In 2011 Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt founded together with the Perrin family the Chateau Miraval. Since then it was always swathed in a veil of mystery on which wonderful creations are going to be produced next.
Miraval – valley of wonders, is a domaine which stretches over 800 hectares. A number of illustrious people owned the estate before. The jazz french jazz pianist Jacques Lousier (1977) followed by the American billionaire Tom Bove (1998). He introduced biodynamic wine making at the Chateau Miraval, France.
When did Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie buy Château Miraval?
In 2011 Angelina Jolie and Bratt Pitt acquire the domaine. It includes about 50 hectares of vineyards among several hundred hectares of forest, olive groves and lavender fields. They decide to produce their own wine and restart the Miraval winery. They buy Miraval via their companies Nouvel (40 %) and Mondo Bongo (60%). In the period until their separation Brad Pitt transfers 10% of the total shares to Angelina Jolie for one symbolic USD to have equal voting rights.
How much is Château Miraval worth?
Château Miraval which is currently subject to a lawsuit between the former couple is estimated to be worth 162 million USD. This is more than double what both paid for the wine estate in 2011.
Muse de Miraval
To get their wine business started they seek advice form the Perrin family who owns the Chateau Beaucastel at Chateauneuf du Pape. In the beginning the Jolie – Pitt couple offers a consultancy. In the end an equally shared partnership in the cultivation of the vineyard forms. They harvest the first grapes in 2012.
Their first rosé wine – Muse de Miraval – is launched the following year on Valentine`s Day. Brad Pitt designs the bottle which becomes characteristic for the iconic Miraval rosé wines. It turns into a huge success story. Especially as the Wine Spectator elects this wine as the first rosé among the 100 best wines in the world.
Studio de Miraval – the rosé wine siblings by Château Miraval
10 years later Miraval is selling more than 1 million bottles of rosé wine per year. Production of own grapes as well as buying them from other vintners allows the brand to cover a wide price range. The premium wine “Muse de Miraval” is available in a limited number of 3000 magnum bottles per year. Whereas “Studio by Miraval” serves the market segment for consumer-friendly priced rosé wine.
During this time the area cultivated with wine increases from around 50 hectares to more than 70. Brad Pitt adds another vineyard with roughly the same size at Puyloubier, France to his wine enterprise. Here mainly syrah, grenache and pinot noir are growing to yield a new red wine in the next years.
We`re looking forward to these new creations from the Chateau Miraval!
The domaine Miraval is completely modernized in 2018 focusing on the production of the rosé wines as well as biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Château Miraval recording studio
The modifications not only include an increased surface for vines but also in the structure of the buildings. Historically Château Miraval had a recording studio where Pink Floyd recorded part of their album the Wall. They were followed by other bands like AC/DC, the Cranberries and Rammstein who recorded parts of their album “Mutter” at the studios. It was closed with the acquisition of Chateau Miraval in 2011 but was refurbished and re-opened in 2022.
Adding to the studio the estate has a helicopter pad as well as outdoor pools. If you prefer a quieter surrounding you can also find a romanesque chapel.
Fleur de Miraval Champagne
In 2020 PPP – Brad Pitt, the winemaker Marc Perrin and Pierre Péters – create a rosé champagne “Fleur de Miraval ER1” – Exclusivement Rosé 1. The Champagne is a cuvee of 75 % Chardonnay and 25 % young Pinot Noir. It`s produced at Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, France using the Saignee / bleeding method. In 2021 a second vintage “Fleur de Miraval ER2” – Exclusivement Rosé 2 follows the first masterpiece. It`s a cuvee of similar composition as the ER1. The main difference between the two champagnes are the vintages of the wines.
PPP use very old vintage champagnes for the creation of the ER1 & ER2 from winemakers in the Champagne. The bottles of the old vintages are opened, tasted and a harmonious cuvée is created. This cuvée is added as reserve to the champagne. PPP use wines which are up to 80 years old. This gives the ER1 & ER2 champagnes an otherwise unattainable and very exclusive aroma profile.
Each vintage is available as a limited edition. ER1 is marketed in a volume of 2000 bottles whereas the quantity for ER2 was increased to 2200 bottles.
The Miraval wines and champagnes can be bought here for Europe and North America.
Château Miraval after the divorce of Brad Pitt and Angelina
After the divorce of the couple in 2016 both kept their shares in the Miraval project. In 2021 Angelina Jolie sells her shares to Tenute del Mondo a subsidiary of the Luxembourg based Stoli group which is owned by the Russian oligarch Yuri Sheffler. This transaction is still subject to a lawsuit.
