Mouton Rothschild

History of Château Mouton Rothschild

The history of Mouton Rothschild began in 1853 when Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild acquired Château Brane-Mouton at auction. Renamed Château Mouton Rothschild, the estate experienced a true renaissance in 1922 under the impetus of Baron Philippe de Rothschild. Visionary and passionate, he undertook to modernise the estate and make it a flagship of Bordeaux viticulture.

In 1924, Baron Philippe made a revolutionary decision for the time: complete bottling at the château. This innovation, which guaranteed the authenticity and quality of the wine, would later become common practice in the great Bordeaux estates. In 1926, he had the "Grand Chai" built, an impressive 100-metre-long cellar, symbolising the modernisation of the estate.

One of Baron Philippe's most notable initiatives was the creation of artistic labels in 1945. To celebrate the Allies' victory, he asked Philippe Jullian to create a special label adorned with the "V" for victory. This tradition has continued since, with an original work by a renowned contemporary artist illustrating the label of each vintage.

After years of lobbying, Baron Philippe obtained a revision of the 1855 classification in 1973, elevating Mouton Rothschild from Second Growth to First Growth status. This unique promotion in the history of Bordeaux classification attests to the exceptional quality of the estate's wines.

After Baron Philippe's death in 1988, his daughter, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, took over the reins of the estate. She continued her father's work by maintaining the excellence of the wines and developing new cuvées. Since 2014, her three children - Camille Sereys de Rothschild, Philippe Sereys de Rothschild and Julien de Beaumarchais de Rothschild - have been carrying on the family legacy.

The emblematic vintages of Château Mouton Rothschild, such as 1959, 1986, 1945, 1982, 2020 and 2016, have achieved perfection with 100/100 from Robert Parker. 2018 and 2009 score 99/100, while 2019, 1955, 2010, 2005, 1961, 2015 and 1929 shine with 98/100.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Château Mouton Rothschild

Mouton Rothschild's vineyard spans 90 hectares, mainly located on the Mouton plateau, a small hill reaching 40 metres in altitude. This exceptional terroir consists of deep gravel on a clay-limestone subsoil, offering ideal conditions for vine cultivation.

The estate's grape varieties reflect the Médoc tradition, with a predominance of Cabernet Sauvignon (81%), complemented by Merlot (15%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (1%). The vines, with an average age of 44 years, are planted at high density (10,000 vines/ha), promoting beneficial root competition for grape quality.

Vineyard management is meticulous, combining respect for tradition with technical innovations. Cultivation practices aim to obtain grapes of the highest quality, with naturally limited yields. The particular microclimate of Pauillac, influenced by the proximity of the Gironde estuary, contributes to the optimal ripening of the grapes.

Winemaking at Château Mouton Rothschild

Winemaking at Mouton Rothschild is a skilful blend of tradition and modernity. The harvest is carried out by hand, with rigorous grape selection. The berries are then transported to the fermentation vats by gravity, avoiding any harsh handling.

Alcoholic fermentation takes place in oak and stainless steel vats, allowing precise plot-by-plot vinification. The temperature is controlled to extract the best from the grapes without excess. Macerations are long, favouring the extraction of tannins and aromatic compounds.

After malolactic fermentation, the wines are aged in new French oak barrels for about 18 to 22 months. This ageing period allows the wine to develop structure and its characteristic aromatic complexity.

The final blending, a crucial step, is carried out with the utmost care by the technical team, under the supervision of the Rothschild family. It is at this point that the unique character of each Mouton Rothschild vintage takes shape.

The Cuvées of Château Mouton Rothschild

The grand vin of Château Mouton Rothschild is the quintessence of the estate. This First Growth embodies the excellence of Pauillac wines, with its powerful structure, aromatic complexity and exceptional ageing potential. Aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco and spices mingle with notes of black fruits and graphite, creating a bouquet of incomparable richness.

Since 1993, the estate has also produced a second wine, Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild. Made from younger vines and plot selections, this wine offers a more accessible expression of the Mouton terroir, while retaining the elegance and finesse characteristic of the estate.

In 1991, Mouton Rothschild innovated by creating Aile d'Argent, a dry white wine of great finesse. Made from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle, this wine surprises with its freshness, complexity and ageing capacity, unusual for a Bordeaux white.

Each vintage of Mouton Rothschild is a story in itself, reflecting the year's climatic conditions and the technical team's expertise. Among recent vintages, 2016, 2018 and 2019 are particularly noteworthy, promising long ageing and exceptional aromatic development. Enthusiasts will also be interested in older vintages such as 2010, 2009, 2005, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1996, 1995, 1986, 1982, 1961, 1959, 1955, 1953, 1947, and the mythical 1945.

Although Mouton Rothschild is unique, the Pauillac and Médoc region is full of other prestigious estates that deserve the attention of fine wine enthusiasts. The other First Growths of Pauillac such as Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Haut Brion, as well as the Second Growths and Crus Bourgeois like Léoville Las Cases, Léoville Poyferré, Montrose offer a range of styles and expressions of the Médoc terroir that admirably complement the Mouton Rothschild experience.

Château Mouton Rothschild remains an essential reference in the world of wine. Its rich history, exceptional terroir and constant commitment to excellence make it a unique estate, producing wines that are as much works of art as unforgettable tasting experiences. Whether for tasting or collecting, Mouton Rothschild wines continue to fascinate and enchant enthusiasts around the world, perpetuating the legend of one of the greatest names in French wine.