French luxury goods house LVMH acquires controlling stake in Whispering Angel producern

The French luxury goods house LVMH has acquired a 55% controlling stake in the Provencal rosé producer  Château d’Esclans for an undisclosed sum. 

The company bought a 50% stake from the co-owner Herve Cinciguerraa and an additional 5% stake from Sachan Lichine, the driving force behind the developent of the brand. He has retained the remaining stake in the business. 

D’Esclans produces a number of rosés such as Whispering Angel, Rock Angel and Garrus – which at one point was the most expensive still rosé on the market – which have become market leaders in the burgeoning rosé sector.  

“I am delighted by the alliance with Moët Hennessy and the ability, through the backing of this great group, to continue to develop the estate in producing excellent Provence Rosés to present and share with my clients across the globe,” he said. 

"In purchasing Château d’Esclans in 2006, my aim was to produce a rosé wine in the manner of a fine wine. Today, with the Château d’Esclans team, I created a portfolio of wine brands known in France and internationally and intend to maintain strong growth over the next several years.”  

Philippe Schaus, CEO of Moët Hennessy, added: “We are very proud to partner with Château d’Esclans, a notable estate with high-quality wines. Sacha Lichine revolutionised the world of Provence Rosé wines and its international development, displaying the soundness of vision of a man with strong convictions and values. Moët Hennessy will bring the full support of our worldwide teams to assist Sacha Lichine to continue this marvelous adventure.”