Les Grands Chais de France buys LaCheteau

Published: 23 July, 2008

Les Grands Chais de France has further strengthened its presence in the Loire with the purchase of the LaCheteau vineyards and ngociant business in Anjou for an undisclosed sum.

Andr and Dominique LaCheteau bought Chteau Montgueret in Neuil-sur-Layon in Anjou in 1987 when the property had 30 hectares (ha) of vines - this has now been increased to 130ha.

The LaCheteaus also developed a substantial ngociant business in the nearby town of Dou-la-Fontaine based in a winery refitted in 1992 with brands such as Soupon de Fruit, Parfum de Fruit, Baron Foulon and Kiwi Cuve.

The first three brands are primarily for the domestic market, while Kiwi Cuve, a Vin de Pays du Jardin de la France Sauvignon Blanc, sells in the UK, to the irritation of some New Zealand producers. The total production of Montgueret and the LaCheteau wine businesses is 13 million bottles, and of this, 1.5 million is sparkling wine.

Guillaume LaCheteau, son of Andr and Dominique, will continue to be involved in the business, although his parents will not.

Grands Chais de France entered the Loire when it bought Vinival in 2004. Vinival currently produces 35 million bottles a year, with 12 million sold in the UK.

This new purchase increases Les Grands Chais de France's Loire vineyards to around 250ha and a total production of around 50 million bottles.

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