Exclusive at Cork Elite: Champagne Barons de Rothschild

The prestigious champagne house’s managing director Frederic Mairesse hosted a wine pairing dinner at the exclusive wine club for members and friends

Cork Elite— the members-only wine club on the roof deck of The W Fifth Avenue that looks out to the BGC skyline—played host to a wine dinner celebrating the arrival of Champagne Barons de Rothschild to the Philippines, exclusively distributed by Cork Wine Bar and Shop.

Cork co-owner Richie Ley and his business partners opened the usually private enclave to friends who were just as thrilled to have the prestigious brand sold locally finally. “Champagne Barons de Rothschild is an exciting addition to Cork’s roster due to its reputation for producing high-quality rare champagne, adding prestige and diversity to our selection of wines from various wine-producing countries,” he stresses. If the name Rothschild rings a bell, it’s because it comes from the same illustrious family that has built its empire through various enterprises such as banking, real estate, mining, and yes, winemaking.

Above Champagne Barons de Rothschild

Champagne Barons de Rothschild

1 / 1

Currently, the three branches of the Rothschild family are represented by Baron Philippe Sereys de Rothschild (Chateau Mouton de Rothschild), Baron Benjamin and his wife Ariane (Chateau Clarke-Edmond de Rothschild Group), and Baron Eric and daughter Saskia (Chateau Lafite Rothschild). With their shared desire to produce exceptional champagne, they brought their houses together for the first time since the family started making great wines in 1853 to fulfil this task. Baron Philippe: “We wanted to do something together. Champagne was the natural choice. And rather than buying a house, we decided to create our own.”

Champagne Barons de Rothschild’s managing director, Frederic Mairesse, was on his final stop during an Asian tour before heading back to France to attend the Vinexpo in Paris. He was impressed mainly by the local enthusiasm for wine, which greeted him and was happy to see all the great old and new world wine houses represented in Cork’s cellars. The charming Champagne native opened the dinner with a short introduction to the featured bubbly for the evening, paired expertly with a four-course dinner prepared by Cork’s executive chef, Hennessy Casaclang. Chef Casaclang and his team are used to preparing wine-pairing menus for their discerning members, and so this collaboration with the prominent champagne house came easily and naturally.

Above Champagne Barons de Rothschild

Champagne Barons de Rothschild

1 / 2

Casaclang prepared lovely bites of delicate onion tuile that held together thinly sliced jamón Ibérico and a dollop of creamy goat cheese to pair with the exuberant Concordia Brut NV. Guests noted how the citrusy effervescence of the non-vintage champagne with fleeting aromas of pear and nectarine is perfect for the balmy weather in the tropics, an ideal companion for a day out on the boat or at a weekend sundowner with friends. This refinement is conjured from a ratio of 60 per cent chardonnay and 40 per cent pinot noir, 85 per cent of which is from their shared terroir of grand and premier crus wines.

The Rosé NV carries on this theme of structured brightness with its mostly chardonnay provenance, with 6 per cent pinot noir thrown in for that beautiful blush and slightly salmon colouring. The ripe strawberries and red currants on the palate are unmistakable characteristics of the varietal, while the creamy mouthfeel from the chardonnay made this pair famously well with a buttery toasted brioche topped with luxurious otoro and pops of caviar. Still, this lovely sparkling rosé sipped exceedingly well on its own.

Above Champagne Barons de Rothschild

Champagne Barons de Rothschild

1 / 2

One of the well-dressed servers imparted that the Millesime 2014 was the favourite at the earlier tastings, and I understood what he meant upon the first whiff of the Burgundy glass it was served in. That beautiful nuttiness hits right away, a benefit derived from the ageing of these vintages, accompanying a chalky minerality complemented by aromas of exotic fruits (lychee and jackfruit come to mind). This champagne had so much spice and character that it staunchly stood up to the glazed lamb chops served with a sesame-crusted pomme puree.

For the finale—the Rare Collection Blanc de Blanc 2012—a pairing with three French kinds of cheese prepared in three different ways sealed the deal with a bit of sweetness and savour. Made with 100% chardonnay sourced from four grands crus, this is described to be made in the quintessential Barons de Rothschild style. This tiny production is said to receive the same meticulous care their expert winemakers lavish on the Rothschild family’s most prestigious grand vins. It makes an impressive entrance with a full and expressive nose abundant with notes of white fruit and candied lemons, followed by intoxicating aromas of dried stone fruit and roasted almonds. The flavour profile is just as complex, with a luxurious finish of mocha and vanilla undertones. It’s definitely a champagne meant to be savoured.

Above Champagne Barons de Rothschild

Champagne Barons de Rothschild

1 / 1

Champagne Barons de Rothschild may be a young house (established in 2005), yet its pedigree truly shines through with the superiority of its craftsmanship based on fundamentals developed through centuries. From a family steeped in tradition and a name associated with a pronounced taste for culture and the art of fine living, Champagne Barons de Rothschild is the ideal companion to celebrate milestones and victories, big or small.

NOW READ

Plant-based sisig? This Filipino food entrepreneur shares why plant-based alternatives are important

The best (and worst) TikTok food trends of 2023

From Siargao to BGC, Grifoni’s makes its debut in the metro

Topics

champagne cork wine

Jaclyn Clemente Koppe

Contributor, Tatler Philippines

Jaclyn Clemente Koppe is a food and lifestyle writer, as well as a consultant to some of the country’s beloved food and beverage brands. Her passion for food and drink is only surpassed by her devotion to her family, most especially to her soulmate, Pepa the poodle.