Definition: Mouton Rothschild (estate)

Mouton Rothschild has a fascinating history: it is a second growth that rose to first growth status in 1973, even though the 1855 wine classification has never been revised! The estate owes much of its prestige to one man, Baron Philippe de Rothschild (1902-1988), who brought this wine to the attention of the whole world. The estate was purchased in 1853 by Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild, from the English branch of the family. At the time, it was known as Brane-Mouton. In 1855, the estate was classified as a second growth. It was not until 1923 that Baron Philippe, then aged 20, decided to become fully involved in the estate. In 1924, he was the first to launch "integral bottling at the château". In 1926, he had the famous 100-metre-long cellar built, which is still in use today. In 1945, to celebrate the Liberation, Baron Philippe crowned the label of that vintage with a "V" for Victory, which was also the beginning of a long series of labels illustrated by contemporary artists. In 1962, Mouton launched the Museum of Wine in Art, with three millennia of objects dedicated to art and wine. Finally, in 1973, the Baron obtained a revision of the 1855 Classification and Château Mouton Rothschild finally achieved the rank of Premier Cru Classé, which everyone recognised it deserved. Today, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild has been at the helm of this illustrious estate since 1987. Château Mouton Rothschild covers 78 hectares of vineyards in Pauillac, with a typical Médoc grape variety mix: Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), Merlot (11%), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Petit Verdot (2%). Four hectares are planted with white grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc (51%), Sémillon (47%) and Muscadelle (2%), which produce the renowned Aile d'Argent.

Mouton Rothschild was born from the combination of a terroir, a climate and the passion of one man, Baron Philippe de Rothschild, who decided to make Mouton his life's work. His ambition was to create a unique place and make Mouton the best wine in the Médoc. Absent from the 1855 classification, the consistent quality of the wines and the fight to obtain this first classification was rewarded in 1973. Since then, Mouton's success has continued to grow (the labels designed by great contemporary artists having contributed considerably to this success). The château's motto, "First I am, second I was, Mouton remains the same", reflects the estate's quality policy. A superb success, perpetuated since the death of Baron Philippe by Baroness Philippine de Rothschild with the same success.

The Wine Museum occupies a former bottling room between the large cellar and the vat room. It brings together a unique collection of more than four hundred rare objects that bear witness to the ever-renewed dialogue between wine and art. Founded in the 1960s by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, this private museum is open to visitors. The museum originated with a series of^16th- and^17th-century German silverware pieces inherited from Baron Carl de Rothschild and dedicated to wine. Around this collection of cups, ewers and hanaps, Baron Philippe and his wife Pauline gathered numerous works of art, all associated with vines, wine or the ram, the emblem of Mouton. These pieces, including paintings, ceramics, glassware, sculptures, ivories and tapestries, some of which are extremely rare, come from a wide variety of civilisations, from ancient times to contemporary creations. The first book devoted to this museum presents a selection of 140 objects divided into six thematic chapters, each introduced by a text: the god Bacchus, the prestige of the vine, wine at the table, ceremonial wine, exotic intoxication, and animal myths. Each object is illustrated and accompanied by a technical description and explanatory notes. At the end of the book, an illustrated catalogue lists all the museum's works without exception - Mouton Rothschild, the museum of wine in art - Authors: Julien Pascal and Sandrine Herman. Photographs: Peter Knaup - Éditions Imprimerie Nationale.

In 2003, Mouton Rothschild celebrated the 150th anniversary of the acquisition of the property by Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild in 1853.