Latest news with #ChâteauMiraval
Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
How a Mumbai architect rebuilt a vineyard in France's Rhône Valley
On a visit to the Château de Beaucastel in France years ago, the first thing that struck me was how wellintegrated it was with its surroundings, how minimalistic. It is deliberately so. As Charles Perrin, fifth generation co-owner, Château de Beaucastel, explains, 'Beaucastel's identity is rooted in two things: respect for the land and quiet, patient innovation.' The reimagined Château de Beaucastel, which was inaugurated in May after an extensive renovation by Mumbai-based architect Bijoy Jain, is still rooted in that philosophy of sustainability. Château de Beaucastel is the flagship winery of the Perrin family, located in Courthézon in southern Rhône in the appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The 'new palace of the pope', as the name translates, was France's first wine appellation (which is like a tag or label to identify the region a wine originates from) given at a time when the papal seat moved from Rome to southern France from 1309-77. Famous for their discerning palates and extensive cellars, the popes sought quality and found that the rugged terroir of the region produced extraordinary, powerful wines. Besides their own extensive wine estates that include Beaucastel (since 1909) and La Vieille Ferme, the Perrins have partnered with Brad Pitt to produce super-brands Château Miraval, Champagne Fleur de Miraval and Gardener gin. But Beaucastel remains closest to their hearts. The Perrins' commitment to organic viticulture is well-documented with Jacques Perrin being one of the earliest adopters of organic farming in 1950, and biodynamic viticulture from 1974. As the Perrins' business grew, so did Beaucastel's reputation and it needed a structure that would accommodate the practical requirements of future expansion. So, in 2018, the family announced an international competition to select an architect for the renovation of the Château de Beaucastel winery. They received 1,200 entries from architects of 32 nationalities. In the end, Bijoy Jain of Studio Mumbai was awarded the project. Working with him would be former colleague Louis-Antoine Grégo of Studio Méditérranée, France. 'Grégo was at Studio Mumbai working with us on the renovation of a 16th century convent in Nice, in the south of France.... It seemed a natural progression to make a proposal for Beaucastel with this group who shared in the same sentiments towards the making of things, spaces, materials, landscapes,' says Jain. The key factor for the renewed winery was to synthesise the idea of 'terroir', the French word that encapsulates the environment in which a wine's quality is determined. Perrin's brief to the architects was simple: 'Build with what the earth gives us. Let the elements handle the energy load. Invite dialogue, not ostentation.' The new winery had to co-exist with parts of the old structure, including the original manor house constructed in the 17th century. For Jain, the challenge was to design a structure that would pay homage to the wine itself. Photo: Nicolas Facenda Perrin explains, 'Our earlier chai (the barrel room) was a workhorse but energy-hungry and too small for parcel precision (storing wines from individual plots separately before the final blending). The new wing doubles capacity yet is 80% underground, so from a distance you see vineyards and the ochre-coloured courtyard walls that mirror the old stone.' The russet boundary walls enclose the château that sits amidst the vineyards. It is constructed using the rammed earth technique—known as pisé in French—of compressed red clay mixed with recycled limestone and rubble from old Beaucastel sheds. The walls were compacted layer by layer—the veins and pebbles visible—thus fulfilling Perrin's brief: 'The new winery must grow out of the same soil that nourishes our vines.' Close to 90% of the structure was made from materials found on-site—initially from a pit 50x50 metres and 15m-deep. When the gravel ran out, rubble from old buildings was added—so the new structure was literally 'pressed' from Beaucastel's terroir without any concrete or iron, using construction techniques dating back to ancient Egypt and China. 