Rothschild Family Launches Latest Wine Venture in United States

The Rothschild family has partnered with Curious Cork Imports, a Denver and Napa-based importer of European fine wines, to launch Domaine de Baronarques in the U.S. Domaine de Baronarques is only the third estate outside of Bordeaux owned by the renowned Rothschild family of Mouton-Rothschild fame, joining Opus One in Napa and Almaviva in Chile.

“The Rothschild’s acquisition and development of Domaine de Baronarques and our exclusive partnership on La Capitelle de Baronarques marks the first time in history the Mouton-Rothschild founders have offered wine outside the traditional importation system,” said Curious Cork CEO Peter Baedeker. “It’s a move that demonstrates a changing landscape for French wines and the steeped in history, yet still undiscovered Limoux region.”

Domaine de Baronarques 90+ rated wines debut April 26th in Los Angeles at Malibu Beach Inn and April 28th in San Francisco at Mourad Restaurant. Attendees will take part in a comparative blind tasting of Domaine de Baronarques red blends and Chardonnay alongside classified growth Bordeaux and cru Burgundy, top Napa reds and Sonoma Chardonnay.

In addition, Curious Cork and the Rothschild estate are slated to hold advanced level seminars to highlight changing wine trends in Southern France by master sommelier Chris Blanchard. Starting at 2:00 p.m., the events conclude with post-tasting analysis and a social and networking hour.

Domaine de Baronarques

Dating back to 1650, Domaine de Baronarques is the premier estate of Southwest France. Acquired by the late Baroness Philippine de Rothschild and her sons Philippe Seryes de Rothschild and Julien de Beaumarchais de Rothschild in 1998, Domaine de Baronarques has started producing world-class wines that accentuate the unique terroir of Limoux. Thanks to the quality of its terroir and its wines, Domaine de Baronarques has taken its rightful place alongside the Rothschild family’s other renowned estates, including the illustrious Château Mouton Rothschild. Robert Parker called Domaine de Baronarques “An estate to watch” and gave the 2012 Baronarques red 93 points, and the 2013 Chardonnay 91 points.

Chris Blanchard, Master Sommelier

Master Sommelier Chris Blanchard is a prolific sommelier and lecturer, having created wine lists and developed wine and service training for Solage Resort in Calistoga, Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, Michelin starred REDD Restaurant in Napa, Bardessono Resort in Yountville, El Dorado Kitchen in Sonoma, and Bay 13 in Portland, Oregon. Mr. Blanchard also consulted on the wine and cocktail programs for the national Piatti Restaurant and Paragon Restaurant Groups.

In its August 2006 issue, San Francisco Magazine named Chris as the “Critic’s Choice Best Wine Director.” Forbes Magazine featured Chris’s wine list at REDD as one of the “Top Wine Lists in the World”. Food & Wine Magazine has also featured Mr. Blanchard’s wine pairings at REDD, and has profiled his career calling him a “Star Sommelier” in 2007.

Chris has spent extensive time in Limoux and the Languedoc-Rousillon. He currently makes wine in Napa under the Down by Law label.

Curious Cork Imports

Curious Cork is a brand builder and importer of unique, premium and authentic wines from Europe. A committed, flexible and dependable business partner, Curious Cork strengthens retailer, distributor and supplier profitability through tailored marketing support.  Curious Cork works from a position of relevance in the market place and imports brands with authentic stories, sense of place and real value to satisfy the wine curiosity of today’s consumer.

###