A Burgundian winemaker Laurent Mouton has been accused by Baron Philippe de Rothschild group of displaying “ a parasitic desire to ride on the great Mouton’s coat tails.” Domaine Mouton is 15 hectares property in Givry and produces about 60,000 bottles of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay per vintage that sells about €18 or less. Chateau Mouton Rothschild is some 84 hectares and their 2011 vintage of their grand vin is selling in the UK around £376 . The Chateau’s lawyers warned the Domaine that they were doing “amounts to counterfeiting of pre-existing brands belonging to Rothschild companies.”
The owners of the Domaine claim they have used the name for four generations and don’t believe selling at their price there could be any confusion with consumers.