What is the difference between Château Lafite Rothschild and Carruades de Lafite? — Red Wine Notes
There are actually two types of Lafite red wine that we commonly refer to: Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Carruades de Lafite. Chateau Lafite Rothschild is what we often call "Grand Lafite." Carruades de Lafite is also known as "Petit Lafite." "Carruades" is actually the name of a vineyard owned by the Lafite estate. It comes from the Carruades plateau, which borders the hill where Chateau Lafite Rothschild is located. Petit Lafite is made from the excellent grapes produced in this plot, which was acquired by the Lafite estate in 1845.
Petit Lafite and Grand Lafite have different positioning. Petit Lafite, or Carruades de Lafite, is positioned as the entry-level wine. Grand Lafite, or Chateau Lafite Rothschild, is positioned as a high-end wine, representing the brand image of the Lafite estate. Chateau Lafite Rothschild is relatively expensive, with a market price of over tens of thousands per bottle, while Carruades de Lafite is relatively cheaper, starting from over four thousand per bottle.
The "82 Lafite" that is highly praised by Chinese people is actually a vintage wine of "Chateau Lafite Rothschild" (Grand Lafite). This means the grapes used to make this Chateau Lafite were harvested in 1982, hence it's called "82 Lafite." However, after gaining fame from Hong Kong TV dramas, the 82 Lafite took on a legendary status. Currently, the market retail price for a bottle of 82 Lafite is around 100,000 yuan, and its quantity is extremely limited.
Although Grand Lafite is the Château's Grand Vin and Petit Lafite is the second wine, both Grand and Petit Lafite are produced completely independently. The grapes used for Petit Lafite are not leftover grapes from Grand Lafite production; they are entirely harvested from its own "Carruades" vineyard, as indicated by "Carruades" in the name "Carruades de Lafite." It is precisely because of this "Carruades" that Petit Lafite and Grand Lafite exist as parallel lines, like familiar strangers.
In 1680, Chateau Lafite came under the ownership of the Ségur family, one of the wealthiest families in France at the time. Then, in 1845, after Chateau Lafite acquired the "Carruades" vineyard, Grand Lafite and Petit Lafite began to develop independently. In 1868, when the Rothschild family acquired Chateau Lafite, they purchased the Chateau Lafite vineyard and the "Carruades" vineyard for 4.14 million and 300,000 francs, respectively.
Therefore, Petit Lafite and Grand Lafite have always been two separate entities, each with distinct characteristics and market positioning.
Have something to sell but don't know where to start? WhatsApp 94530784 to reach Hong K Recycling, and we'll patiently guide you through each step.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the maximum value Hong K Recycling offers for red wine?
A: The recycling price for fine wine is based on the Liv-ex international index and recent auction prices. Full-vintage bottles of DRC Romanée-Conti, Petrus, Lafite, and other top estates can reach six-figure Hong Kong dollar amounts per bottle. The actual quote requires a comprehensive assessment of vintage, fill level, label integrity, and proof of origin. Please WhatsApp 94530784 with the wine details to receive a detailed quote within 15 minutes.
Q: Do you still accept red wine with low fill levels or slight label damage?
A: Yes, we do. Low fill levels (below the shoulder) or damaged/stained labels may affect the valuation, but as long as the bottle is original and sealed, with no signs of leakage or opening, and the vintage and wine type are identifiable, Hong K Recycling will still offer a price. On-site inspection guarantees no last-minute price reductions.
Q: Do I need to provide original purchase receipts when selling fine wine?
A: Receipts serve as proof of provenance and can help increase the valuation, but they are not strictly necessary. We conduct professional appraisals based on the label, capsule, cork, wine condition, and bottle codes. We can still process recycling without receipts.
Q: How do you ensure privacy when recycling red wine?
A: Hong K Recycling strictly protects customer privacy. All transaction information will not be disclosed to third parties. For on-site collection, we use discreet packaging, and the entire transaction process remains confidential.
Q: What is the difference in recycling Bordeaux and Burgundy wines?
A: Bordeaux grand cru wines (Lafite, Latour, Margaux, etc.) have higher circulation and more transparent prices. Burgundy wines (DRC, Leroy, etc.) have extremely limited production, driving up recycling prices due to scarcity, but they also have higher appraisal thresholds. We have specialized appraisal teams for both.
Further Reading - You might be interested in
- 【Market Outlook】2025 Bordeaux "Marathon Vintage" Forecast: How Extreme Weather Affects the Scarcity and Future Resale Value of Fine Wines?
- 【Recycling Case Study】On-site at a Hong Kong Private Cellar: The Rapid Liquidation Process of Perfect-Score Vintages of Petrus and Leroy
- 【Wine Appraisal】Why is the 2012 Château Angélus "Black Gold Label" Commemorative Bottle a Perennial Favorite in the Secondary Market?
Contact Hong K Recycling Now - High-Price Recycling Across Hong Kong
WhatsApp Instant Quote: 94530784 (Response within 15 minutes)
Service Areas: Free on-site service in 18 districts of Hong Kong / Private cellar appraisal / Dedicated personnel for office visits
Payment Methods: Cash / FPS (Faster Payment System) / Bank Transfer, instant settlement on-site
Service Hours: Monday to Sunday 09:00 - 22:00 (Open on public holidays)
Recycling Process: Send photos via WhatsApp → Receive reference quote within 15 minutes → Schedule on-site visit for the same or next day → Professional on-site appraisal → Immediate settlement and payment
Specialties: Fine Wine Recycling / Red Wine Recycling / Whisky Recycling / Champagne Recycling / Foreign Liquor Recycling / Cigar Recycling / Luxury Watch Recycling / Gold Recycling / Silver Coin Recycling / Dried Seafood Recycling / Collectibles Recycling
