Baron Philippe de Rothschild Mapu Sauvignon Blanc 2025

Winery Background and History

Baron Philippe de Rothschild is a prestigious Bordeaux wine house with international reach. The Mapu label is their Chilean venture, representing approachable, varietally expressive wines at good value. “Mapu,” derived from Mapuche, means “earth,” reflecting respect for terroir. The Sauvignon Blanc under Mapu harnesses Chile’s white wine tradition and the Rothschild philosophy: clarity of fruit, freshness, and clean winemaking. The winery uses vineyards in the Maipo Valley and other Central Valley zones, combining modern viticultural practices with rigorous harvest timing to produce wines that showcase both fruit purity and regional identity.

Producer and Wine Maker

Produced by Baron Philippe de Rothschild Chile under the Mapu brand. The winemaking team includes local Chilean vineyard and cellar experts working under Rothschild’s technical oversight. They manage vine health, yield, picking times, and the entire cellar process with attention to preserving aromatic freshness. For this Sauvignon Blanc, fermentation is likely handled principally in stainless steel to emphasize crisp fruit and acidity, with minimal intervention to retain varietal character.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes come from vineyards in Maipo Valley, located in the Central Valley of Chile. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate: sunny, warm days with cooling night temperatures, which help preserve acidity and aromatic lift. Soils are well-drained, often with alluvial deposits, gravel or sandy-loam, aiding root health and limiting excess vigor. These site conditions contribute to the wine’s freshness, citrus character, and clarity.

Vinification & Aging Methods

The wine is made from 100 % Sauvignon Blanc grapes. After picking, grapes undergo destemming, pressing, and then fermentation in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperature to retain primary fruit aromas. Aging is short and in stainless steel, with no or minimal oak influence, aiming for freshness, crispness, and aromatic clarity. Bottling early ensures preservation of the wine’s vibrant character.

Tasting Notes

Pale lemon-green in colour. Aromas of grapefruit, lemon zest, green apple, and hints of tropical fruit such as passionfruit and melon. There is also a light herbal or grassy note, with some minerality. On palate, bright acidity, light to medium body, clean and crisp with juicy citrus flavours. The finish is refreshing, with lingering citrus and herbal/green notes, slightly tangy in a pleasant way.

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs well with shellfish, oysters, ceviche, and fresh fish dishes. Light salads with citrus or vinaigrette dressings, goat cheese, or herb cuisine (parsley, cilantro) complement its herbal tones. Asian cuisine with lime or coriander, light tapas, sushi also pair nicely. Avoid overly heavy or creamy sauces that overpower the wine’s crispness.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve chilled at 8-10 °C. Use a white wine glass to showcase aromas. Do not over-chill (which can mute aromatics). Decanting is unnecessary. Once opened, consume within 1-2 days to enjoy freshness. Store bottle upright until chilled; avoid exposure to heat or direct light before serving.

Storage and Aging Potential

This wine is designed for early drinking. Best consumed within 1-3 years from vintage for optimal freshness and aromatics. Under excellent storage (cool ~10-12 °C, stable environment, low light, modest humidity), it may retain drinkable quality slightly longer, but not built for long ageing.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Sauvignon Blanc 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Approximately 12.5-13.5 %