Counterfeiters target ‘Brangelina’ wine

Chinese counterfeiters have apparently begun faking the rosé wine produced from vineyards owned by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

In an effort to combat fraudulent bottles, the Perrin family which actually vinifies the wine has been forced to introduce some subtle countermeasures to the bottle.

The scale of the fraud was not reported but it is a headache for a number of wine companies from Lafite to Jacob’s Creek in numerous markets although China tends to be the most prolific.

The fraudsters will likely be hoping to capitalise on the “Brangelina” name as rosé itself is the least popular wine category in China.

First launched in 2012 when it quickly sold out, “Miraval”, as the wine is called, is a joint venture between the Hollywood stars and the Perrin family who run Château Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

A blend of Grenache, Carignan, Syrah and Rolle the vineyards are located in the Côteaux Varois in Provence where the couple also own a house and were married they were married in 2012.

The wine was launched in UK supermarket Marks & Spencer earlier this year.