GITANA: 100 YEARS OF ROTHSCHILD PASSION. An integral part of the French-Swiss branch of the Rothschild family, the history of the Gitana team took root in 1876 and continues to thrive today.
At the start stands the fastest Yachting Lady of her day, Baroness Adolphe de Rothschild, known as “la Gitane”, the Gypsy. The Baroness beat all the speed records on Lake Geneva aboard her steamboat she personally had built. Ever since that time, nearly all the Rothschild boats have been called “Gitana”. The Rothschilds dominated the golden age of yachting, a time when sailing was as much of a nautical challenge as it was a lifestyle.

The story of the Gitana boats is the story of the passion for sailing, a passion each successive generation of the Rothschild family has perpetuated and influenced, pursuing the same goals: the drive to achieve feats, the ceaseless quest for technical improvements, the emphasis on individual and team talent, and the joy of victory.

The Domaine des Trente Arpents – Compagnie Fermière Benjamin and Edmond de Rothschild, located in Tournan en Brie, 40 km from Paris, is active in farming, forestry, husbandry and cheese-making.

The Ferme des Trente Arpents makes the only Brie de Meaux eligible for the “Fermier” label – which means that it is made on site using only the milk from the farm’s herd. The cheese-making facility was designed to conciliate the constraints inherent in both artisan cheese-making and strict health regulations. The cheese is aged in the farm’s cellars, where the conditions and length of the ageing process can change to meet clients’ needs. The Ferme des Trente Arpents offers a wide variety of cheese products including AOC Brie de Meaux fermier, Coulommiers fermier with black truffle and white truffle, Merle Rouge fermier, salty and sweet churned butter and wild boar and venison terrines.

The Groupe Edmond de Rothschild is a reference in the international world of finance.

Heir to the traditions and values behind the Rothschild family’s success for over 250 years, specialized in private banking and Asset Management, the Groupe Edmond de Rothschild has a family shareholding structure which provides it total independence with respect to its private and institutional clients.

The Group was founded by Baron Edmond de Rothschild in 1953 and today is chaired by his son, Baron Benjamin de Rothschild. The Group works in all the main international markets.

The Rothschild motto “Concordia, Integritas, Industria, remains the touchstone for the future: balance and ethics are an integral part of work and skills. Our employees share the family values and appreciate their relevance with each passing day. We are both authentic and precursors, that is our greatest strength”. Baron Benjamin de Rothschild.

In 1970, Baron Philippe de Rothschild acquired Château Clerc Milon which had been sadly neglected. Teams came in from Château Mouton Rothschild; they replanted and improved the vineyards, a new cuvier was built and many other technical improvements were made, resulting in the production of excellent wine. Château Clerc Milon has become one of the most sought-after crus from the Médoc region, producing sumptuous wines with great nobility that rival the very best. The label on Château Clerc Milon wines depicts a pair of dancing buffoons made of precious stones by a German goldsmith in the early 1700’s and now in the Museum of Wine in Art at Château Mouton Rothschild.

The grand wine from Château L’Evangile was described in an old edition of the “Grands wines de Bordeaux” (published by Dussaut) as “… full, elegant wine, redolent with incomparable bouquet and finesse”.

In 1990, the Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) acquired L’Evangile from the Ducasse family, who wanted the estate to continue to prosper. The influence from the Domaines Barons de Rothschild was soon felt, first in a more refined selection of the wine, then with the creation of the Blason de l’Evangile as a second wine. Efforts were also concentrated on the health of the vines, and a restoration and partial renewal plan got underway in 1998. The vat rooms and cellars were totally rebuilt in 2004, completing the final step in the estate’s new configuration.

1995 to 2005 was a splendid decade of outstanding vintages, true tribute to the hard work undertaken. The 1995, 1996, 2000 and an overwhelming 2005 are particularly noteworthy.

As Baron Eric de Rothschild said: “Such a beautiful vineyard near Lafite, I could not pass up the opportunity to bring it back to life”.

Purchased in 1962 by the Rothschild family, owners of the famous Lafite estate next door, Château Duhart Milon was known for fairly harsh wines, perhaps an expression of its 17th-century owner, a pirate for whom the estate was named. Its reputation was more likely due to the high proportion of Petit Verdot in the blend.

