NAPA, CALIF., December 5, 2024 – Quintessential, a distinguished import, marketing, and sales company specializing in global family-owned wineries, proudly announces a new partnership with Edmond de Rothschild Heritage Wines to represent Château Clarke and Château des Laurets on a national scale. This collaboration enhances Quintessential’s esteemed portfolio of exceptional multigenerational French wineries.
“We are thrilled to represent Château Clarke and Château des Laurets,” said Dennis Kreps, co-owner of Quintessential. “These prestigious estates perfectly align with our commitment to showcasing the finest in tradition, innovation, and winemaking excellence. As icons in Bordeaux, we are proud to represent them and expand their presence in the United States.”
Château Clarke Château Clarke, located in the southern part of the Médoc region in Bordeaux, has a rich history dating back to 1771, when it was first acquired by the Irish Clarke family. In 1973, the estate was purchased by Baron Edmond de Rothschild, who invested significantly in revitalizing the vineyard and facilities. For over 50 years, the estate has benefited from the family’s unwavering dedication, expertise, and creative vision, turning it into the jewel of its appellation. Although traces of viticulture date back to the 12th century, the estate recently completed an extensive renovation and evolution in the vineyards, which has revealed the full potential of its exceptional terroir.
With 135 acres of vineyards planted on the picturesque grounds, Château Clarke is renowned for its Merlot-based wines, cultivated in the ideal terroir of limestone and clay soils— a rarity in the Médoc. Notably, Château Clarke is also one of the few estates in the Médoc to produce a white wine, Le Merle Blanc, which dates to 1898 and was revived by Baron Edmond de Rothschild as part of the estate’s heritage.
Château des Laurets Nestled between the Puisseguin Saint-Émilion and Montagne Saint-Émilion appellations, Château des Laurets was acquired by Benjamin de Rothschild in 2003. With origins dating back to the 12th century, the estate is situated on south-facing slopes rich in limestone, providing an ideal environment for cultivating Merlot. This remarkable terroir enhances the Merlot’s power and complexity, resulting in wines that truly reflect the essence of the Saint-Émilion region.
The estate's flagship wine, Château des Laurets, is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, reflecting the classic Right-bank style with depth, character, and finesse. Their icon wine, Cuvée Baron Edmond, Sélection Parcellaire, is a 100% Merlot from a 70-year-old, 10-acre plot, made only in the best vintages, known for its elegance and complexity. The estate also features a stunning 19th-century château with a distinctive octagonal tower.
Edmond de Rothschild Family
The Edmond de Rothschild family has made the purposeful choice to maintain complete control over the production and distribution of its wines, overseeing everything from harvest to marketing. This level of involvement is exceptionally rare in Bordeaux and reflects their commitment to uncompromising quality.
Xavier Blanc, Commercial Director for Edmond de Rothschild Heritage Wines, stated, “We are pleased to be working with Quintessential to continue to share the exceptional wines of Château Clarke and Château des Laurets with a broader audience. This partnership aligns with our vision of bringing the very best of our estates to wine lovers around the world.”
With the addition of Château Clarke and Château des Laurets, Quintessential reinforces its commitment to representing family-owned estates known for their passion and craftsmanship. These estates complement Quintessential's notable French portfolio, which now includes top wineries from Bordeaux, Rhône Valley, Champagne, Provence, Beaujolais, Chablis, Loire, and Alsace, showcasing exceptional, family-crafted wines from France's top regions.
About Quintessential Based in Napa, California, Quintessential is a leading fine wine importer, marketer, and sales company exclusively representing family-owned wineries and distilleries. Guided by father and son team Steve Sr. and Dennis Kreps, Quintessential celebrates expressions of renowned terroir from around the world, with a global portfolio comprising 34 families, 47 wineries, and 2 distilleries across 12 countries.
About Edmond de Rothschild Heritage Wines
Edmond de Rothschild Heritage is a legacy spanning over three centuries and seven generations, founded on boldness, high standards, and a passion for a distinctive lifestyle. The family’s vineyards, located in regions such as Bordeaux, New Zealand, Argentina, Spain, and South Africa, are chosen for their exceptional terroirs, producing wines that reflect their origins. In Megève, the family offers a unique experience combining nature with fine dining and art collections. Additionally, La Compagnie Fermière is known for producing the exclusive Brie de Meaux Fermier AOP. Edmond de Rothschild Heritage creates exceptional, character-filled properties, from remote vineyards to luxurious hotels, preserving nature’s finest offerings.
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