Rothschild Family Wine Collection

Building An Empire

The Rothschild family, renowned for their tenacity and astute business acumen, has left an enduring mark on various industries, from banking to art collecting. One facet of their legacy that resonates globally is their foray into winemaking. Originating in the late 18th century, Mayer Amschel Rothschild, a merchant from Frankfurt, initiated his five sons into the family business, strategically sending them to major European capitals. This marked the genesis of a family that would not only revolutionize banking but also redefine the landscape of the wine world.

Shaping History

Born in 1744, Mayer Amschel Rothschild began his journey as a dealer in coins and a money lender in the Frankfurt ghetto. His home resided next to a red sign, hence the iconic name Rothschild (rotes schild), which is the German translation of “red sign”. As the 19th century dawned, Mayer dispatched his five sons, Nathan, James, Salomon, Carl and Amschel, to establish banks and further the family business in key European cities—Frankfurt, London, Paris, Vienna, and Naples—forming a distinctive international network capable of managing and transferring vast sums of money.

Beyond finance, their vast land holdings, extensive art collections, and involvement in industries such as steel and railroads reinforced their prominence. Stepping into the 20^th and 21^st century, the new Rothschild generation has emerged, embracing diverse roles in finance, philanthropy, and the arts, ushering the family's legacy into the contemporary era.

Conquering The Wine Industry

In 1853, the Rothschild family's significant influence on the world of wine began with Nathaniel Rothschild, originally sent to London, acquiring Chateau Mouton in Bordeaux. Today, the expansive portfolio falls under the umbrella of Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA, a parent company encompassing renowned wineries from Bordeaux to California, Chile, and beyond. Notably, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Chateau Clerc Milon, Chateau d’Armaillac, Opus One, Almaviva, and Mouton Cadet all contribute to the family's prestigious legacy.

The visionary behind this wine empire was Baron Philippe de Rothschild, a trailblazer in the 20th-century wine industry. He introduced groundbreaking practices, including Chateau bottling, the creation of the first branded wine (Mouton Cadet), and the utilization of labels as a canvas for art and marketing. Furthermore, his collaboration with Robert Mondavi resulted in the iconic Opus One winery.

In 1868, the French based Rothschilds embarked on their own vinous journey when Baron James de Rothschild acquired Chateau Lafite, one of the most esteemed wineries globally. The company Domaine Barons Rothschild (Lafite) now oversees Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Duhart-Milon, Chateau L’Evangile, Chateau Rieussec, Vina Los Vascos, and Bodegas Caro.

Baron Eric de Rothschild played a pivotal role during a crucial period in Lafite's history, steering the company to renewed greatness. Meanwhile, Baron Edmond de Rothschild, starting in 1882, made significant contributions to Israel's wine industry, establishing modern wineries and the iconic Carmel Winery.

In 1973, Baron Edmond de Rothschild's grandson expanded the family's holdings with the purchase of Chateau Clarke, now part of the Compagnie Vinicole Baron Edmond de Rothschild. This dynamic company manages Chateau Clarke, Chateau Malmaison, Chateau des Laurets, Bodegas Macon, Bodegas Flechas de los Andes, Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons, and Rimapere.

Today, a new generation leads the Rothschild wine businesses. Ariane de Rothschild, wife of Benjamin, oversees operations alongside Saskia de Rothschild, daughter of Eric, and Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, son of Philippine, who serves as the chairman of the Champagne Barons de Rothschild board. As the family continues to evolve, these individuals uphold the Rothschild legacy, ensuring its enduring impact on the world of wine.

The Birth of Château Mouton Rothschild & More

In 1853, Baron Nathan Rothschild, originally sent to London, settled in Paris and purchased Château Brane Mouton, later renamed Château Mouton Rothschild. This pivotal move marked the beginning of the Rothschild family's venture into winemaking. Situated in Pauillac in the heart of Médoc, an area renowned for exceptional red wines, the estate became the cornerstone of their wine business.

Baron Philippe de Rothschild

1922 marked the year when Baron Philippe de Rothschild, a young scion of the family, took the reins of Château Mouton Rothschild. Under his leadership, the estate flourished, earning Premier Cru status in 1973. Notably, he decided to bottle the wine directly at the estate instead of sending it in barrels to Bordeaux merchants, a groundbreaking move that set a new standard for Bordeaux winemaking.

In 1930, Baron Philippe introduced Mouton Cadet, a brand crafted from grapes not meeting Mouton Rothschild's standards but still of superior quality. This label quickly gained popularity in Paris, showcasing Baron Philippe's keen business acumen.

Baron Philippe extended the Rothschild influence in Bordeaux with strategic acquisitions, including Château d’Armailhac and Société Vinicole de Pauillac in 1933, followed by Château Clerc Milon in 1970. His commitment to excellence extended beyond Bordeaux when, in 1979, he entered a pioneering partnership with Robert Mondavi to create Opus One in Napa Valley, symbolizing a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.

