From Bordeaux to New Zealand, Edmond de Rothschild Heritage opts for single varietals for its two new vintages

Compagnie Vinicole is showcasing its innovative spirit and its knowledge of two fabulous terroirs through wines that celebrate the summer: Château de Malengin’s contemporary “Eve”, aged in amphorae; and “Plot 101”, the first vintage of a rare selection of Sauvignon Blanc from Rimapere in New Zealand.

Eve: revival of the Château de Malengin

This 100% Merlot wine from AOC Montagne Saint-Emilion 2018, named after one of Benjamin and Ariane de Rothschild’s four daughters, is a sign of going back to the basics and getting closer to the nature of wine. By taking an active part in the project, Eve de Rothschild demonstrates the family’s attachment to this estate and embodies the revival of a vineyard that had faded into oblivion.

“For me, wine is much more than a family tradition,” explains Eve de Rothschild, “it’s second nature. I really enjoyed creating my wine, combining the ancestral method of ageing it in amphorae with modern wine-making processes.”

Half aged in amphorae and just 13,078 bottles produced, the Eve is a faithful, unpretentious expression of the Right Bank terroir. This 2018 vintage succeeds in the two-fold challenge of breaking the mould while honouring the values dear to the Edmond de Rothschild family: audacity, excellence, and passing on a heritage.

“The idea is to move away from traditional barrel ageing by using an ancestral method. It has the advantage of being made of terracotta. Also, thanks to its shape, it guarantees a gentle ageing process and makes it possible to obtain a natural, authentic and very pure fruitiness. As a result, we find notes of fresh fruit such as cherry, giving the wine a deliciously crispy taste in the mouth.” Fabrice Bandiera, Technical Director of Château de Malengin

This contemporary wine challenges the preconceived notion that only rosé and whites should be drunk in warm weather. On the contrary, Eve 2018 can be enjoyed as an aperitif with tapas or charcuterie, and goes wonderfully with grilled sardines or hard cheeses, such as the “Merle Rouge” made by Ferme des Trente Arpents. Similarly, fruit lovers can pair it with red berries, for example.

Plot 101, a quintessential Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc

Less than a decade after the launch of the first Rimapere vintage, Edmond de Rothschild Heritage presents a plot selection from the star grape of the Marlborough region in New Zealand: Sauvignon Blanc.

“Plot 101” comes from the eponymous plot of land in this exceptionally unspoilt, fairytale setting. Crystal-clear rivers, untouched forests, and a sea view provide optimal conditions for the vines that have made New Zealand a must on international wine lists.

“This plot was selected for the rare intensity and elegant expression of Sauvignon Blanc that thrives on the Rimapere terroir. We pick the grapes by hand, then they are gently pressed, fermented and aged on the lees, 50% of which in barrels for about six months.” Anne Escalle, Technical Director of Rimapere

This wine has notes of lemon on the nose with aromas of fragrant white flowers coming through, giving way to a fine, long citrus flavour on the palate. This summer must-have pairs beautifully with French dishes such as carpaccio of scallop, veal sweetbread browned in butter, a Brie de Meaux PDO from Ferme des Trente Arpents, or lemon meringue pie. Lovers of world cuisine will also be satisfied: Plot 101 is particularly suited to Asian dishes, such as coriander rice sautéed with shrimp.