Castel expands with new estate

France's largest wine group has continued its expansion with the acquisition of an 18th century estate, it has emerged.

Castel now controls Château Montlabert in a move that comes just months after it acquired Bordeaux negociant Oenoalliance.

The group has also expanded its family owned 'Châteaux et Domaines' portfolio.

The latest acquisition further bolsters Castel's position in the Bordeaux region where it took over its first chateau over 50 years ago. It now owns 14 in the region.

Château Montlabert is based in Saint-Emilion, bordering famous Grands Crus Classés including Cheval Blanc, Figeac and Clos des Jacobins.

It is a 12.5 hectare property and produces 75,000 bottles of AOC Saint-Emilion Grand Cru a year; 80% of which is currently being exported. Part of the vineyard has recently been replanted. Some 80% of the vines in the vineyard are Merlot and the remaining 20% are Cabernet Franc, the average age of the vines is 25 years old.

Frédéric Verborg, UK marketing manager for Castel says: "We are really pleased with this new acquisition. As our first property in the Saint-Emilion area, it is a real string to our bow and reinforces our premium positioning. We are looking forward to expressing the full potential of Château Montlabert over the coming years."

Castel now has 18 family owned properties with over 1,000 hectares of vines across France, including 14 in the Bordeaux region. Since joining the Castel group, Château Montlabert has adopted Castel's quality charter which includes the implemetation of the "conduite raisonnée de la vigne" practice.

Wines now available for listing in the UK are Château Montlabert and second wine Château La Croix Montlabert in vintages 2004 & 2005.

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