Barons de Rothschild : The Rothschild Rare Vintage 2010

The perfect harmony of a champagne which reveals the quintessence of the Barons de Rothschild style

The estate

Founded in 2005, the Barons de Rothschild Champagne House is a familial and heartfelt creation which resulted from the unprecedented union between three branches (Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Clarke, Château Lafite Rothschild), aiming to magnify the majestic Champagne terroir which embodies quality and the art of living beyond borders. "Accomplishing through great achievements", such has been the Rothschild family’s ambition for more than 250 years. Through the strength of its wine-growing experience, the family has joined forces with producers from Champagne to develop excellent champagnes which bring together know-how and tradition.

With the values of excellence, good taste and conviviality, the Barons de Rothschild Champagne House, which head office has been located in Reims since 2007, near illustrious estates in the Champagne wine region, unveils cuvées which unique style harmoniously combines finesse, balance and purity.

The vintage

2010 was a year which began with great potential for wine, with a vintage which was promised as exceptional. Spring was early, followed by a cool June. Summer, however, was mixed. The plots from the Côte des Blancs selected for The Rothschild Rare Vintage 2010 cuvée enjoy an exceptional exposure, allowing the Chardonnays to reach a perfect state of ripeness.

Vinification

The Rothschild Rare Vintage 2010 by the Barons de Rothschild Champagne House is produced with exclusive use of the cuvée (first press). Vinification is carried out in small, thermoregulated stainless steel vats of 20hl, with a low proportion in barrels. Plot-based alcoholic fermentation. Malolactic fermentation. Long, 9-month ageing process on fine lees with regular stirring. Late bottling in July. Ageing on lees in bottle: 8 years minimum. Very low dosage (4 to 5g/l). Resting time after disgorgement is a minimum of 12 months.

Blend

The Rothschild Rare Vintage 2010 by the Barons de Rothschild Champagne House is a 100% Chardonnay wine. The blend is produced from 4 Grand Crus from the Côte des Blancs: Avize, Cramant, Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.

Tasting

Colour

The wine is a light and bright golden colour, sustained by crystalline highlights.

Nose

Mineral and chalky, the first nose reveals aromas of hazelnut and fresh almond before evolving into spicy notes reminiscent of nutmeg and tonka bean. Over aeration, the nose exudes aromas of stone fruit, mocha, praline and notes of pastry.

Palate

The attack is full-bodied on the palate. The depth on the palate is reminiscent of the minerality on the nose. The saline notes are expressed with great finesse, accompanied by the tangy freshness of hints of lemon and citrus. The hearty finish charms with its exceptional length and its harmony.

Food and wine pairings

This exceptional cuvée will go well with the most sophisticated pairings and will delight the finest gastronomes. The salinity of the Chardonnay’s limestone terroirs will go perfectly with crustaceans, such as scampi tartare with citrus, or fish, such as a poached turbot fillet. The spicy nature of this cuvée’s finish will allow it to be paired with slightly spicy chicken breasts or a veal medallion with morel mushrooms.

Serving

For an optimal tasting, serve at between 8°C and 10°C.