Epopee

This limited-edition wine represents Catleya’s dedication to elevating Fetească Regală through attentive vineyard work and meticulous cellar craftsmanship. After nine months in oak, the wine reveals citrus, pear, chamomile and honey, followed by a clean, long palate with a supple, silky texture. Already harmonious in its youth, it is designed to evolve gracefully, expressing depth and the serene, poetic character suggested by its name — “Epopee,” a story unfolding over time.

Epopee – Fetească Regală presents a bright straw-yellow colour with luminous reflections. The nose is open and expressive, layered with citrus, pear, chamomile and subtle honey. On the palate, the wine shows a clean, fresh attack, evolving into a long, silky and supple texture. The oak influence is well integrated, adding structure without overshadowing the grape’s natural floral-fruity character.

Pairing: Excellent with white meats, poultry, creamy pastas, risotto, soft cheeses, grilled vegetables, and refined Romanian cuisine.

Catleya is a boutique winery located in Corcova, Mehedinți, in southwestern Romania, founded on deeply rooted values where quality and integrity guide every step of the winemaking process. Its name is a poetic reference to the Cattleya orchid, which plays a delicate, sensual role in the works of Marcel Proust—a subtle homage to the cultural depth and romantic spirit of the region.

The estate was founded by Laurent Pfeffer, a French oenologist trained in Bordeaux. What began as a short visit in 2007 soon transformed into a lifelong project after Laurent fell in love with the Romanian terroir. Together with his wife, Anne-Cécille, and three French partners—including his brother and uncle—he established Catleya on a carefully tended 14.5-hectare vineyard.

Catleya cultivates a mix of international and local grape varieties, including Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Laurent’s personal favorite, Fetească Neagră, Romania’s signature red grape. The wines reflect both a profound respect for Romanian viticultural heritage and the precision of French oenology.

Since 2024, the estate has been fully converted to organic farming, prioritizing quality over quantity with limited production designed to highlight the unique character of the Corcova soils and microclimate. Laurent Pfeffer is personally involved in every stage of production, ensuring that every decision aligns with the winery’s uncompromising standards. Wines are produced in small, controlled batches, allowing each variety to express its full character while maintaining exceptional purity.

Catleya is committed to a respectful, minimally invasive approach to nature. Vineyard work is predominantly manual—pruning, shoot thinning, tying, canopy management, and soil care—while modern, non-invasive technologies are used only when necessary to protect the soil, vines, and local biodiversity. Harvesting is carried out exclusively by hand, and grapes are transported in small crates to preserve their integrity.

The winery’s vineyards benefit from a continental climate at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains along the 45th parallel, perfectly suited to high-quality grape production. Annual rainfall averages 500–800 mm. All vines are planted on hillsides, avoiding water stagnation, and are surrounded by forests that cool the air during summer nights—conditions ideal for achieving optimal maturity, especially for tannin development. Natural climate variations from one year to another are reflected in the unique personality of each wine.

Above all, Catleya views wine as a bridge between people and meaningful moments. Each bottle is crafted not only to please the palate but to inspire conversation and lasting memories.

This philosophy echoes a remarkable historical connection: over a century ago, Marcel Proust and his close friend Antoine Bibesco—a Romanian prince and owner of vineyards in Corcova—would spend long evenings in Paris sharing wines from the Bibesco family estate while discussing literature, memory, and the nature of love. These were wines for the soul as much as for the senses—precisely the kind of experience Catleya seeks to revive today.

Catleya is more than a winery; it is a story of discovery, respect for nature, and the meeting point between French finesse and Romanian authenticity.