Opus One Winery

The Opus One Winery, established in 1979, reflects Baron Philippe's dedication to celebrating the land and open space. Napa wine icon Robert Mondavi and Rothschilds’ collaboration symbolized the blending of Franco-American winemaking traditions. However, it wasn't until 1980 that this first vintage was launched and in 1982 under the official name: Opus One.

Legacy and Succession

Upon Baron Philippe's death in 1988, his only child, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, stepped into her father's formidable shoes. She continued the legacy of excellence, partnering with Eduardo Guilistati Tagle in 1997 to create Almaviva Estate in Chile. The joint venture resulted in wines that paid tribute to Chilean history, with the inaugural 1998 vintage named Almaviva.

Baron Philippe's innovative spirit extended to the label art of Château Mouton Rothschild's flagship wine. Initiating the tradition in 1924, he invited artists like Jean Carlu and later, renowned figures such as Picasso, Chagall, and Dali, to create unique labels for each vintage. This tradition, synonymous with the art form within the bottle, was continued by Baroness Philippine until her passing in 2014 and is now upheld by her son, Julien de Beaumarchais.

Château Lafite

On August 8, 1868, Baron James de Rothschild made a significant acquisition by purchasing Chateau Lafite through a public auction in Paris. While it might seem that the move was driven by sibling rivalry with his brother, the owner of Mouton Rothschild, who held a Second Growth property at the time, the decision had more depth. In the context of the 1855 Classification, which had yet to assume the critical importance it has today, buying Lafite was a sensible investment, costing approximately eight times its earning potential. The chateau itself holds historical significance, with part of the building dating back to 1562, making it one of the oldest structures in Bordeaux.

Only three months after the acquisition, Baron James Rothschild passed away, leading to Chateau Lafite Rothschild becoming the joint property of his three sons: Alphonse Rothschild, Gustave Rothschild, and Edmond Rothschild. Since then, Chateau Lafite Rothschild has remained under the ownership of the Rothschild family, and the estate was officially renamed Chateau Lafite Rothschild.

Fast forward to 1962, when the Rothschild family expanded their holdings by acquiring Chateau Duhart-Milon, a Fourth Growth vineyard in Pauillac. Despite its dilapidated condition due to neglect under the ownership of the Casteja family, the Rothschilds undertook extensive renovations on the 17-hectare vineyard.

Baron Eric Rothschild, the nephew of Baron Elie Rothschild, assumed management of Lafite Rothschild in 1974, marking the fifth generation of Rothschilds overseeing the estate. In 1984, the family further diversified their Bordeaux portfolio with the purchase of Chateau Rieussec in Sauternes.

Venturing beyond Bordeaux, Domaines Baron Rothschild became a pioneer in South America by acquiring Vina Los Vascos from a Chilean family. The expansion continued with the addition of Chateau L'Evangile in Pomerol, purchased from the Ducasse family, who had owned the property for nearly a century.

Arriving in the modern age of Lafite, Saskia de Rothschild, daughter of Baron Eric de Rothschild, made history by becoming the first female chairwoman of Domaines Barons de Rothschild in April 2018. Having transitioned from a successful career in investigative journalism, Saskia had been actively involved in the wine industry since her youth, working at Chateau L'Evangile in Pomerol at the age of 19. She took on a full-time role at Lafite Rothschild in 2015, contributing to the family's ongoing legacy in the world of wine.

The wines from the Rothschild family, particularly those hailing from their iconic estates—Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Chateau Lafite Rothschild, and Opus One—have consistently garnered highly regarded critical acclaim, solidifying their status as some of the world's most sought-after and prestigious wines. Chateaux Mouton Rothschild and Lafite Rothschild, as First Growth estates, hold esteemed positions in the wine world, producing exceptional wines that reflect the epitome of elegance and finesse. Chateau Mouton with its flagship wine renowned for its artistic labels, has consistently received high praise for its Bordeaux blend. Opus One, in Napa Valley, has been celebrated for its Bordeaux-style blends, striking a harmonious balance between Old World tradition and New World innovation.

A Culmination of History & Excellence

Whether it’s in banking or investing in art, the Rothschild family has expanded their family business from owning a small coin shop to a worldwide successful imperium. Their dedication to winemaking has created a legacy that transcends borders and time. From the historic Château Mouton Rothschild to the innovative Opus One in Napa Valley and the picturesque Almaviva Estate in Chile, each winery reflects the accumulation of years of knowledge and experience in the world of fine wine. As Baron Philippe de Rothschild aptly stated, "Excellent wine generates enthusiasm. And whatever you do with enthusiasm is generally successful."

Written by: Arabella Maislinger