Since her arrival from Romania in 2012, Helena Hotea has been meticulously overseeing every stage of wine production at Domaine Hotea, from the vineyard to vinification. Her goal is clear: to offer balanced, light wines with delicate floral notes.
Certified as High Environmental Value, the estate spans 4 hectares of vineyards, nurtured by four generations. It benefits from well-exposed hillsides and clay-limestone soils, ideal for the Chardonnay grape variety. This terroir produces high-quality wines with remarkable structure and elegance, under the appellations of Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint-Véran, Mâcon Vergisson, and sparkling Blanc de Blancs.
“Both in the vineyard and in the cellar, we strive to bring out the best of our terroir and the unique character of our white wines”.
Domaine Hotea's rigorous approach is evident through its meticulous attention to detail. Yields are carefully limited to enhance quality, and only environmentally friendly practices, such as using EcoVignes products and sheep manure, are employed. Harvesting is done by hand, ensuring optimal grape selection and handling.
The grapes are then gently crushed before being delicately pressed in a pneumatic press. Fermentations occur slowly, allowing full development of the flavors. To further enrich the wine's character, Helena chooses to let it rest for an additional year in tanks. This extended ageing process allows the wine to develop its full complexity and potential. This patience and dedication are reflected in the numerous accolades the estate has received since 2020, including a prestigious award at the Tastevinage du Clos Vougeot and gold medals at the Vinalies, Feminalise, and Burgondia competitions, among others.