Champagne House Focuses on Terroir
The Champagne House Barons de Rothschild has recently introduced two new grand cru cuvées, Le Bateau and Les Maladries, emphasizing the unique characteristics of specific vineyards in the Côte des Blancs. These cuvées highlight the house's dedication to showcasing the distinct qualities of individual terroirs.A New Axis in the House's Range
Le Bateau and Les Maladries are part of a new direction for the House, which was founded in 2005 but is rooted in the long viticultural history of the Rothschild family in Bordeaux. The family members have united to apply their deep knowledge of terroirs to the Côte des Blancs region.Guillaume Lété's Influence
Guillaume Lété, the Cellar Master since 2016, has been instrumental in developing the house's approach. He emphasizes individuality and allows each terroir to express itself uniquely. His methods focus on cultivating individuality and supporting oenology through careful vineyard management.Focus on Chardonnay in Côte des Blancs
The Côte des Blancs is known for its chardonnay, which forms the backbone of the Barons de Rothschild style. The house exclusively uses grand cru and premier cru chardonnay from this region, highlighting their commitment to quality and terroir-specific expressions.Introducing Le Grand Clos 2019
Le Grand Clos 2019 is a blanc de blancs made from a 52-acre plot reconstructed by the Rothschild family in Vertus. This cuvée marks a new way of looking at the family's Champagne heritage and was unveiled in 2025 for the house's twentieth anniversary.Distinct Cuvées from Avize and Cramant
Le Bateau 2021 and Les Maladries 2021 are entirely new parcelled cuvées sourced from vineyards in the grand crus of Avize and Cramant. These cuvées represent the first step in a planned collection that emphasizes the unique qualities of each vineyard parcel.Micro-Vinification and Soil Influence
Guillaume Lété has been pushing the micro-vinification approach by isolating vineyard locations and allowing each wine to develop its own expression. The 2021 vintage, despite challenges, produced chardonnays with remarkable tension and balance, suitable for long aging.Unique Characteristics of Le Bateau 2021
Le Bateau 2021 comes from a 12.15-acre parcel in Cramant, planted in 1974. The vineyard's unique soil and exposure contribute to a tense, vertical, and saline expression. The cuvée was aged in oak barrels and then in bottles for 45 months, resulting in a limited production of 906 bottles.Les Maladries 2021's Distinct Approach
Les Maladries 2021 is sourced from a 28.12-acre parcel in Avize, planted in 1938. The vineyard's soil and exposure create a different expression, with a focus on elegance and minerality. The vinification process uses a combination of oak barrels and ovoid concrete tanks to enhance the wine's clarity and texture.Highlighting Terroir and Individuality
Both Le Bateau and Les Maladries 2021 showcase the distinct characteristics of their respective vineyards. The cuvées reflect the house's philosophy of emphasizing differences and revealing the singularity of each terroir. They are considered exceptional champagnes with depth and complexity that will continue to develop over time.
