With the unveiling of new prestige cuvées and the construction of a state-of-the-art winery, Champagne Barons de Rothschild is charting a bold course to match its storied legacy in Bordeaux and beyond.
For nearly two centuries, the Rothschild name has been synonymous with prestige, excellence, and innovation in the world of fine wine. From the hallowed terroirs of Bordeaux to groundbreaking ventures in Napa Valley and Chile’s Maipo Valley, the family’s viticultural footprint is global. Now, with Champagne Barons de Rothschild, the illustrious lineage is writing a new chapter in the effervescent world of Champagne. Founded in 2005, Champagne Barons de Rothschild represents an unprecedented collaboration between three branches of the Rothschild family: Baron Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, Baron Benjamin and Ariane de Rothschild, and Baron Eric and his daughter Saskia. Rather than acquiring an established house, they chose to build a new maison from the ground up. This bold decision laid the foundation for what would become one of the most refined and forward-thinking Champagne houses in the region.
As it celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025, Champagne Barons de Rothschild has firmly anchored its place on the global stage, its journey defined by artisanal precision and a singular pursuit of excellence. This milestone year marks not just a moment of reflection, but a bold leap forward. In the heart of the Côte des Blancs, two transformative investments now shape the Maison’s future: a state-of-the-art production facility in the Grand Cru village of Oger, operational since 2024, and a meticulously restored 19th-century manor house in Vertus, soon to open as an exclusive winery and private reception space for clients. Together, they signal a new era, deeply rooted in Champagne’s terroir yet driven by visionary ambition.
A Vision Born of Legacy and Ambition
When the Rothschild family turned its gaze toward Champagne, it did so with the same ethos that shaped its greatest winemaking achievements elsewhere: a deep respect for terroir, a commitment to excellence, and a long-term vision. Champagne, with its storied heritage and global appeal, was a natural extension of the family’s viticultural narrative.
Baron Philippe Sereys de Rothschild articulated this ambition clearly: “We wanted to create something together. Champagne was the obvious choice. But we didn’t want to buy, we wanted to build.”
That foundational philosophy has permeated every facet of Champagne Barons de Rothschild’s development. From day one, the family has been intimately involved, investing not just capital but time, care, and expertise. Their goal was never to compete on volume, but to elevate the Rothschild standard in Champagne, creating Grands Vins that stand shoulder to shoulder with their most revered Bordeaux counterparts.
The Power of Place: Côte des Blancs
The decision to root the house’s identity in the Côte des Blancs, one of Champagne’s most celebrated subregions was both strategic and symbolic. Known for its chalky soils and exceptional Chardonnay, this area has long been the source of some of Champagne’s most elegant and age-worthy wines.
Seventy percent of the grapes used by Champagne Barons de Rothschild are sourced from this revered terroir. The house owns 8 hectares of vineyards in Grand and Premier Cru villages such as Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Oger, Ambonnay, and Vertus. Additionally, it maintains close relationships with around 20 local grower families, partnerships built on mutual trust and shared values.
Rare Collection Blanc de Blancs Vintage 2013
With the completion of the new winery in Oger and a meticulously restored 19th-century manor house in Vertus (to be transformed into a private hospitality space by 2025), the Rothschilds are investing deeply in this land. The architectural project, overseen by winemaker Guillaume Lété and architect Giovanni Pace, blends cutting-edge technology with historical reverence. Every detail from the fermentation vats to the layout of the barrel rooms has been designed to optimize quality and precision.
Rare Collection Rosé Vintage 2013
Lété, who joined the house at just 23 and has served as chef de caves since 2016, leads the technical aspects of the winery’s design. He describes the endeavor as a “dream job,” allowing him to shape a facility that reflects both Champagne’s timeless traditions and the Rothschild family’s exacting standards.
The recent release of the Rare Collection Blanc de Blancs Vintage 2013 and Rare Collection Rosé Vintage 2013 signals the culmination of years of patient artistry. Each bottle tells a story of place, precision, and perseverance.
The Blanc de Blancs, crafted from 100% Chardonnay sourced exclusively from Grand Cru villages like Avize, Cramant, Oger, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, is a masterclass in finesse. Only 9,600 bottles and 1,200 magnums were produced, priced at €310 per bottle. The wine displays striking minerality, layered citrus notes, and a profound elegance that promises remarkable longevity.
Guillaume Lété
The Rosé Vintage 2013, limited to just 2,450 bottles and 290 magnums, is a blend of 92% Chardonnay and 8% Pinot Noir vinified as red wine from Verzenay and Vertus. Retailing at €390 per bottle, it offers an expressive bouquet of wild berries, rose petals, and chalky undertones, underscoring the house’s mastery of blending and balance.
These cuvées exemplify the Rothschild approach: lowvolume, high-expression wines designed for true connoisseurs. Their release also underscores the house’s evolution from a newcomer in 2005 to a standard-bearer of modern Champagne.
At Champagne Barons de Rothschild, winemaking is not just a craft but a culture, one shaped by a team that includes veterans from the house’s inaugural 2005 harvest. The familial and entrepreneurial spirit imbues every decision, with the Rothschilds constantly challenging the team to push boundaries without compromising tradition.
This duality, respect for heritage and an embrace of innovation, permeates everything from viticulture to design. Even the bottles reflect this philosophy: custom-molded with the Rothschild family’s iconic arrows, yet retaining the classic Champenoise silhouette as a nod to regional legacy.
Lété explains, “We take the best of Champagne’s know-how, then reinterpret it through our own lens. The result is a Grand Vin de Champagne that respects its origins while reaching for new heights.”
Today, Champagne Barons de Rothschild produces approximately 600,000 bottles annually. Its wines are distributed globally, from Japan to the United States, with select partnerships through elite importers such as Waddesdon Wine Ltd and MISA Imports.
But growth in volume is not the objective. The house remains laser- ocused on enhancing quality, acquiring new vineyards judiciously, and developing site-specific cuvées that express the nuances of individual parcels. A new Clos in Vertus is in development, promising even greater terroir transparency in future releases.
The Rothschilds are also committed to environmental responsibility. Climate adaptation is not just a goal, it’s a mandate. From vineyard practices to winery design, every initiative reflects a conscientious effort to preserve Champagne’s future.
As Lété notes, “We want to continue making wines that inspire emotion, that represent something greater than themselves. That’s what the Rothschild name stands for, and that’s what we strive for in every bottle.”
In a region defined by heritage and grandeur, Champagne Barons de Rothschild has carved a niche all its own. It is at once a tribute to Champagne’s illustrious past and a bold step into its future. With its singular vision, unwavering integrity, and meticulous approach, the house is poised not only to uphold but to redefine what it means to produce truly great Champagne.
For collectors, connoisseurs, and visionaries alike, Champagne Barons de Rothschild offers more than just exceptional wine, it offers a living legacy, one that continues to sparkle with promise.