The long-running divorce proceedings between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie appear to have reached a final settlement, as reported by US media, but the fate of the Château Miraval vineyard in Provence remains unresolved.
This high-profile legal battle has spanned nearly eight years, and while a divorce agreement was reportedly signed in late December, details about the settlement remain scarce. However, the dispute over the ownership of Miraval—a crown jewel of French viticulture—continues to be a contentious issue.
A Jewel in Provence
Château Miraval, nestled in the small village of Correns, is a property of remarkable history and prestige. Purchased by Pitt and Jolie in 2011 after three years of renting, the estate spans over 500 hectares, featuring a 17th-century castle and extensive vineyards. Miraval has achieved global acclaim for its rosé wines, produced in partnership with the Perrin family, celebrated experts behind Château de Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
The inaugural Miraval Rosé, released in 2013, was a resounding success. Within hours, the first thousand cases sold out, solidifying the brand’s reputation as a leader in the high-end rosé category. Critics have consistently praised the wine, with its 2023 vintage earning 89 points from renowned critic Elizabeth Gabay MW, who highlighted its aromatic complexity and notes of white flowers. Today, Miraval remains one of the most recognized names in the world of rosé, a testament to its quality and enduring appeal.
Legal Turmoil and Ownership Dispute
Despite Miraval’s success, its ownership has been a central point of conflict since Jolie filed for divorce in 2016. While the couple celebrated their wedding on the estate in 2014, their separation cast a shadow over the vineyard’s future. The situation escalated in 2021 when Jolie sold her 50% stake in Miraval to Tenute del Mondo, a subsidiary of the Stoli Group, known for its luxury wines and spirits portfolio. This move triggered a lawsuit by Pitt, who argued that the sale violated a prior agreement requiring mutual consent before selling stakes in the property.
Pitt’s lawsuit claimed that Jolie’s actions undermined his interests and left Miraval’s ownership entangled with a business entity he was unwilling to collaborate with. Tenute del Mondo, for its part, confirmed its acquisition of Nouvel LLC, the company through which Jolie held her stake. The legal battle has since intensified, with lawsuits and counterclaims creating a complex web of litigation that has yet to be resolved.
Miraval’s Continued Legacy
Amid this legal turmoil, Miraval has continued to thrive as a brand. Provençal rosé remains a booming category, and the vineyard’s reputation has not faltered. Beyond its wines, Miraval has served as a cultural hub. In 2022, Brad Pitt revived the estate’s historic recording studio, Studio Miraval, in collaboration with French producer Damien Quintard. This studio, once used by iconic artists like AC/DC, Sting, and The Cranberries, has been renovated to honor its musical legacy.
A Symbol of Celebrity Investment in Wine
The ongoing battle for Château Miraval underscores how shared assets can become contentious when personal relationships unravel. The estate has become emblematic of the rise of premium rosé wines and the broader trend of celebrity investment in the wine industry. Despite the “rosé war” playing out in courtrooms, Miraval’s cultural and viticultural contributions endure, standing as a beacon of excellence in Provence.
Source: Vinetur