Bernard Magrez buys vines in Spain's Jumilla region

Multi-millionaire chateau owner Bernard Magrez has added to his wine empire by acquiring vines in Spain's up-and-coming Jumilla region.

The small estate has been named simply ‘Bernard Magrez a Jumilla‘ and comprises only around two hectares for the time being. A purchase price was not disclosed.

‘They make extraordinary wines down there,’ he added of the Jumilla, a small appellation near to Valencia in southern Spain and where Magrez has already been sourcing grapes to produce the Luz del Palacio wine brand. Magrez is also present in Priorat and Toro.

Philippe Magrez, Bernard’s son, told Decanter.com, ‘We want to have a top cuvee and an entry level wine [from Jumilla].

‘You can have a small production at a high price, something like 2,000 bottles per year. Then [you can] buy wine from co-operatives and make an entry level wine, but you have the name and the brand.’

Bernard Magrez has 41 wine estates to his name globally, including four grand crus classes in Bordeaux: Chateaux Pape-Clement, La Tour Carnet, Fombrauge and Clos Haut Peyraguey.

When asked whether he is finished acquiring properties in the Bordeaux region, he said, ‘Unless there is an opportunity.’

(Extra reporting by Georgina Hindle)

Written by Chris Mercer

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Chris Mercer is a Bristol-based freelance editor and journalist who spent nearly four years as digital editor of Decanter.com, having previously been Decanter’s news editor across online and print.

He has written about, and reported on, the wine and food sectors for more than 10 years for both consumer and trade media.

Chris first became interested in the wine world while living in Languedoc-Roussillon after completing a journalism Masters in the UK. These days, his love of wine commonly tests his budgeting skills.

Beyond wine, Chris also has an MSc in food policy and has a particular interest in sustainability issues. He has also been a food judge at the UK’s Great Taste Awards.