The Rothschild name captures the imagination like a key to a safe full of secrets. For two centuries, it has stood for financial power, but also for the art of living – as expressed in architecture, art and, above all, wine and champagne. Discover the history of the family that built not only a banking empire but also one of the most outstanding brands in the world of luxury wine: Barons de Rothschild.

The beginning of a legend: from Frankfurt to the world elite

The story of the Rothschilds is a film script in itself – a tale of ambition, vision and an uncompromising pursuit of perfection. It all began in 1744, when Mayer Amschel Rothschild was born into a modest merchant family in the Jewish ghetto of Frankfurt. Although he could have become a rabbi, he chose the path of finance and opened his own bank at the age of 26. The beginnings were modest, but he soon became the financial advisor of the most powerful rulers in Europe.

His five sons, who were sent to London, Naples, Vienna, Frankfurt and Paris, formed the five pillars of the most powerful financial dynasty in the world. It was James de Rothschild, a representative of the French branch of the family, who laid the foundations for the family’s wine-growing heritage. In 1868, he acquired Château Lafite, starting a new chapter – one that would change the face of French Bordeaux.

Château Lafite Rothschild – more than just wine

Château Lafite Rothschild is both a winery and an institution. One of the most prestigious appellations in the Médoc, it was listed as a Premier Grand Cru Classé as early as 1855. Each Lafite vintage has a lot to offer: finesse, depth and complexity. Bottles from exceptional years, such as 1982, 2000 or 2010, reach dizzying prices, becoming both objects of worship and investments with an extraordinary rate of return.

But the Rothschild family did not stop at Bordeaux. Over time, their wine empire also expanded to Argentina, Chile, South Africa and China. Wherever their vision took them, their values remained the same: excellence, passion and heritage.

Champagne with pedigree. Champagne Barons de Rothschild

Twenty years ago, a new chapter in this story began. Benjamin de Rothschild, owner of Château Clarke, together with his cousins Eric and Philippe, decided to create something special: their own champagne house. Thus, in 2005, the Champagne Barons de Rothschild was founded, which today is available in over 85 countries worldwide and is sold exclusively in the best restaurants, hotels and exclusive wine boutiques.

From the beginning, the goal was to create a champagne worthy of the Rothschild name. Elegant, subtle, refined. One that captures the spirit of art de vivre – the art of living – so dear to this family for generations.

Concordia. Integritas. Industria.

These are the three pillars on which the House’s philosophy is based: harmony, integrity and mastery of the craft. Consistency and perfection can be felt in every bottle.

The House has its own 8-hectare vineyards, and the grapes come exclusively from Grands Crus and Premiers Crus in the Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims and Marne Valley regions. From 2024, production will be moved to two modern locations – in Oger and Vertus – where each phase of champagne production will take place with clockwork precision: from remuage to dégorgement to ageing in various types of tanks – steel, wooden and concrete.

Chardonnay: the essence of elegance

The main variety around which the house style has been built is Chardonnay – noble, mineral and long-lived. It dominates the four main cuvées: Concordia Brut, Brut Nature, Rosé and Blanc de Blancs.

The ageing process lasts from 4 to 10 years, and even after dégorgement, the bottles rest for at least 6 months to reach full flavour. This time allows for the development of delicacy, depth and a creamy structure – the one recognised by connoisseurs all over the world.

A glass full of stories

Philippe Sereys de Rothschild once said: ‘The first characteristic of our champagne must be absolute elegance’. And it’s hard to disagree with that. Because when we raise a glass of Champagne Barons de Rothschild, we are raising not only bubbles, but also history. The history of a family that has made taste a symbol of value.

This is champagne that needs no fireworks. One sip is enough to realise that we are in the presence of something special. Something that combines tradition with modernity, passion with precision, family with legend.

Rothschild – a name that obliges

From Mayer Amschel to Baron Érik and Ariane de Rothschild, this family shows that greatness is not a question of wealth, but of vision and the courage to follow your own path.