The fierce storm caused tremendous turbulence for even the large commercial airplanes that descended into Bordeaux City in South West France, as torrential rains and a torrent of winds battered the metropolis, keeping everyone indoors for fear of getting violently hurt by objects blowing around. Yet a woman in her mid-60s, who was the epitome of joie de vivre, filled with the enjoyment and happiness that the adventures of life brought her, would not be stopped by some “silly storm” to the dismay of her adult children begging her not to attempt a landing. After being tremendously relieved that the matriarch of their family, a shining beacon of light for all of Bordeaux and the wine world, had landed safely, her children insisted she stay there, in the city, and rent a hotel room for the night as it would be a treacherous hour long drive out of town, through the forest, to get back home to the region of Pauillac. She, however, wanted to sleep in her bed and was delighted to take part in another adventure and although that hour’s trip turned into four hours, arriving past midnight, she was glowing with excitement after having such a thrilling journey back home.
Many have referred to this fantastic lady as Wine Nobility, which would probably be too stuffy of a title for her, as she was away living life to the fullest and certainly didn’t take herself that seriously, according to her son. One of her greatest gifts was her ability to connect with people, no matter their background; she could make someone feel like they were on cloud nine after meeting her, as she loved people and was curious about everyone. Her love for people would have her family invest in a very unorthodox project in a faraway land in Chile, to the shock of all those around her.
Baroness Philippine de Rothschild
She was Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, part of the prestigious Rothschild family known for some of the most famous fine wines in the world.
In the 1990s, she was very curious about the wines they were making in South America. Since Chile specialized in Cabernet Sauvignon, like the wines of her region, she decided to take a trip to visit with a bunch of producers. Of course, it was atypical for those in Europe to be interested in South America during that time and even though Baroness Philippine de Rothschild was known as one of the most adventurous people in Bordeaux, many thought that this trip was crazy, even for her, as it was so far away, in another hemisphere.
Her son, Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, remembers that she came back exhilarated from her trip to Chile, as not only did she like the Cabernet Sauvignon wines she tasted but she fell in love with the people, exclaiming that they were “great” and “so much fun” and she loved getting a chance to speak Spanish. And that made it a done deal because, yes, Chile had all the practical components to make great wine such as vineyards, climate, good logistics and it was very organized, noted Philippe, but the idea that his mother loved the people was the most important thing to her, and so, to the utter shock of their neighbors and the world, the Rothschilds were going to make wine in Chile.
Escudo Rojo
In 1999, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild founded a winery in Maipo, Chile that she named Escudo Rojo, the Spanish translation of the German name “Rote Schild” (or red shield). She wanted to give the winery her name because she believed in the wines of this beloved country that had won her heart.
When someone tells Philippe that his mother was a visionary, as Cabernet Sauvignon made in Maipo Valley, Chile, is celebrated worldwide today, he says his mother would have never called herself one because she was curious and it was as simple as that; she wanted to visit them, talk to them, see how they lived, and become part of their world, as she was always interested in people who would expand her horizons.
The Rothschild family did bring their knowledge of working with Cabernet Sauvignon from their prestigious estates, such as Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Clerc Milon, to Chile. Still, Philippe humbly expressed that they knew there was much to learn from the Chilean families working in vineyards there for generations. It is a true melding of their cultures, their way of lives and their experiences, and to further that symbiotic relationship, they have a work exchange program where Chilean employees come to Bordeaux to work at their estates to further their education and French employees go to Chile to work at Escudo Rojo to further their knowledge as well. Philippe noted that the French employees fall in love with the Chilean way of life just like his mother did, and they deeply understand how the people and the place captured her heart.
Unfortunately, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild passed away in 2014 and even though she lived to the beautiful age of 80, it seemed like she would live forever because of her vibrant and joyful personality, and hence, it was shocking for the world of wine. Her son, Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, took over the family wine business in 2014 after several decades in the executive business world. With his sister Camille Sereys de Rothschild and his brother Julien de Beaumarchais de Rothschild, he knew that he needed to make a wine in her honor that would show the excellence of the land and people who took her breath away, so they bottled an ultra-premium wine called Baronesa P., using the Spanish word for Baroness as she loved everything Spanish, and most of all, the people who spoke the language.
When such a person passes away, the world seems dimmer as their bright, luminescent light is no longer there. Yet her children are ensuring that she lives on, keeping her way of life alive. In a world where divisive forces are tearing people apart more than ever, there needs to be an appreciation of differences as an opportunity to grow hearts and minds. Baroness Philippine de Rothschild knew the best way to do that was over a lovely glass of wine.
Link to original article on Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/cathrinetodd/2024/04/25/famous-wine-womans-legacy-honored-by-celebrating-her-love-for-chilean-wines/
2021 Baronesa P., Maipo Valley, Chile: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Syrah, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Carménère. Deliciously delightful aromas of black cherry, cocoa nibs and baking spices balanced by complex notes of gravel and tobacco leaf with seamlessly integrated tannins that are silky along the sustained finish with lots of pristine, juicy fruit and fresh acidity.