Château Mounton Rothschild

Historic Building and Vinyard in Bordeaux

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Jack ma

Château Mouton Rothschild is one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious wine estates, located in the Pauillac appellation of the Médoc region. Originally known as Château Brane-Mouton, the estate was renamed in 1853 when Nathaniel de Rothschild purchased it. Over the years, it became famous for its exceptional wines, innovative winemaking techniques, and artistic labels designed by renowned artists such as Picasso, Dalí, and Miró.

The vineyard spans 90 hectares, with a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (81%), complemented by Merlot (15%), Cabernet Franc (3%), and Petit Verdot (1%). Unlike many other Bordeaux estates, Mouton Rothschild ferments its wine in oak vats, a tradition that has been maintained for generations. The estate was originally classified as a Second Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, but after decades of lobbying by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, it was elevated to First Growth status in 1973, making it the only estate to ever receive such an upgrade.

Beyond its winemaking excellence, Château Mouton Rothschild is admired for its rich history and cultural significance. The estate’s motto, which changed after its classification upgrade, reflects its journey: “Premier je suis, Second je fus, Mouton ne change” (“First, I am. Second, I used to be. Mouton does not change”). Today, it remains a benchmark for Bordeaux wines, attracting collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

The Château Mounton Rothschild appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bordeaux!

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