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When one thinks of the Domaines Barons de Rothschild,
one typically thinks of Lafite. Lafite’s mention as a medieval fief or
landed estate dates to the 14th century. Jacques de Ségur is credited
with the planting of the Lafite vineyard in the 1670’s and in the early
1680’s. In 1695, Jacques de Ségur’s heir, Alexandre, married the heiress
of Château Latour. The fiefs of Lafite and Latour were thus unified at
the beginning of their estate legacy.
On 8 August 1868, Baron James de Rothschild purchased Chateau Lafite.
Just 3 months after the purchase, Baron James passed away, and Lafite
became the joint property of his three sons: Alphonse, Gustave and Edmond.
During the second world war, a German garrison was entrenched for the
entire length of the occupation at Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau
Mouton Rothschild. The Rothschild family properties were confiscated and
placed under public administration. Following the war, Baron Elie de Rothschild
was responsible for recovering the family's business.
Control of Lafite passed to Baron Elie's nephew. Under the leadership
of Baron Eric de Rothschild, the Domaines Barons de Rothschild now includes
many old and new world estates, including the Vina Los Vascos in Chile.
Chile has been growing grapes since the 17th century in the wake of the
Spanish conquistadors. Thanks to intense exposure to the sun and excellent
soil, Chile has the perfect formula for producing fine wines.
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