Nicolas Feuillatte acquires Henri Abelé

Champagne co-operative Nicolas Feuillatte has acquired Champagne house Henri Abelé from the Freixenet Group.

Henri Abelé has been a part of the Spanish group since 1985. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1757, Henri Abelé is one of the oldest established Champagne houses and has been a longstanding supplier to several European royal houses and the Elysée Palace.

The house produces 300,000 bottles a year but does not own any vineyards, sourcing its grapes through various contacts mostly in the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs. Based in Reims it does however boast crayères cellars.

Christophe Juarez, CEO of Nicolas Feuillatte, commented: “Our decision to buy this jewel, which is part of our local wine heritage, opens a new chapter for the Centre Vinicole – Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte in the history of our Appellation.

“It includes a complementary development model to distribution channels always keen to list exclusive products with high added value. Our vision relies on a long term perspective and we trust this external growth acquisition will provide new impetus to our unique business model.”