One of Bordeaux's largest wine groups, Vignobles Andre Lurton, has sold its 42% stake in Margaux fifth growth Chateau Dauzac.
Insurance company MAIF has bought Vignobles Andre Lurton‘s shareholding to give it 100% ownership of the 120-hectare estate (pictured), which has 45 hectares of vines.
A fee was not disclosed for the deal, which was completed on 18 April but only announced publicly this week. ‘MAIF is now in sole management,’ the companies said.
Vignobles Andre Lurton has been managing Chateau Dauzac and overseeing winemaking there since 1992.
During that time, both firms said that Vignobles Andre Lurton and technical director Philippe Roux have implemented ‘important work’ in the vineyards and in winemaking processes. They installed a new chai, incorporating a gravity system, around a decade ago.
Andre Lurton continues to own around 600ha of vineyards in Bordeaux.
In 2012, the group sold 18% of its business to Credit Agricole Grands Crus. The move was seen as an attempt to assuage family succession issues, with Andre Lurton himself turning 90 this year.
Written by Chris Mercer