Today the estate is planted with a more classic combination of 58 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 22 % Merlot and 20 % Cabernet Franc. It produces wines with outstanding finesse, aromatic intensity and sometimes severe heartiness. Careful management of the vineyards, judicious respect of tradition and the use of modern techniques all contribute to the excellent quality of the wines.

Established since 1933 in Pauillac in the Médoc region, the Baron Philippe de Rothschild firm is driven by one unwavering objective: make the best wines in the world.

The world’s best wines, each in its category. There are the Châteaux wines, such as the illustrious Château Mouton Rothschild, Premier Cru Classé de Pauillac, the brilliant second wines Château Clerc Milon and Château d’Armailhac, and the brand wines, including the famous Mouton Cadet.

Baron Philippe de Rothschild S.A. also exports their savoir-faire: in the Pays d’Oc with their varietal wines; more recently at Domaine de Baron’arques in California with Opus One and in Chile with Almaviva.

Philippe de Rothschild S.A. works closely with company directors to maintain, modernize and grow the family firm.

Authentic, flawless daily gestures inspire the Rothschild lifestyle. The Rothschild art de vivre combines a welcoming attitude and a flair for what is beautiful and good. The Rothschild art de vivre is a demanding art that requires time and work and leave

Amidst the peaks of Megève, the Domaine du Mont d’Arbois, a place of authenticity, elegance and warmth, exemplifies the Rothschild lifestyle.

The 4-star Chalet du Mont d’Arbois, a Relais & Châteaux property, is the pride of the Domaine du Mont d’Arbois. Outdoor decks and the outdoor heated pool are utterly conducive to relaxing and reveling in the infinite views over the valley. Each room and suite offers discreet elegance, softness and warmth, perfect for restful serenity. Fabrics, furnishings, lighting all showcase the talent of the skilled artisans who create exceptional pieces for the Domaine.

The recently renovated Spa du Mont d’Arbois offers further space for calm and relaxation, with the pool, hammam and beauty salon.

The complex also includes the recently-acquired Ferme Duvillard-Hôtel du Golf***, a characteristic chalet ideally located on the ski slopes for winter use and by the golf course for summer enjoyment. The Mont d’Arbois golf course stretches across the highlands at an average altitude of 1,320 meters. Designed by Henry Cotton, the 18-hole course covers more than 50 hectares. Today, it is the oldest stylized mountain golf course in France. The Golf du Mont d’Arbois hosts several golfing competitions each year, including the famous Green Velvet which consistently draws great golfers from around the world.

Gastronomy at Mont d’Arbois is a tradition of Epicurean pleasure and excellence. The pure Rothschild lifestyle continues to express itself in the cuisine at the six restaurants at the Domaine. Traditional specialties and haute gastronomy are accompanied by outstanding wine offerings, with more than eight hundred wines on the wine list including many Rothschild vintages. The fabulous cheese course features the beautiful Bries made by the Ferme des Trente Arpents.

Blason d’Aussières is a selection characterised by its fruit maturity…

Freshness, supple and freshy texture which reflect the terroir of the estate. Its aromas remind us of the rich garrigue and spicy flavours. 20% of the wine is aged in oak barrels for 12 months.

The Chilean wine presented will be Almaviva, which came to life in 1997, fruit of the collaboration between Philippine de Rothschild from the Domaines Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Eduardo Guilisasti Tagle, from Concha Y Toro, the largest vineyard in Chile.

A blend of traditional Bordeaux grapes with a dominant of Cabernet Sauvignon, Almaviva takes full advantage of French savoir-faire and Chilean soils, climate and vineyards.

Benjamin and Ariane de Rothschild purchased this 86-hectare property in 2003. Château des Laurets vineyards are in two appellations – Puisseguin and Montagne Saint-Emilion.

Building on the experience gained at Château Clarke and working closely with oenologist Michel Rolland, Benjamin de Rothschild and Ariane de Rothschild are making Château des Laurets a reference for quality in the Puisseguin and Montagne Saint Emilion region.

The grapes come from old vines and are nearly entirely Merlot, with a small amount of Cabernet Franc. The wine is matured in new barrels for 15 to 18 months. Château des Laurets has a sumptuous nose with harmonious tannins. Aromas of berries, in particular raspberry, roasted toasted notes and a beautiful lingering finish all characterize the wine.

Members of the Gitana Team staff have designed the label.

