How Baronesa P. pays tribute to an icon of the wine world

Combining influences from Bordeaux and Chile in homage to Escudo Rojo’s founder, Baronesa P. is now an iconic wine known all over the world.

When Baroness Philippine de Rothschild founded Chilean wine label Escudo Rojo in 1999, she chose to give the winery its own identity. By adopting a new name in Spanish, she indicated that the winery would not simply be a plaything for Baron Philippe de Rothschild winemakers, but would make its own choices. Yet that branding – a literal translation of the Rothschild name – also confirmed that it would serve as a proud part of the family.

In 2021, Escudo Rojo released a new icon wine. Again, the winery took a French icon and gave it a Chilean spin. Baronesa P. pays tribute to its founder, who combined French heritage with Chilean opportunities. Like her, it has become renowned for its innovation and elegance.

The hallmarks of expert Bordeaux winemaking are all there. Baronesa P. combines Chile’s emblematic grape varieties – a group that largely overlaps with Bordeaux – with the meticulous craft of blending. Much like other refined Bordeaux blends, its backbone is structured stalwart Cabernet Sauvignon, at 83% of the wine’s blend.

Escudo Rojo also has a distinctly Bordelais approach to its ageing. As the new century began, Chilean wines were steadily establishing their place globally, and Escudo Rojo is part of a wave of producers now ensuring quality above all. Baronesa P., for its part, spends 15 months in French oak, of which 55% is new. Much like the French wines that inspire it, the wine is crafted with ageing in mind.

Undeniably Chilean

Yet the wine is undeniably Chilean. The grapes are from the Maipo Valley, selected from small vineyards that benefit most from the Mediterranean climate. In these carefully chosen sites, ample sunlight ripens the grapes for refined tannins, but the cool air from the Andes ensures a wide diurnal range that helps to contribute freshness.

In 2022 – Baronesa P.’s fifth vintage – the vines benefitted from scarce rainfall and a warm growing season, which enabled consistent ripening. But a cooler than average April stretched out the growing season to intensify aromas.

At bottling, the winemakers noted its flavours of blackcurrant, morello cherry and lavender, alongside graphite, cedar and cigar box. Moreover, they recognised a profile poised between elegance and power, with fresh acidity, silky tannins, volume and aromatic intensity. Much like the great wines of Bordeaux, Escudo Rojo believes its 2022 vintage will age well: a lasting tribute to its innovative namesake.

Benchmark bottles

Escudo Rojo has also demonstrated Chile’s potential for white winemaking. Its Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2024, for instance, shows fresh aromas of quince and acacia, as well as almond notes and subtle marzipan thanks to half the cuvée ageing in oak.

The Gran Reserva range likewise proves the winery’s versatility with red grapes. Four varieties have their own cuvées, while a blend of five demonstrates the adaptability of Chilean terroir. Gran Reserva 2023 contains around 40% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere, providing red fruit aromas, a full body and a fresh finish.