Chateau Mouton Rothschild: It's Fascinating Legacy

Who Owns Château Mouton Rothschild?

The rich history of Mouton Rothschild

Château Mouton Rothschild has a storied history intertwined with the Rothschild family, one of the most famous names in the world of wine and finance. The estate was acquired in 1853 by Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild, who renamed it from "Château Brane-Mouton" to its current name. The modern era of Château Mouton Rothschild began under Baron Philippe de Rothschild, who took over management in 1922. His visionary leadership elevated the estate to global prominence. Notably, he pioneered the concept of artist-designed wine labels, commissioning works from some of the greatest artists of the 20th century, including Picasso, Chagall, and Miró. Each vintage features a unique label, making the wines highly collectible.

Another historic milestone came in 1973, when Château Mouton Rothschild was elevated from Second Growth to First Growth status in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification—the only change ever made to the 1855 classification. This recognition cemented the estate’s reputation as one of the world’s finest wineries. Today, Château Mouton Rothschild remains under the ownership of the Rothschild family, currently led by Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, Camille Sereys de Rothschild, and Julien de Beaumarchais de Rothschild. The family continues to oversee every aspect of production, ensuring the estate’s legacy of excellence.

Where is Château Mouton Rothschild?

Château Mouton Rothschild is one of Bordeaux’s crown jewels, renowned for producing some of the most celebrated wines in the world. If you’re planning a visit or simply want to understand its unique location, this guide will take you on a journey to Pauillac, the heart of Bordeaux's Médoc wine region.

The Estate’s Location

Château Mouton Rothschild is situated in the Pauillac appellation, part of Bordeaux’s Médoc region in southwestern France. The estate lies approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) northwest of the city of Bordeaux. Located on the Left Bank of the Gironde Estuary, the estate’s vineyards benefit from ideal growing conditions that contribute to the production of world-class Bordeaux wines.

Pauillac, Bordeaux

Pauillac is considered one of the most prestigious wine-producing regions in the world. It is home to three of Bordeaux’s five First Growths (Mouton Rothschild, Lafite Rothschild, and Latour), as well as many other renowned estates. The terroir here is defined by its very deep gravelly soils, which provide excellent drainage and reflect sunlight, helping the grapes to ripen fully. The proximity to the Gironde Estuary moderates temperatures, protecting the vines from extreme weather and creating ideal growing conditions. Finally, the region’s terroir is particularly well-suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, the backbone of Château Mouton Rothschild wines. These characteristics make Pauillac a hub for wine enthusiasts seeking the best of Bordeaux’s viticulture.

Growing Practices

True to the motto "First, I am. Second, I used to be. Mouton does not change," the production of Château Mouton Rothschild wines is entrusted to the care of a small team of experts who are among the best in their field. Every stage of the winemaking process, from the ploughing of the vines to bottling, is carried out by craftsmen whose know-how is often passed down from generation to generation. This heritage is deeply engraved in the identity of Mouton Rothschild and contributes to the production of some of the most famous wines across the globe. Each vintage captures the nuances and identity of the region’s typical grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

Vinification

The grapes at Château Mouton Rothschild are harvested by hand in small crates to preserve their integrity. After being destemmed, they undergo a rigorous manual sorting of the berries on vibrating sorting tables to ensure only the best fruit is selected. The selected fruit is transferred to tanks and then to fermentation vats using a 100% gravity-fed process, preserving the quality of the fruit. The estate’s cutting-edge vat room, inaugurated in 2012, exemplifies the height of winemaking technology. Spanning two levels, this high-tech wood and steel gravity-fed space houses 44 oak vats, enabling precise parcel-based fermentations. Additionally, the vat room includes 20 stainless steel vats to enhance flexibility in the winemaking process.

After vinification, the wines are aged exclusively in new oak barrels, in line with the Médoc region’s traditions. During this time, the barrels are regularly topped up, and the wine is fined with egg white before bottling. The wine is aged for 20 to 22 months in the estate’s iconic Grand Chai and second cellars to complete its maturation process.

The Iconic Style of Château Mouton Rothschild Wines

The Grand Vin of Château Mouton Rothschild captivates wine lovers with its refined character and delicate balance between power and aromatic richness. Its complex nose blends fragrances of black fruits with savory notes of spices, tobacco, graphite, and fresh cedar. On the palate, the wine reveals a smooth texture and fine tannins that stretch into a persistent and subtly mineral finish.

Since 1993, the estate has also produced a second wine, Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild, made from younger vines. Vinified with the same meticulous care as the Grand Vin, this cuvée expresses the elegance and richness of Pauillac’s great terroirs. Its label, inspired by a 1927 work by artist Jean Carlu, reflects the artistic heritage of the estate. Initially named "Le Second Vin de Mouton Rothschild," the wine’s name was changed to "Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild" in 1994, a nod to the residence of Baroness Philippine at the heart of the estate.

In the 1980s, Philippine de Rothschild revived an old Médoc tradition by planting a few hectares with white grape varieties. This decision led to the creation of Aile d'Argent, the estate’s white wine. Made from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Sauvignon Gris, and Muscadelle, this wine is aged 50% in new oak barrels. Produced in small quantities, Aile d’Argent combines richness and elegance. The name refers to a tale written by Baron Philippe de Rothschild for his daughter Philippine during his imprisonment, published in 1947 by Gallimard.

Aging Potential of the Estate’s Wines

Thanks to their complexity, finesse, and refinement, the wines of Château Mouton Rothschild are built to age gracefully in cellars for many years. Over time, these wines reveal their full aromatic potential and depth, offering wine enthusiasts an unparalleled tasting experience.

Château Mouton Rothschild wines are celebrated for their complexity and balance, combining bold flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and tobacco with refined tannins. Known for their ability to age gracefully over decades, the wines enhance their flavors and structure over time. Each vintage’s label is designed by a prominent artist, making every bottle a work of art.

Visiting Château Mouton Rothschild on your next trip to Bordeaux

For wine enthusiasts, a visit to Château Mouton Rothschild is a must. The estate offers guided tours that showcase the meticulously maintained vineyards that produce the estate’s legendary wines. Visitors can also explore the Museum of Wine in Art, which features a unique collection of wine-related art and artifacts, including works from the estate’s famous label artists. The Barrel Hall is another highlight, where visitors can marvel at the craftsmanship of oak barrels used to age the wine to perfection. Reservations are essential, as the estate limits the number of visitors to ensure a personalized experience. For bookings, visit their official website or contact the estate directly.

Where To Buy Château Mouton Rothschild Wines

Château Mouton Rothschild wines are available on our website. Discover sought-after vintages from 2003 to 2023, all available now. The wines are also a centerpiece in many wine collections, sought after for their taste, history, and iconic labels.