In the USA, there are the Rockefellers, the Kennedys, the Carnegies and, of course, the Jordans. In France, there are the Rothschilds. A family who was originally known for banking, they eventually put their money where their grapes were and became producers of some of France's finest wines. In many ways, they remain one of France's most influential families: if the nursery rhyme talked of an investor, a banker, and a cabernet maker, the three men in the tub would have undoubtedly been Rothschilds.
Unfortunately, they lost one of their own on August 6, 2007. Baron Elie de Rothschild succumbed to a heart attack at the age of 90 while on a hunting trip. A banker (natch), Elie also oversaw the Chateau Lafite-Rothschild vineyard from 1946 to 1974. For his vino and his vines, he is remembered as a wine icon.
Born on May 29, 1917, Elie served in World War II as an Allied solider. During this time, he, as well as his brother, were taken prisoner by the Germans and placed in POW camps. Though Elie was said to have been imprisoned in one of the particularly heinous POW camps - not that any of them were five star - his spirits, and his passions, were not compromised.
Following the war, as many nations fought to rebuild themselves, Elie fought to rebuild his family's vineyard; people often ask what war is good for, and the answer is definitely not grapes. With the Chateau practically in shambles, Elie took control.
As the driving force behind Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, Ellie worked with practical motives to restore the winery to greatness. Unbeknownst at the time, he would ultimately leave a mark more permanent than a red wine stain.
Elie is credited with producing two of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild's most impressive and beloved Bordeaux vintages: one in 1947 and another two years later. He also became a well-known taster in the London area, one who was highly respected by winemakers. In 1950, Elie helped found the Bordeaux Wine Guild.
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