The Castel Group has acquired the Champagne house Malard, which was founded in 1996, as reported by the AFP news agency on October 12. The Maison, based in Aÿ with production facilities in Oiry, markets over two million bottles annually, generating approximately €20m in revenue. Originally purchased in 1996 under the name SARL Le Walin by dealer Jean-Louis Malard from Épernay, the company was later renamed to honor its founder. Recently, it has gained recognition for a series of mono-cru champagnes from Grand Cru communities like Avize and Bouzy.
Champagne Malard had previously been distributed by the Nicolas wine retail chain, which is also part of Castel. The Bordeaux-based wine giant, often referred to as the group with "20 châteaux," currently owns 1,400 ha/3,500 ac of vineyards in France and 40 bottling facilities but did not have a champagne house in its portfolio until now. The addition of Champagne Malard completes the company's sparkling wine offerings, which also include Vins Mousseux from Kiter and various Crémants.
The acquisition does not include the Domaine de la Maïonnette in Provence, which also belongs to Maison Malard. No details about the purchase price for Champagne Malard have been disclosed. SP
