Clos Rougeard update: acquisition on hold?

Doubts have emerged over yesterday’s news that famed Saumur estate, Clos Rougeard, has been sold to the owner of Château Montrose.

There was no little surprise yesterday (4 January) when La Revue du Vin de France declared that Martin Bouygues, owner of Montrose and one of France’s wealthiest men, had bought the famous Loire property.

Since then, lack of confirmation from either Montrose or Clos Rougeard regarding the sale has cast doubt on the apparent acquisition.

A source in the Loire has told the drinks business that the LARVF story was “wrong” while the marketing and communications director at Château Montrose did not deny the story but said there was no further news “at this time”.

The estate is certainly for sale but it seems claims Bouygues was the new owner may have been pre-emptive. Another report in the French press has said Bouygues is very much a potential buyer and even added luxury house LVMH may be interested as well – LVMH also owns Domaine des Lambrays in Burgundy which it bought in 2014.