Listrac-Médoc
🇫🇷 France
AOCThe Rothschild secret - inland clay plateau where Baron Edmond de Rothschild chose to build his personal wine legacy
Region profile
History
Cistercian monks of Vertheuil Abbey established the first vines in the 12th century. The terroir remained obscure until 1973 when Baron Edmond de Rothschild discovered the abandoned Château Clarke. With legendary oenologist Émile Peynaud, he completely recreated 55 hectares from 1974-1978.
- Climate
- Highest terrain in Médoc at 43m elevation; unique two-faced terroir: western clay-limestone plateau (Merlot-friendly) and eastern Garonne/Pyrenean gravel deposits (Cabernet country); 570-787 hectares
- Signature wines
- Château Clarke - Baron Edmond de Rothschild's masterpiece, 58ha, 70% Merlot / 30% Cabernet Sauvignon on clay-limestone-gravel. The Rothschild who owned Lafite chose HERE. 150,000 bottles annually. $30-50/bottle.
- What sets it apart
- The Rothschild who owned Lafite deliberately chose this clay plateau over Château Margaux. Edmond created his own distribution system - unique in Bordeaux. His burial at Clarke proves this was his true passion project.
Facts
- In 1973, Baron Edmond de Rothschild - wealthiest member of the famous family and majority owner of Château Lafite - deliberately passed on buying Château Margaux to purchase here instead. He spent 50 years transforming abandoned vines into his masterpiece. He is now buried at Château Clarke.