne, Alexis spent years working in Alsace and Burgundy. His experiences convinced him that the base of good Champagne is quality still wine. The focus at Leconte is always the terroir of the wine, with effervescence as an added bonus.
Since the beginning, the guiding principle at Leconte has been highlighting the individuality of each plot. This ethos was an inevitable path to biodynamics. Conversion began right away, in 2013, with Demeter certification in 2023. For Alexis, what resonated most about Biodynamic philosophy was the belief in trusting nature, instead of endeavoring to master it. Geological testing is done on every plot to precisely identify the contents of the soil and best determine its needs. Alexis has reshuffled plantings based on his findings and seen the vines thrive.
In the cellar, Alexis continues to trust in what nature provides. Cuvée and taille are not separated and lees contact is encouraged to underscore the complete character of the grape. A wide range of vessels are employed: barrels, concrete, old foudres, and custom sideways eggs, each selected based on what will best partner with the juice. In accordance with biodynamics, tirages and rackings are scheduled around the lunar calendar. Cellar aging is slow, a minimum of two years for Totem and longer for the other cuvées, but Alexis refuses to rush the wines. Nature reveals itself in its own time.


