CH’NG Poh Tiong
For as long as I can remember, whenever they entertained at Mouton or Lafite, the Rothschilds (like the vast majority of Bordeaux) always began with bubbles. I don’t recall the brands but champagne was mandatory. And of a status and quality to reflect that of their wine. The families later decided they should band together and produce a bubbly under the Rothschild name. So it was that Baron Philippe Sereys de Rothschild (Chateau Mouton), Baron Eric and his daughter Saskia de Rothschild (Chateau Lafite), and Baron Benjamin and his wife Ariane de Rothschild (Chateau Clarke – Edmond de Rothschild Group) came up with Champagne Barons de Rothschild. Such is the cache and gravitas attached to the Rothschild name where wine is concerned that – apart from being served at their respective properties – the brand is also a commercial success. Brut is a blend of 60% chardonnay and 40% of the two pinots, namely meunier and noir. The wine is aromatic, flavoursome and full-bodied. Citrus peel, grilled nuts, over-ripe pears, and quince. Lots of freshness. Versatile as both an aperitif and to pair with food, including sushi, tempura, Korean seafood pancakes, Indian pakoras and fish and chicken tandoori.
