An exclusive interview with Baron Eric de Rothschild

(China wine online- willa suen): Baron Eric de Rothschild, chairman of DBR, came to Penglai (Shandong province) to take part in the foundation stone laying ceremony for DBR- CITIC CORP on March 11, 2012.

After the investigation of vineyard, they visited Mr. GERARD GOLIN's home, and tasted 20 more Chinese wines, most of them are recommended by the Best Cellar.

The reporter of China wine online made a short interview with Baron Eric de Rothschild before dinner.

Reporter: Nice to meet you, Mr. Eric. It is known that both MHD and Chateau Cheval Blanc have invested to establish vineyards respectively in Ningxia and Yunnan, however, DBR is the first company to enter into China and invest to build wine estate . What impact will Lafite bring to China wine industry, especially in management philosophy, winemaking and etc,?

Baron Eric de Rothschild:It is a bilateral communication, we should look on it from two aspects. First, what will we bring to China? second, what will we learn or take from China? We must bring some sophisticated growing patterns, winemaking technology, management and marketing modes. It is meaningful for the wine industry development of a country.

We also learn more from producing countries and enrich our production categories and wine culture by planting vines locally and making wines reflceing terrior.

For example, we firstly invested Chilean wine estates 25 years ago. We made great efforts, including the cultivation of new and old grape varieties, drilling for water, building weather station in the vinyards, introducing modern equipment and consummating cellars, which not only improved Chilean wine industry development, but making Chilean wine recognized by the world.

Today, wines of Lafite produced from Chile are very popular. Lafite has contributed a lot for the international influence of Chilean wine.

Reporter: Why did Lafite choose Penglai to build wine estate? What influence will Lafite bring to Penglai's wine industry development?

Baron Eric de Rothschild: We have fouced and made investigaton on China for many years, and selected Penglai to grow vines for the unique climate and soil conditions, coastal and  not so hot.We will also pay close attention to the other regions ,which should represent the different styles. We hope to bring some experience to local wine industry.

Reporter: Chinese people are passionful for  Lafite in the last decade. Lafite has been an investment, even luxury good, how do you think of this ?

Baron Eric de Rothschild: Generally speaking, Chinese people are much more affluent than before.Just like France, China has a lot of cuisine to match with Lafite,which can bring more life enjoyment.

Premium wines represent a better life style ,tasting them are enjoying life. Lafite wines may be expensive, but people will buy them out of habits if you like them.

Some people regard Lafite as investment, I  don't agree. I think good wines should drink it timely. Just like beauty, if you don't marry her, she will be other's wife.