Chateau Mouton RothschildProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pauillac, Bordeaux

Bordeaux 1855 Classification: First Growth

Château Mouton Rothschild, located in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, is one of the most prestigious and iconic wine estates in the world. As a Premier Cru Classé, Mouton Rothschild has consistently produced wines of unparalleled quality, combining power, elegance, and complexity. Its rich history, illustrious ownership, and unique terroir have all contributed to making Mouton Rothschild a symbol of excellence in the wine industry.

History of Château Mouton Rothschild

The history of Château Mouton Rothschild dates back to the early 18th century when it was known simply as Château Brane-Mouton. In 1853, the estate was purchased by Nathaniel de Rothschild, a member of the prominent Rothschild banking family. Nathaniel renamed the estate Château Mouton Rothschild and began transforming it into one of Bordeaux's leading wine producers. Despite its quality, Mouton Rothschild was originally classified as a Second Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, a decision that rankled the Rothschild family for generations.

The estate's fortunes changed dramatically in 1922 when Baron Philippe de Rothschild took over the management of Mouton Rothschild. Baron Philippe was a visionary who introduced numerous innovations that would elevate the estate's reputation. In 1924, he pioneered the practice of château bottling, a move that allowed Mouton Rothschild to maintain control over the entire winemaking process, from vineyard to bottle. Baron Philippe also commissioned famous artists to design unique labels for each vintage, a tradition that continues to this day.

In 1973, after years of lobbying by Baron Philippe, Château Mouton Rothschild was finally elevated to Premier Cru Classé status, joining the ranks of Bordeaux’s most prestigious estates. This reclassification was a historic moment in Bordeaux's history, and it solidified Mouton Rothschild's position as one of the world’s great wines.

The Terroir of Château Mouton Rothschild

The terroir of Château Mouton Rothschild is one of its most defining characteristics, contributing significantly to the quality and style of its wines. The estate’s 90 hectares of vineyards are situated on the gravelly soils of the Pauillac appellation, which are ideal for cultivating the classic Bordeaux grape varieties. The deep gravel soils, which are interspersed with sand and clay, provide excellent drainage, allowing the vines to root deeply and access essential minerals. This terroir contributes to the concentration, structure, and complexity that are hallmarks of Mouton Rothschild wines.

The vineyard is planted with 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to capturing the unique qualities of its terroir, with Cabernet Sauvignon providing structure and longevity, Merlot adding richness and roundness, and the small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot contributing aromatic complexity and spice.

The estate’s proximity to the Gironde estuary creates a microclimate that moderates temperatures and reduces the risk of frost, ensuring a long and even growing season. This unique combination of soil and climate conditions allows Château Mouton Rothschild to produce wines that are both powerful and refined, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château Mouton Rothschild

Winemaking at Château Mouton Rothschild is a meticulous process that honours tradition while embracing modern innovations. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted to ensure that only the best fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, allowing for precise control over the fermentation process and ensuring that the wines develop their full range of flavours and tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 22 months, with about 100% new oak used each year. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously. The result is a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of developing greater complexity and nuance over time.