The announcement of the divorce between superstars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt has thrown the future of their wine estate in Provence, France, into doubt. Château Miraval, which produces a critically acclaimed rosé, was purchased by the couple in 2008. The first vintage of Château Miraval rosé was released in 2012. After their 2014 California civil wedding, they celebrated the marriage at the estate.
The 2015 vintage was awarded 91 points in Wine Enthusiast’s review of Provence rosés. The wine is made with the involvement of the Perrin family of Château Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The estate also produces white and red wines and there had been plans to produce a “Super Provence,” made in the style of a Super Tuscan. Those plans must now be up in the air.
Back in June, the British press speculated that Jolie, who jointly owns the property with Pitt, wanted to sell it in order to concentrate on her political career both in the U.K., where she is a lecturer at the London School of Economics, and as an ambassador for refugee issues at the United Nations. At the time, Pitt was reported to be unhappy because he has been closely involved in the wine production at Miraval.
The estate has a long history dating back to the 13th century. With nearly 1,000 acres of land including 75 acres of vines, it is a major property in the Var region of southeast France. In more recent history it became the home of Studio Miraval, a recording studio used by stars such as Pink Floyd and Sting.
While long and expensive divorce negotiations take place, the future of Miraval will remain in abeyance. However, the 2016 harvest has already started, so there should be a 2016 rosé that will be released early next year. Who owns the wine and the estate by that time is a question for the future—and the lawyers.
Published: September 22, 2016