Maison Villevert expands into vintage Cognac

G’Vine owner Maison Villevert has purchased a majority stake in Cognac maker Grosperrin to strengthen its position in ultra-premium spirits.

French distiller Maison Villevert said Grosperrin is known for its rare and small batch casks and ‘exceptional’ lots, making the producer a ‘benchmark’ for vintage Cognac.

Nouaison Gin maker Maison Villevert said the agreement shows its aim to balance white and brown spirits in its portfolio. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Jean-Sébastien Robicquet, founder and director of Maison Villevert, said the two companies share the “same unique history and passion for Cognac’s regional heritage” and the deal will help the firm move further into ultra-premium Cognac.

Founded by Jean Grosperrin in 1992, the brand claims to be the only remaining Cognac house based in Saintes, which sits between the terroirs of Fins Bois and Borderies. Since 2004, the Cognac firm has been managed by Grosperrin’s son, Guilhem.

Robicquet added: “The synergies between our two houses are obvious and will allow us to develop our activities both in France and abroad and work together in the creation of an exclusive range of French spirits.

“I admire and respect the high standards of Guilhem Grosperrin and the work accomplished by his family over the past 30 years and Guilhem Grosperrin will remain at the helm of the eponymous company.”

Both companies will maintain their existing routes to market with Grosperrin continuing to service its customers. Maison Villevert said it will examine opportunities through its ‘robust’ global distribution network.

Guilhem Grosperrin said: “Maison Villevert is reinventing the world of spirits while preserving the values of excellence, respect for the identity of heritage and knowhow. Values that we share and that we defend. It took me years to find the right partner, able to add value to our work, while giving us the opportunity to strengthen our sourcing.

“Cognac Grosperrin is now at a turning point in its history, old stocks are scarce and prices are soaring. Our inclusion in the Maison Villevert family allows us the possibility of consolidating and perpetuating over time this family project that I have been carrying for almost 20 years and together we shall continue selecting and ageing exceptional Cognacs and offer examples of true reflections of their original terroirs and of unique familiar histories.”

Maison Villevert also produces the La Guilde du Cognac brand in partnership with William Grant & Sons.

The Grosperrin acquisition follows Maison Villevert’s purchase of France’s Celtic Whisky Distillery in June 2020. Last month, Celtic Whisky Distillery released its first product in 20 years, a blended bottling called Gwalarn.

Earlier this year, the G’Vine gin owner acquired a majority stake in UK distribution company Paragon Brands.