Un grand vignoble en pleine maturité.
D’un seul tenant, le vignoble est situé à 34°30’ de latitude et 71°30’ de longitude, à 40 km de l’Océan Pacifique et 200 km au sud de Santiago. Avec ses 640 hectares, c’est l’un des plus grands vignobles de la vallée centrale de Colchagua, au pied du Mont Cañeten.
Les sols sont d’origine volcanique : des terres franches argilo-sableuses pour une part et des arènes granitiques d’autre part. Les cépages sont le Cabernet sauvignon (85 %), le Carmenère (5%), la Syrah (4%), le Malbec (1%) et le Chardonnay (5 %). Compte tenu des plantations importantes réalisées au début des années 1990, le vignoble se partage entre un ensemble de parcelles de 15 ans de moyenne et un autre ensemble de 40 à 50 ans d’âge. Les vignes les plus anciennes sont âgées de 60 ans. Le Sauvignon Blanc et une partie du Chardonnay de Los Vascos proviennent de vignes sous contrat de longue durée dans les régions plus fraîches de la côte Pacifique (Casablanca ou Leyda) ou du Piémont des Andes (Colchagua Andes).
Les méthodes de culture sont traditionnelles. L’irrigation en goutte à goutte est adaptée au strict besoin de la vigne et les vendanges vertes, sont pratiquées sur les parcelles qui le nécessitent afin de toujours satisfaire un objectif de qualité.
La gestion de la propriété est assurée par Claudio Naranjo, Directeur Général, assisté sur le plan technique d’Enrique Marquez, Responsable du vignoble, Marcelo Gallardo et Maximiliano Correa, en charge des vins et de la cave. Olivier Trégoat, Directeur Technique des propriétés DBR (Lafite) hors Bordeaux, assure la supervision technique.

Les vins produits par Flechas de los Andes sont exclusivement des vins rouges, qui cherchent à exploiter pleinement, chacun à leur manière, le cépage-roi en Argentine : le malbec.

À la fin des années 1990, la vallée d’Uco est un terroir encore peu connu en Argentine. Seuls quelques pionniers commencent à s’intéresser à ce site exceptionnel, au pied du volcan Tupungato, à plus de 1000 mètres d’altitude.

Parmi eux, l’oenologue Michel Rolland identifie un grand ensemble de parcelles aux caractéristiques idéales pour la vigne, à proximité du village de Vista Flores. Convaincu du potentiel de ce projet, il se lance à la recherche de partenaires pour donner naissance à un nouveau domaine. Benjamin de Rothschild et Laurent Dassault sont conquis par le site et par le défi à relever
: créer ex nihilo un vignoble et produire de grands vins sur ce nouveau terroir.

Opus One was created in 1978 by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, the legendary owner of Château Mouton Rothschild, and the famous Napa Valley wine producer Robert Mondavi. By combining both families’ winemaking traditions and innovations, the partners aimed to create an exceptional wine in the heart of the Napa Valley. Opus One was a success and has been acclaimed as a “Californian First Growth”. Opus One has 55 hectares (136 acres) of vines planted with Bordeaux grape varieties. Baroness Philippine de Rothschild inaugurated the new Opus One winery, one of the architectural gems of the Napa Valley, in 1991.

Château d’Armailhac, in the Mouton Rothschild family, is an excellent choice to add a characteristic, complete Pauillac to one’s cellar and take part in the flamboyant style of this legend.

In the past sixty years since being purchased by the Baron Philippe de Rothschild d’Armailhac changed names three times. Today, the estate has gone back to its original name, the name it was called at the time of the 1855 classification. Nothing however has changed the quality of the outstanding wines – especially the recent vintages with 25% Merlot – a much higher percentage than the neighboring Mouton-Rothschild.

Following the economic crisis that affected Bordeaux between 1973 and 1976, two gorgeous vintages were produced in 1975 and 1976 when Baron Eric de Rothschild, nephew of Baron Elie, took over management of Château Lafite Rothschild.