'It was a mere displacement of landscape. No truck came in or left,' explains Jain. Grégo says, 'We took terroir, which is essentially flat and made it vertical—you can see its veins in the walls. We deconstructed parts of the old buildings that were not required, crushed the concrete into gravel, and added it to the mix.' For Jain, the challenge was to design a structure that would pay homage to the wine itself. He recalls, 'The ground, soil, wind, rain, sun were resources available in the immediacy of the landscape. We needed to use this abundance to create architecture made from the physical environment to provide a quiet resting space for the wine to evolve and achieve its full potential.' This genius loci as Jain calls it, became the vision for Beaucastel. On the energy front, electricity is generated from multiple rooftop solar panels, while cooling comes from the mighty mistral wind of the Rhône Valley, which is channelled through underground galleries via inbuilt wind towers and over an underground cistern holding gallons of water collected from the rooftops. 'Water is the basis of life so the cistern is the project's foundation and acts as a cradle for the wine,' explains Jain. 'The mistral is drawn deep into the ground and circulates above the water's surface, dropping the temperature in the cellar to an even 12 degrees centigrade through the year.' The cooled air is then distributed to the cellar spaces, while the water supplies most of the winery's needs. 'This is an integrated structure free of any mechanical device or industrial material,' says Jain. Winemaking capacity was optimised. Perrin explains, 'We insisted on gravityflow reception, individual fermenters sized to our 13 cépages (a specific blend of grapes) and 70 parcels and circulation paths that future generations can adapt without demolition. The design incorporates 91 small concrete vats, clay jars from Impruneta in Italy and larger wooden tanks that allow each plot and varietal to be vinified separately into the classic Beaucastel blend—an old dream finally realised.' Before the commencement, the Perrin family had taken Jain on a road trip to Burgundy to visit three wineries, the last being the iconic Domaine de la Romanée Conti. 'It was a misty morning at the Domaine, and we stood on a slope in the vineyards, looking down the large stone cross that symbolises the famous winery. In the distance I could see a group of people walking towards it—as if they were on a pilgrimage. It was magical, like a painting. Then we walked deep into the cellars. I remember the walls, a rock with water trickling over its surface, a gravel floor and a barrel serving as a tasting table. Bottles of DRC were opened... This experience changed me, gave me an insight into the potential of wine through the mechanics of taste. The penny dropped,' says Jain. The space is a continuing the dialogue between culture, craft and terroir. Photo: Nicolas Facenda For Grégo, the €16 million project was a huge learning. 'We had never built a winery before like this one. We studied for three years before starting construction— that took another three-and-a-half years. Longer than expected, but this was pioneering work.' Finally, the result was a collaboration of individual skill sets, says Jain, preferring to describe Studio Mumbai as one of many collaborators. Engineer Philippe Clement of French company Batiserf was, in his view, pivotal to the project. 'He ensured the material dissolves into pure architecture, while landscape artist Tom Stuart Smith was intuitive in his interpretation of the gardens, planting indigenous shrubs and trees that needed little water… The builders, masons, carpenters—each one claimed ownership of the project.' For Perrin, the project's results exceeded expectations. 'Visitors tell us the place feels timeless, as though it had always been there. But the renovation is a milestone, not an end.... In the new tasting cloisters, we plan to host artist and scientist residencies—continuing the dialogue between culture, craft and terroir that began when an Indian studio helped a Rhône family re-imagine its home.' Ruma Singh is a Bengaluru-based wine and travel writer.
Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Times
Meghan to release rosé wine under As Ever brand
The Duchess of Sussex will follow a long line of celebrities into the wine industry as she announced plans to launch her own rosé. Announcing a new range of products for her brand As Ever, Meghan released details of a new blush wine from Napa Valley, which will go on sale to customers in the US on July 1. With a 2023 label, the promotional shot shows a bottle of rosé on a table by a swimming pool. It is pictured on a white tablecloth next to two glasses of wine and some apricots. The accompanying promotional material says: 'With soft notes of stone fruit, gentle minerality and a lasting finish, this bespoke blend is launching just in time for summer entertaining.' While the price has not yet been revealed, Meghan's team indicated that more details will be 'shared in the coming days'. She will no doubt be hoping to replicate the roaring success of other celebrity rosé brands, which include wines by Cameron Diaz, Kylie Minogue, Sarah Jessica Parker, John Malkovich, Francis Ford Coppola, Drew Barrymore, Sting, Jon Bon Jovi, Gary Barlow, Sir Ian Botham and Snoop Dogg. • Six refreshing rosé wines for summer Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie bought Château Miraval in Provence in 2008 after holidaying on the estate. Since their divorce, Pitt still collaborates with the Perrin family to produce Miraval rosé wine. Andrew Bayley, Famille Perrin UK general manager, said: 'Miraval was one of the first Provence rosés that led the charge, along with Whispering Angel, in terms of driving the premium rosé category.' He put the rising appeal of rosé in the UK down to the fact that 'it looks great, it's instagrammable, it looks frivolous, it's celebratory, it's sunshine, and it breaks with the tradition of wine'. He added: 'The social media generation doesn't necessarily want to look into the depths of the tasting notes, it's much more about an image, and rosé in general feeds into that.' Meghan has often spoken about her love of wine and even named her now defunct blog The Tig after her favourite Italian red, Tignanello. Will Lyons, wine columnist for The Sunday Times, said: 'Good for Meghan, who is following in the line of a great many royal imbibers from the late Queen Mother to our present Queen. I'm absolutely delighted that the Duchess of Sussex has discovered the joy of a glass or two of wine and as we fire the starting pistol on summer I can't think of a better way to open proceedings than with a glass of cool, crisp, salmon pink rosé. In moderation, wine is a stimulant to conversation, conviviality and completes any meal. 'Can Meghan pull this off? Many have tried. But the truth is celebrity wines tend to sell. One only has to look at the success of Kylie's rosé which has sold more than 4 million bottles. Although this does rather pale into insignificance if you look at the success of Ryan Reynolds's Aviation gin or George Clooney's tequila brand. But if the Duchess of Sussex can help attract a new audience to the delights of wine I'll raise a glass to that.' As well as Meghan's wine range, she will release a new apricot spread priced at $9 a jar, or $14 if bought with 'Keepsake' packaging, and a limited edition orange blossom honey costing $28. • Meghan's As Ever raspberry jam — tried and tasted From today, the As Ever, Meghan brand will also restock several products which had previously sold out on the site: Herbal Hibiscus Tea for $12, Herbal Lemon Ginger Tea $12, Herbal Peppermint Tea $12, Flower sprinkles $15, Crepe Baking Mix $14 and Shortbread Cookie Mix $14. The product range was released to coincide with her Netflix programme With Love, Meghan, in which the duchess presents tips on cooking and entertaining. • Francis Ford Coppola, Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Inglenook, Napa, California• Pink, Two Wolves, Santa Barbara County's Santa Ynez Valley• John Malkovich, Les Quelles de la Coste, Luberon, France• Sting, Tenuta Il Palagio, Tuscany, Italy• Cliff Richard, Vida Nova, Algarve, Portugal• Jon Bon Jovi, Hampton Water made in collaboration with Jon and Jesse Bon Jovi and Gérard Bertrand, France• Drew Barrymore, Barrymore Wines, California• Kyle Machalan, Pursued by Bear, Colombia Valley, Washington State• Cameron Diaz, Aveline• Ernie Els, Ernie Els Wines, Stellenbosh, South Africa• Ian Botham, Botham Wines, Australia and New Zealand• Wayne Gretzky, Wayne Gretzky Estates, Canada• Jarno Trulli, Podere Castorani, Abruzzo, Italy
Daily Tribune
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
Brad Pitt breaks silence about conclusion of his longrunning divorce proceedings with Angelina Jolie
