Since then DBR Lafite has undertaken a major renovation programme involving the construction of the bodega and the enlargement of the vineyard. A restoration project and partial renewal of the vineyard has been in progress since Bodegas Caro is the fruit of a partnership with the Catena family, a pioneer in high quality Argentine wines.
This was not only a partnership between two families but also between two iconic grape varieties: Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are being made from a selection of the finest vineyards in the Mendoza region. The property, which covers almost hectares, has undergone a wide-ranging restoration programme, with the gradual replanting of the hectare vineyard and renovation of the winery. Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite opened offices in Bordeaux. The vat room and the cellar were completely rebuilt to be more suited to plot selection.
The grapes from each plot can be separated in small batches so that its suitability for inclusion in the Grand Vin can be assessed after fermentation. Once fermentation has finished, the wine is placed in oak barrels in the underground barrel-ageing cellar where it is aged for 18 months. Particular care was given to the aesthetic aspects with strong exterior colours and contrasting dark colours inside which lend an intimate style to the beautiful circular cellar.
Eric Kohler began his career as an oenologist. In this role, he was responsible for quality, development, selection and implementation of the most efficient cultivation practices at the vineyard. As both properties continue their transition to organic operations, it is more important than ever that their technical leadership is able to dedicate a greater attention to detail and meticulous management daily. The estate then became the joint property of his three sons: Alphonse, Gustave and Edmond.
The estate then boasted 74 hectares of vineyards. As a sign welcoming the new owner, the vintage produced in went down as a record on several counts. The end of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century were turbulent. The phylloxera crisis and mildew severely impacted the vineyard.
During World War I, the estate was severely impacted by the draft and by supply restrictions. The Great Depression of the s would also be painfully felt in the vineyard, with the market riding a sustained low, and an unprecedented financial crisis that led to a reduction of vineyard area.
A few exceptions to this dark period include , , , then and , which are of excellent quality. The Rothschild family properties were confiscated and placed under public administration. To avoid German greed, and through the care of provisional administrators, the winemaking estates were finally dismissed in to serve as agricultural vocational schools.
A series of excellent vintages in , , and gave strength to the reconstruction effort. Baron Elie was a major shaper of events in the difficult reconstitution of the fine wine market. The s rounded out the renaissance with new markets, particularly in the United States.
0コメント