Rothschild’s family gradual ascent to international prominence began in 1744 when Mayer Amschel Rothschild, a moneychanger, started trading with the Prince of Hesse. But it was only in 1933 when the family purchased Domaine de Mouton d’Armailhacq and transformed it into the world’s leading Bordeaux AOC-branded wine that they become leaders in the field.

 

Today, managing the production of 23 million bottles of wine sold in 150 countries are Camille Sereys de Rothschild, Philippe Sereys de Rothschild and Julien de Beaumarchais de Rothschild, co-owners of the château perpetuating their ancestors dedication to excellence. United in the same ambition, they work closely to manage the illustrious ‘First Growth’ with accustomed success. The Joint-stock Corporation has two distinct lines of business, running six estates and the branded wines under a single management. The company makes three classified growths in the Pauillac appellation including the illustrious Château Mouton Rothschild. It produces and sells a range of high-quality branded wines sourced from various partner growers, then blends, matures and bottles it, foremost among them the famous Mouton Cadet.

 

Similar to banking, the Rothschilds are driven by a constant ambition to provide the best service; in this case, to make the best wines in the world. This aspiration is reflected through the famous Château Mouton Rothschild, Premier Cru Classé (Classified First Growth), as well as Château Clerc Milon and Château d’Armailhac, both 5th Classified Growths.

 

The company exports its know-how as exemplified in the Pays d’Oc with Domaine de Baronarques, in California with Opus One and in Chile with Almaviva. Their French wines are blended, aged and bottled at the Mouton Cadet Winery and the Chilean ranges at the Bodega Baron Philippe de Rothschild Maipo Chile. In total, six grape varieties are planted at the Domaine; four Atlantic varieties - Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec; and two Mediterraneans (Syrah and Grenache). Recently, the team at the Domaine has created a Chardonnay as well.

 

Wine is not the only thing this famous brand is known for, but also its bottle label images. Since 1946 famous artists have been designing the labels, including Salvador Dalí, Francis Bacon, Picasso and Miró. The popularity of the label images results in auction prices for older and more collectible years being far out of sync with the other first growths, whose labels do not change from year to year. The most recent label for Mouton's 2013 vintage is the work of Korean artist Lee Ufan.

 

About the author:

 

Claudio Martins, founder of ‘Martins Wine Advisor’ is a leading wine expert and consultant who work with UHNW’s, royal families, corporate clients and organizations. His services include bespoke wine cellar planning, wine procurement, wine pairing advice, events planning and staff training.

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Claudio works closely with ‘Premium trade Fine Wines & Spirits’, a company based in Switzerland that has a portfolio of over 2,000 wines from around the world, most of which cannot be found in wine shops.

 

To contact Claudio Martins, please visit: Martinswineadvisor.com

 

To see Premium trade Fine Wines & Spirits exclusive portfolio, please visit: Premiumtrade.ch