Champagne Barons de Rothschild Makes Its Debut To The US In Time For The Holidays
26 Nov 2013 --- When it is time for celebration, the entire world can instantly recognize it by the popping sound of a Champagne cork. We all can easily recognize the brand because we all know there are only a few true Champagne producers in the world. We all know that, in order for a Cru to be called Champagne, it has to come from the Champagne region of France, and the grapes are sourced from vineyards that have been kept in the same families generation to generation adding to a family's heritage.
In the past 50 years, only 3 new Champagne houses have been added to the elite list of Champagne makers. With its rich history, Champagne Barons de Rothschild is the last to be born (Bruno Paillard began in 1981 and Vranken in 1976). All other Champagne houses belong to the XVIII and XIX centuries. Most wine families tend to think of projects and ventures in generational timelines, and not as fiscal timelines. These families plan their businesses and accomplishments, thinking of how their projects will benefit their children and their grandchildren.
One such family that dates back to 1789, and is recognized not only as, legends, but also as a leading family in the wine business is the Rothschild Family. In the 19th century, the Rothschild brothers were spread out through Europe, but their family ties and constant communication enabled them to anticipate far reaching changes occurring in Europe at the time. They became bankers to monarchs and governments, bankers to Napoleon's Europe and through the industrial era. Their way of thinking and financial prowess, aided in building the modern economy though their investments in railways and other infrastructures. They spoke as equals to governments and dealt directly to heads of state. Baron Nathaniel moved back to France, accustomed to entertain leading personalities, and it was out of the desire to be able to serve his guests his own wine that he bought Chateau Brane Mouton, and named it Chateau Mouton Rothschild in 1853. It was his grandson, Baron Philippe de Rothschild who made wine his life's focus and passion. His legacy endured World Wars and invasions, to be what we know.
It is Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, who heads the Chateau. It is the three branches involved in the wine, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild (Chateau Mouton-Rothschild), Baron Eric de Rothschild (Chateau Lafite-Rothschild), and Baron Benjamin de Rothschild (Chateau Clarke), who have joined together for the first time in history, to create their newest venture -- CHAMPAGNE BARONS DE ROTHSCHILD. This alliance is the guaranty of excellence, and each bottle bears the signature of the Baroness and the Barons to reflect their commitment to quality. The Rothschild's demand only the best from the growers of the Cotes des Blancs and Montagne de Reims to supply the best Chardonnay and Pinots Noir harvested from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards. The family has strong partnerships with premier properties, being very present all year long in the vineyards to strengthen their links with wine growers, and select the best grapes for their cuvees.
"Since its inception almost 10 years ago, I have been passionate about this project with the vision to create for the family a grand Champagne. It is the Chardonnay that gives our Champagne the character, personality and balance. After 4 years of aging in our cellars, the Chardonnay becomes rounder and expresses all the nuances that remind us of what made the quality of our wines for over 160 years, and the expression of the terroir. The end of the year is a special time to share Champagne with family, and we are very happy to be associated with special times with Champagne Barons de Rothschild." -- Philippe Sereys de Rothschild