Sylvain Cathiard

History of Domaine Sylvain Cathiard et Fils

The history of Domaine Sylvain Cathiard et Fils begins in the 1920s, when Alfred Cathiard, originally from Savoie, settled in Burgundy to work within the prestigious Domaines de la Romanée-Conti and Lamarche. A visionary, he acquired his first vineyard plots in the 1930s, laying the foundations of a family estate dedicated to the production of exceptional wines. At the time, the grapes were sold to négociants, a common practice. In 1940, his son André joined the estate and marked a turning point by deciding to bottle the wines produced, notably with the purchase of the iconic Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts plot in 1972.

In 1985, Sylvain Cathiard, son of André, took the reins and gave the estate a new impetus. He refined the winemaking techniques and enhanced the reputation of the wines through meticulous work in the vineyards. In 1995, he officially took over the family vines, consolidating the estate under the name Sylvain Cathiard. Since 2006, his son Sébastien has brought a modern vision, influenced by his experiences in Chablis, Bordeaux, and New Zealand. In 2011, Sébastien became the principal winemaker, continuing the family legacy while innovating, notably by reducing the use of new oak to allow the terroirs to fully express themselves.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Sylvain Cathiard et Fils

Domaine Sylvain Cathiard et Fils spans 12.5 hectares, including 5.5 hectares of estate-owned vines and additional plots farmed since 2019 through tenancy agreements. Located primarily in Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-Saint-Georges, and Chambolle-Musigny, the vines benefit from exceptional terroirs, characterized by limestone-rich soils and optimal microclimates. Among the estate's crown jewels is a plot of Romanée-Saint-Vivant, situated just below Romanée-Conti, as well as the prestigious Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts, neighbour to La Tâche.

The vines, whose average age exceeds 50 years, are cultivated using organic practices, although not certified, with rigorous soil management and the absence of herbicides or pesticides. Sébastien Cathiard favours a nature-respectful approach, with strict yield control and meticulous sorting of the grapes. Since 2019, the estate has expanded with plots in the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits and Gevrey-Chambertin, further enriching the diversity of its terroirs. This careful attention to the vines guarantees grapes of exceptional quality, an essential foundation for wines of incomparable purity and elegance.

Winemaking at Domaine Sylvain Cathiard et Fils

Winemaking at Domaine Sylvain Cathiard et Fils combines Burgundian tradition with contemporary precision. The grapes, harvested by hand at optimal ripeness, are fully destemmed after rigorous sorting on a sorting table. A 10-day cold maceration precedes natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts, without the addition of SO2. The wines are then aged in French oak barrels, primarily from the Rémond cooperage, with a carefully adjusted proportion of new oak: 25 to 50% for village appellations, 50 to 75% for premier crus, and up to 100% for the Grand Cru Romanée-Saint-Vivant. Since Sébastien's arrival, the use of new oak has been progressively reduced to favour the expression of the terroir.

The ageing process, which lasts 18 months, takes place without fining or filtration, allowing the wines to retain their natural character. A small dose of SO2 is added after malolactic fermentation to stabilise the cuvées. This meticulous process yields wines of silky texture, fine structure, and remarkable aromatic intensity, perfect for enthusiasts wishing to purchase Burgundy wines that are both elegant and complex.

The Cuvées of Domaine Sylvain Cathiard et Fils

Domaine Sylvain Cathiard et Fils offers a range of prestigious cuvées, each reflecting the richness of its terroir and the expertise of the Cathiard family.

Coteaux Bourguignons Les Croix Blanches: From 38-year-old Pinot Noir and Gamay (70/30) vines, this cuvée offers spicy aromas of dark fruits and the typical freshness of Gamay, perfect for an accessible introduction to the estate.

Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Aux Chaumes: Produced from 35- to 40-year-old vines on clay soils, this cuvée is aged with 25% new oak, revealing fruity notes and a well-balanced structure.

Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Les Dames Huguette: From vines aged 30 to 70 years on limestone soils, this cuvée captivates with its freshness and finesse, with a distinctive mineral touch.

Bourgogne Rouge: Crafted from vines planted in 1987, this cuvée aged without new oak is an example of elegance, with aromas of red fruits and a silky texture.

Gevrey-Chambertin: From 40-year-old vines, this wine offers notes of dark fruits and a robust structure, typical of the appellation.

Nuits-Saint-Georges: From 80-year-old vines in the lieu-dit Aux Athées, this cuvée combines power and finesse, with aromas of dark fruits and a beautiful persistence.

Vosne-Romanée: This village wine embodies the elegance of Vosne, with notes of red fruits, gentle spices, and a velvety texture.

Chambolle-Musigny Clos de l'Orme: Produced from vines dating back to the 1930s, this cuvée offers remarkable purity, with aromas of red fruits and an elegant structure.

Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Aux Thorey: This premier cru reveals beautiful complexity, with notes of dark fruits and a silky texture.

Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Murgers: From 65-year-old vines near the border with Vosne-Romanée, this wine marries depth and elegance, with complex aromas of fruits and spices.

Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru En Orveaux: An often underestimated cuvée, offering remarkable purity and intensity, with floral and fruity notes.

Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Reignots: Produced from vines planted in 1987, this cuvée captivates with its finesse and slender structure.

Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Suchots: This premier cru offers a perfect balance between power and delicacy, with aromas of red berries and spices.

Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts: The true flagship of the estate, this wine neighbouring La Tâche impresses with its richness, complexity, and length on the palate, worthy of a Grand Cru.

Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru: An exceptional cuvée, produced in infinitesimal quantities, offering extreme finesse, aromas of red fruits and spices, and a silky texture, aged in 100% new oak barrels.

With its rare and sought-after cuvées, this family estate combines tradition, expertise, and innovation to produce Pinot Noirs of unparalleled elegance and purity. For an exceptional Burgundy wine purchase at the best price, explore our selection from Domaine Sylvain Cathiard!