Definition: Second wine

The origin of second wines dates back to 1930 with Mouton Cadet, which, for that vintage, was actually the second wine of Château Mouton Rothschild. Given its success, Mouton Cadet quickly became a commercial brand, unrelated to the château's vineyards. In order not to detract from the grand vin, second wines, which do not claim the same reputation, always have a different name, but one that is reminiscent of the first wine. Examples include L'Esprit de Chevalier for Domaine de Chevalier, Les Pagodes de Cos for Château Cos d'Estournel, Carruade de Lafite-Rothschild for Château Lafite-Rothschild, Pavillon Rouge de Château Margaux, Les Forts de Latour for Château Latour, La Dame de Montrose, etc. Sometimes there is even a third wine. On the other hand, in poor vintages, a grand château may decide not to produce a first wine, opting instead for a single second wine.