Estate Les Horées is the culmination of the rich and unconventional journey of Catharina Sadde, a German-born winemaker. Before venturing into the world of wine, Catharina first worked in the world of fine dining, having been employed in Michelin-starred restaurants in Germany. However, a true passion for wine led her to change direction. She trained in viticulture and oenology at the University of Geisenheim and SupAgro Montpellier, two internationally renowned institutions.
With this solid training, Catharina expanded her skills in several prestigious Burgundy estates, including Domaine de la Romanée Conti, Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé, Domaine Cécile Tremblay, and Domaine Marquis d'Angerville. It was through these experiences that her minimal intervention winemaking style was forged, advocating for the natural expression of the grape and the terroir.
In 2018, with her husband Guilhem, she received their first parcel in Beaune. This gift marked the beginning of a promising winemaking adventure. Since then, the estate has gradually expanded with new acquisitions in Pommard and Volnay. Their first vintage in 2019 quickly achieved notable success, propelling them onto the international wine stage.
Estate Les Horées spans 1.56 hectares of meticulously cultivated vines across three prestigious appellations: Beaune, Pommard, and Volnay. These plots, with soils rich in limestone and clay, provide ideal conditions for the region's emblematic grape varieties, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Aligoté.
The Burgundy terroir is at the heart of the estate's wine identity. The plots benefit from an ideal exposure and varied soils primarily composed of limestone and clay, adding a diversity of nuances to the produced wines. Each plot is worked with extreme care, in accordance with biodynamic principles. The estate is certified biodynamic, a choice reflecting the Sadde family's commitment to environmental preservation and the health of their vines.
Respect for the terroir is central to the estate's philosophy. Biodynamic practices result in exceptional quality grapes while promoting the preservation of the local ecosystem. The estate is distinguished by the use of a horse for ploughing the soils, ensuring better aeration and minimal intervention in the soil structure. This sustainable approach guarantees an authentic and lively expression of the Burgundy terroir.
Winemaking at Estate Les Horées is just as respectful of the fruit and the terroir as the vine cultivation. Catharina Sadde adopts a "minimal intervention" approach, aiming to let the natural characteristics of the grapes and terroir express themselves fully without unnecessary interference. The winemaking is carried out with indigenous yeasts, naturally present on the grapes, to preserve the unique aromas and flavours of the vineyard.
The use of sulphur is strictly limited. No sulphur is added during fermentation or ageing, only a very small amount at bottling to ensure the wine's stability while respecting its natural qualities. The wines are then aged in carefully selected oak barrels, adding subtle woody notes while allowing the aromas and flavours of the terroir to fully express themselves.
Estate Les Horées produces several cuvées, each reflecting the unique expression of its terroir and vintage. Among these cuvées are: Bourgogne Aligoté "En Coulezain"; Beaune "Les Prévolles"; Gevrey Chambertin “En Reniard”; Bourgogne “Aganippe”; Bourgogne Rosé “Bonheur”; Coteaux Bourguignons “Mon Poulain”; Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru “Les Vermots”; Bourgogne “Le Vieux Sage”; Pommard "La Rue au Port"; Bourgogne “Les Six Ifs”; Savigny-lès-Beaune “Les Plaisirs et Les Jours”; Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru “Les Fichots”; Volnay “Sur Roche”.
Estate Les Horées, led by Catharina Sadde and her husband Guilhem, is a burgeoning gem of Burgundy. Their commitment to biodynamics, respect for the terroir, and minimalist approach to winemaking result in authentic and refined wines that captivate wine enthusiasts worldwide. With an impressive background and an expanding estate, Catharina Sadde is undoubtedly one of the rising stars of Burgundy viticulture, to be closely watched in the coming years.
The 2020 and 2022 vintages in Burgundy each left a distinct mark. In 2020, despite a season marked by drought and the pandemic, the white wines are fresh and aromatic, while the reds are structured and complex. The 2022 vintage, despite challenging growing conditions, promises remarkable wines, particularly from the Côte de Beaune, with reds full of character and depth.
We also invite you to explore other Burgundy wines from vintages such as 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023 and discover equally captivating wines from Burgundy estates like Petit Roy, Jérémy Recchione, Frédéric Cossard, Skyaasen, Dandelion, Chanterêves, Maison Glandien, Prieuré Roch, Maison Valette… Vins & Millésimes, specialists in online sales of old vintages and grand crus, offers a wide selection of bottles or magnums from Estate Les Horées. Choose the simplest way to buy wine online: our bottles are all in stock and shipped within 48 to 72 hours, and always at advantageous prices!