Mouton Cadet Rouge, a renowned Bordeaux wine introduced in 1930 by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, is leading the industry toward a sustainable future while honoring its heritage. This bold red blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc remains the brand’s best-selling wine worldwide, including in Canada—where it has become the first international market outside France to receive the prestigious Fair for Life certification.
The Fair for Life label, awarded to Mouton Cadet Rouge starting with its 2022 vintage and retained in the 2023 release, underscores the brand’s commitment to ethical trade and sustainable viticulture. Established in 2006, the Fair for Life program promotes environmentally responsible and socially equitable business practices across the wine sector.
Jérôme Aguirre, oenologist and wine director at Baron Philippe de Rothschild, highlights that the Fair for Life certification recognizes long-standing eco-friendly policies within the brand. All vines used in Mouton Cadet production hold Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certification, affirming sustainable agricultural methods. Furthermore, 30% of the vineyards are farmed organically or are undergoing conversion to organic farming.
In addition to these measures, the Winegrower Community associated with Mouton Cadet recently identified strategic priorities to address current and future challenges in viticulture. These include coordinated trials on disease-resistant grape varieties and fostering educational partnerships with local Bordeaux schools, offering students hands-on experience and internship opportunities.
Stéphanie Chollet, winegrower and vice-president of the Mouton Cadet Winegrower Community, emphasized that Fair for Life provides a practical framework to confront the social, environmental, and economic challenges faced by the wine industry today.
This forward-looking vision continues the pioneering spirit of Baron Philippe de Rothschild, now carried forward by Philippe Sereys de Rothschild and his siblings. Demonstrating a collective commitment, Mouton Cadet established a development fund endowed with €121,000 to support its Winegrower Community, comprising over 150 members. This initiative aims to generate lasting benefits not only for the producers but also for consumers who value sustainable and high-quality wines.
Véronique Hombroekx, executive director of branded wines at Baron Philippe de Rothschild, noted, “Mouton Cadet is a collective endeavour dedicated to preserving the heritage of Bordeaux and France. It strives to promote a new business model for the Bordeaux wine industry—one that offers wines made with commitment and integrity, uniting people without compromising on quality.”
You Might Be Interested In:
