Les Grands Chais de France launches a new range of quality wines onto the UK following acquisition

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 18 April, 2016

Les Grands Chais de France is preparing to expand its offering of premium wines to the UK market following the purchase of Château Belles Eaux in the South of France.

The family-owned Château and vineyards are located in Caux, just a few kilometres from Pézenas, in the region of the Hérault.

The acquisition is in line with the group's strategy of investing in high quality French vineyards and wineries in six key French regions, including the South of France.

The group currently owns just under 40 similar properties covering 1,790ha of vineyards in total.

Chris Davies, who heads up the independent division at Les Grands Chais, said the acquisition will help Family Helfrich - which own and run Les Grands Chais - expand their premium range.

He said: "Like the Château, Family Helfrich have been heading in the premium direction for the last 25 years and the development of our South of France portfolio is no exception. The group acquired Domaine de la Baume in 2003 and have transformed the wines into a stunning range of seven international varietals.

"Six years ago we acquired Domaine Tholomies, which brought Minervois La Liviniere into our portfolio. With the new acquisition our goal will be to develop a premium range of cuvées with aging potential of 10 to 15 years and really show that the South of France is a destination for quality wines."

Les Grands Chais de France Les Grands Chais de France

The new range of wines includes the denominations AOP Languedoc-Pézenas, AOP Languedoc and IGP Pays d'Oc.

Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre are used more in the production of AOP Languedoc; and Chardonnay and Petit Verdot are mainly used for IGP Pays d'Oc.

Davies added that there are strong parallels between Family Helfrich and the Château.

"First of all Chateau Belles Eaux is a family business, with modern winemaking techniques, and a long history with a great reputation which has huge similarities to the core ethos of the Family Helfrich who own and run Les Grands Chais," he said.

"As well as a modern winery the Château has been innovative in its approach, for example planting varietals such as Petit Verdot, which is unusual for the area but is now tasting beautifully."

Château Belles Eaux will be available to taste on the Les Grands Chais de France stand at the London Wine Fair, stand U40.

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