What is the difference between Large Lafite and Small Lafite?
The Lafite red wines we commonly refer to actually come in two varieties: Château Lafite Rothschild and Carruades de Lafite. Château Lafite Rothschild, commonly known as "Big Lafite," and Carruades de Lafite, also known as "Little Lafite," are the two most common vineyards within Château Lafite. "Carruades" is actually the name of a vineyard within Château Lafite. It originates from the Carruades plateau, which borders the hills surrounding Château Lafite. Little Lafite is produced from the exceptional grapes grown on this plateau and was purchased by Château Lafite in 1845.
Petit Lafite and Grande Lafite have different positioning. Petit Lafite, Lafite Treasures, is positioned as a basic wine. Grande Lafite, Château Lafite Rothschild, is positioned as a high-end wine, representing the brand image of Lafite Rothschild. Château Lafite Rothschild is relatively expensive, with a market price of over 10,000 yuan per bottle; while Lafite Treasures is relatively affordable, with a price of over 4,000 yuan per bottle.
The "1982 Lafite" that we Chinese so fondly talk about is actually a vintage of Château Lafite (Grand Lafite). This particular Château's grapes were harvested in 1982, hence the name "1982 Lafite." However, after becoming famous in Hong Kong television dramas, the 1982 Lafite acquired a legendary status. Currently, the retail price of a bottle of 1982 Lafite is around 100,000 yuan, and quantities are extremely limited.
Although Grande Lafite is the flagship wine of Château Lafite Rothschild and Petit Lafite is its second wine, both are produced independently. Petit Lafite Rothschild isn't made from grapes left over from Grande Lafite Rothschild; it's harvested entirely from its own "Carruades" vineyard, the very "Carruades" denoted by the name "Carruades de Lafite." Yet, it's precisely this "Carruades" that makes the relationship between Petit Lafite Rothschild and Grande Lafite seem like two parallel lines, like the most familiar of strangers.
In 1680, Château Lafite Rothschild came into the hands of the Segur family, then the wealthiest family in France. Then, in 1845, after acquiring the Carruades vineyard, Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Lafite Rothschild developed independently. In 1868, the Rothschild family attempted to acquire Château Lafite Rothschild, paying 4.14 million francs for the Château Lafite Rothschild vineyard and 300,000 francs for the Carruades vineyard.
Therefore, Petit Lafite and Grand Lafite have always been two separate individuals, each with its own distinct personality traits and market positioning.