With the arrival Baron Eric, new energy stimulated the estate. Baron Eric was personally involved in the quest for excellence and gradually added a new technical team. Replanting and restoration work in the vineyard was accompanied by new soil improvement techniques and integrated pest management. In the cellars, stainless steel tanks were added to the oak tanks. Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill designed a revolutionary round ageing cellar. The stunning new cellar, hailed for its innovation and stark beauty, holds 2200 barrels. Baron Eric added to the Domaines’ assets with new acquisitions in France and abroad. The dazzling vintages in the 1980’s and 1990’s, in particular 1982, 1986, the three-year span of the outstanding 1988, 1989 and 1990 vintages, then 1995 and 1996, were acknowledged by soaring market prices

The year 2000 was the start of another excellent decade for the wine. Exceptional vintages were produced one after the other between 2000 and 2010, due partly to the highly conducive dry weather during the growing season. The 2000, scorchingly hot 2003, 2005, 2009 and 2010, will all reveal their splendor with time! The transition to the 21st century was full of serenity given all the promise slowly maturing in the cellars. Quiet, deeply-rooted optimism reigns, based on the unrelenting quest for excellence that has always been part of the history at Château Lafite Rothschild.

In 1838 the founders of Paris Orléans could scarcely have imagined that the company would one day become one of the flagships of the Rothschild family, devoted to finance throughout the world for over seven generations.

Another nationalization ultimately decided the fate of the bank, for in 1982 the Banque Rothschild was nationalized by the French government. 1983: David and Eric de Rothschild decided to revive the French activities of the family group. With a tiny group of six staff, they used Paris Orléans as a launch pad to redeploy the Rothschild group. Paris Orléans held majority interest in Paris Orléans Gestion, which became Rothschild & Cie Banque, in SGIM (Société de Gérance d’Immeubles Municipaux) and minority interest in the insurance firm SIACI, in wineries through SGDBR which became Domaines Barons de Rothschild (DBR) and in Francarep, an oil company.

When Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) took over Château Rieussec in 1984, the estate had 110 hectares, of which 68 were planted with vines. To improve the potential from Château Rieussec, strict sorting measures were implemented, and barrel fermen

The first selection efforts were rewarded with outstanding vintages three years running, in 1988, 1989 and 1990. A decade of outstanding wines between 1995 and 2005 then crowned the increased effort. Exceptional wines were produced in 1996, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2005, among other years.

The Château Rieussec 2001 was acknowledged by the magazine Wine Spectator, which awarded it Wine of the Year in 2004.

Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons is a partnership between the South African Rupert family and Baron Benjamin de Rothschild, son of late Baron Edmond. Rupert & Rothschild makes outstanding wines at the historic farm in Frederiksburg.

The Rupert family, South Africa’s wealthiest family, already owns L’Ormarins and La Motte estates in Franschhoek. Benjamin de Rothschild (cousin of the Lafite and Mouton Rothschilds) owns Château Clarke (Listrac Cru Bourgeois), Peyre-Lebade and Malmaison.

The Frederiksburg farm stretches over the slopes of Simonsberg mountain, near Paarl and Franschhoek. French oenologist Michel Rolland comes in four times a year to consult to the estate, where he assists cellar master Willem Joubert. Rupert & Rothschild wines are marketed between 75 and 190 rand (12 to 32 euros).

The Château Clarke estate goes back to the 12th century, when Cistercian monks from the Vertheuil Abbey planted the first grapevines.

After a series of successions and sales which left the vineyards in a sorry state of disrepair, Baron Edmond de Rothschild acquired the estate in 1973. The estate was totally redesigned and rebuilt between 1974 and 1978 and today accounts for 54 wine-producing hectares.

The vines are planted on hilltops with chalky-clayey soil on which the Merlot grape thrives. The historic buildings have been restored and the wine-making facilities and techniques totally updated. Since September of 2001, the hand-harvested grapes are brought to the superb wood fermenting room where they are sorted on the conveyor belt and drop via gravity into the tank.

Most of the wine then goes into new barrels where it matures between 14 and 18 months. Concentrated and distinguished, the wines from Château Clarke truly express the very best of the terroirs that produce them.

Domaine de Baronarques has existed since the 17th century. After several changes of ownership, the estate was acquired by Baroness Philippine de Rothschild and her children in 1998. After extensive renovation of the vineyard and winery, it now produces very high quality wines. The estate spans 110 hectares (272 acres), 43 of them (106 acres) planted with Bordeaux and Mediterranean grape varieties. In 2003, Domaine de Baronarques was granted the AOC Limoux rouge appellation by the Institut National des Appellations d’Origine (INAO). Its wide variety of soils and micro-climates give its wines great complexity.