The History of Château Lafite Rothschild
With origins dating back to the 14th century, Château Lafite Rothschild is one of the oldest wine estates in the Médoc. It truly began to flourish under the direction of the Ségur family in the 17th century, who refined their expertise and elevated it to a wine of prestige.
In 1855, Château Lafite Rothschild was classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé, the highest distinction for Bordeaux wines. Since its acquisition by Baron James de Rothschild in 1868, the estate has remained in the Rothschild family, embodying both tradition and innovation to deliver exceptional wines with each vintage.
Viticulture and Winemaking : The Estate's Philosophy
The vineyard of Château Lafite Rothschild spans 112 hectares of gravelly and sandy soils, providing ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Viticulture follows sustainable environmental practices, aiming to preserve the balance of the terroir and optimize grape quality.
Harvesting is done by hand, and each plot is vinified separately to capture the unique expression of every section of the estate. Aging in new French oak barrels imparts an aromatic complexity and tannic structure to Lafite Rothschild wines, characteristic of the finest wines from Pauillac.
The Wine of Château Lafite Rothschild
The wines of Château Lafite Rothschild are renowned for their elegance, finesse, and long aging potential. The Grand Vin, a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, is distinguished by aromas of dark fruit, cedar, and graphite, with a balanced depth and power. The estate also produces Carruades de Lafite, the second wine, which embodies Lafite’s expertise and refinement while offering a more accessible approach.
With each vintage, Château Lafite Rothschild continues its commitment to excellence, captivating enthusiasts and collectors worldwide with the authenticity and complexity of its wines.
