The Rothschild Journey to Winemaking

By Charleigh Barricks

The Rothschild Journey to Winemaking

The Rothschild family is an illustrious Jewish family with a rich history of determination and business savvy. The family is known for their influence in banking, art collecting, and of course, winemaking. In the late 18th century, Mayer Amschel Rothschild, a merchant in a Frankfurt ghetto, initiated his five sons into the business. By 1789, each son was sent to the four major European capitals of the time. Solomon went to Vienna, Nathaniel to London, Carl to Naples, and James to Paris. Over time, the brothers developed the ability to communicate more effectively, and efficiently, than anyone else across Europe. Their ingenuity propelled them to become highly influential in banking for generations, and building the foundation of the modern economy.

In 1853 Baron Nathan, from the English branch of the family, settled in Paris and purchased Château Brane Mouton (renamed Château Mouton Rothschild), spurring the generational wine business that continues today. This estate was located at Pauillac in the heart of Mèdoc, an area known for producing outstanding examples of red wines. Years later, in 1922, a young Philippe de Rothschild took charge of the estate and eventually established its distinguished reputation, and expanded its operations globally.

The Rothschild family had, and continues to have, an immense influence in Israel, as they changed the country’s economy and community forever. Starting in 1882, Baron Edmond de Rothschild, also known as the“Benevolent Provider”, took it upon himself to help early Israeli pioneers construct the country’s first winery. By 1889, building had started in Rishon Lezion, and in 1890 the first section was completed. In August of that year, the first grapes were harvested.

In 1891, a second winery was constructed in Zichron Yaakov (“In Memory of Yaakov”), named after Baron Edmond’s father, Yaakov. Just one year after the winery was completed the first grapes were harvested. Zichron Yaakov is one of the oldest communities in Israel, founded by members of the Eastern European Hovevei Tzion movement. It is located at the south end of Mount Carmel overlooking the Mediterranean coast. This area provides a climate similar to Bordeaux, France, as discovered by the Baron’s representatives who traveled to Israel prior to construction. Both Bordeaux and Mount Carmel have warm climates, high altitudes, and maximum sun exposure that is moderated by cool sea breezes, which are ideal for cultivating red wine varietals. This huge undertaking included the planning and building of six large underground cellars in Givat Zammarin. In addition, an intricate steam engine was developed to pump fresh water throughout the winery. A massive flour mill was also built and was used by residents of Zichron Yaakov.

Immigrants from the first wave of Aliyah came to depend on viticulture and wine production in both Rishon Lezion and Zichron Yaakov. Despite the Ottoman rule, the British Mandate, two World Wars, and the social unrest and wars that came after the founding of Israel, both wineries have never experienced a break in production.

In 1896, the Carmel wines company (a.k.a Carmel Winery), named after the wineries locations both on and near Mount Carmel, was established to export wines from Rishon Lezion, Zichron Yaakov, and, eventually, from branches across the world. 125 years later, it continues to uphold its esteemed reputation.

Rothschild Wines

Today Rothschild wineries are located not only in Israel, but also in France, Chile, Argentina, and the United States, which continue to produce uniquely exceptional wines like those featured here.

Barons de Rothschild "A Legacy in a Bottle"

Barons de Rothschild Brut:

Barons de Rothschild Brut is the crème de la crème of France’s most prestigious Champagnes. Rothschild Champagne is made by blending Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from none other than France's Champagne region, and is aged for a minimum of three years in French oak barrels. This golden hay colored wine with delicate bubbles offers earthy aromaS with hints of luscious white fruit. On the palate, this classic Champagne is balanced with flavors of juicy, crisp pear, a hint of acidity, and a slight nuttiness. The finish lingers, leaving a lovely aftertaste that leaves you longing for another sip.

Les Lauriers de Rothschild:

Les Lauriers de Rothschild hails from the French appellation, St. Émilion, in the Bordeaux region of France. This wine makes an entrance with its vibrant purple color, and rich red blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet. It is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, offering earthy aromas balanced with freshly picked cherries, raspberries, and red fruit. On the palate, this wine is medium-bodied, with medium acidity, bursting with bright fresh red fruit flavors and subtle notes of cedar, unique to French oak. The smooth tannins create a memorable, long finish that sits on the tongue. This versatile wine can be paired with anything from fresh vegetables, distinctive cheeses, fish, and poultry.

Château Clarke

Château Clarke is an exceptional Bordeaux from the prestigious appellation of Listrac- Mèdoc in Northern Mèdoc. Château Clarke is the flagship estate of Baron Benjamin de Rothschild, which he inherited from his late father Baron Edmond de Rothschild. Château Clarke has been known for producing kosher cuvées since 1986, but in 2018 they made their first kosher run of the winery’s Grand Vin. This wine has deep garnet to royal purple color, with a fruit-forward nose of crushed raspberries, lush black plum, a splash of cassis (black currant), a hint of smoke, and freshly rolled cigars. On the palate, this velvety wine echoes its unique nose with layers of ripe red fruit, earth, and minerals, balanced with medium acidity and a whisper of smoke. The finish is long and elegant with delicate tannins and notes of dark chocolate. This perfectly balanced, yet complex, and rich wine is the epitome of the Rothschild family standard.

Château Malmaison

Château Malmaison is one of the oldest wineries in the French appellation of Moulis-en-Médoc adjacent to Château Clarke. Acquired in 1973, Baron Edmond de Rothschild redesigned the estate into a lush, elegant garden reflecting his late wife, Baroness Nadine de Rothschild’s love for gardening. Hence the reason he named this wine in her honor. This wine’s aromas mirror the herbaceous and earthy scent of freshly tilled soil intermingled with rich black fruits. Its medium body offers a solid structure with big tannins balanced with acidity that builds over time. The finish lingers with earth and fruit flavors that continue to develop and change as the wine ages in the bottle. This wine is perfect for a garden party, or an intimate evening under the stars.

Château de Parsac

Château de Parsac is a Bordeaux produced in St. Emilion AOC (Appellation d' Origine Contrôlée) in the Bordeaux region of France. This complex, yet balanced wine offers an intensely purple color, and a tantalizing aroma of fresh raspberries, juicy red cherries intermingled with vanilla and spices. The palate compliments the aroma, brimming with red fruit flavors, fresh cherries, and raspberries with medium body, smooth tannins, and a long fruit-forward finish. This wine pairs perfectly with a delectable, buttery berry tart, or a bright citrus summer salad.

Flechas de Los Andes

Flechas de Los Andes is a hearty, sultry Malbec, a result of a collaboration of Baron Benjamin de Rothschild and French financier M. Laurent Dassault. The vineyard is situated on a unique terroir at the foot of the Andes cordillera just south of Mendoza. The finest plots of the Flechas de Los Andes vineyards produce outstanding examples of top-of-the-line Argentinian Malbec. The wine is deep ruby color with flavors of raspberry, red fruit, chocolate, and black licorice balanced with delicate oaky flavors and soft tannins. This wine pairs well with a summer barbeque, complimenting the smoky char, and mouthwatering tenderness of grilled meat.

Share a L’Chaim of Historic Proportions with Rothschild Wines

Experience the Rothschild’s rich history, exceptional winemaking, exquisite style, and attention to detail at your Shabbat or Yom Tov table. As the Rothschild sent their children around Europe, we hope you too are transported to famous wine regions in Europe and around the world, as you luxuriate in the company of friends and family, and with the taste of wine crafted for generations. As Philippe de Rothschild said, “Excellent wine generates enthusiasm. And whatever you do with enthusiasm is generally successful.” To that we say, L’Chaim!