Bang Showbiz | Los Angeles Brad Pitt has spoken publicly for the first time about the conclusion of his long-running divorce proceedings with Angelina Jolie. The 61-year-old actor married Angelina, 49, in 2014 after they met on the set of 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' in 2005 and the couple separated in 2016, with the actress filing for divorce the same year before the couple became embroiled in bitter custody and business disputes, some of which are still ongoing. When asked about the significance of his divorce settlement with Angelina. 'F1' star Brad said: 'No, I don't think it was that major of a thing. 'Just something coming to fruition. Legally.' The couple's legal disputes have encompassed custody of their six children and the division of assets including the Château Miraval winery in France. Brad and Angelina have six children – Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Zahara, 20, Shiloh, 19, and 16-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne. During the GQ interview, Brad addressed the media scrutiny surrounding his private life by saying: 'It's been in the news for 30 years, bro. Or some version of my personal life, let's put it that way.' The actor currently resides in Los Angeles with his girlfriend, 32-year-old jewellery executive Ines de Ramon. Asked whether their red carpet appearance at the 2024 British Grand Prix was intended to promote F1, Brad denied any strategic motivation. He said: 'No, dude, it's not that calculated. If you're living, oh my God, how exhausting would that be? If you're living with making those kinds of calculations? No, life just evolves. Relationships evolve.' When GQ asked whether working on F1 served as a 'refuge from all the attention,' Brad responded: 'Um, I don't see it that way.' He added: 'It's been an annoyance I've had to always deal with in different degrees, large and small, as I do the things I really want to do. 'So, it's always been this kind of nagging time suck or waste of time, if you let it be that, I don't know. I don't know.' Reflecting on his current lifestyle, Brad said: 'Mostly I feel pretty... my life is fairly contained. 'It feels pretty warm and secure with my friends, with my loves, with my fam, with my knowledge of who I am, that, you know, it's like this fly buzzing around a little bit.' Brad was also previously married to actress Jennifer Aniston, 55, before their divorce in 2005.
Daily Record
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Brad Pitt speaks for first time about bitter divorce from Angelina Jolie being finalised
The Bullet Train and Tomb Raider stars ended the dispute with an agreement earlier this year. Brad Pitt had spoken out for the first time on bitter divorce from Angelina Jolie. The Bullet Train and Tomb Raider stars ended the dispute with an agreement earlier this year Pitt, 61, tied the knot with Jolie, now 49, in 2014 after a whirlwind romance that began on the set of the film Mr. and Mrs. Smith back in 2005. The pair finally parted ways in 2016. The high-profile split led Jolie to file for divorce in the same year. A series of bitter disputes over custody and their business interests followed. Discussing the closure of his divorce proceedings, Pitt said: "No, I don't think it was that major of a thing. Just something coming to fruition. Legally." The legal wrangles between the pair have included battles over their six children and the division of their shared assets, such as the Château Miraval winery located in France. They share six children: Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Zahara, 20, Shiloh, 19, and twins Knox and Vivienne, both 16. Currently, Brad is living in Los Angeles with his partner, 32-year-old jewellery executive Ines de Ramon, Pitt previously discussed the relentless media attention he's faced in an interview with GQ, when he said: "It's been in the news for 30 years, bro. Or some version of my personal life, let's put it that way." When quizzed about whether their glamorous appearance at the 2024 British Grand Prix was a strategic move to promote his latest film F1, he dismissed the suggestion of any promotional intent. He remarked: "No, dude, it's not that calculated. If you're living, oh my God, how exhausting would that be? If you're living with making those kinds of calculations? No, life just evolves. Relationships evolve." Reflecting on his personal life, Pitt shared: "Mostly I feel pretty... my life is fairly contained. "It feels pretty warm and secure with my friends, with my loves, with my fam, with my knowledge of who I am, that, you know, it's like this fly buzzing around a little bit." The actor, who was once married to Jennifer Aniston until their split in 2005, seems to have found a sense of peace amidst the chaos of fame. When the divorce was finalised, Jolie's lawyer released a statement saying: "Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over.' Lawyer James Simon added to the Associated Press: "More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr Pitt, and since that time she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family. 'This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago.'
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brad Pitt Claims Finalizing Years-Long Angelina Jolie Divorce Was Not That 'Major Of A Thing'
Brad Pitt has opened up about reaching the end of his protracted divorce from Angelina Jolie. The actor admitted he felt "relief" over the decision, but still doesn't consider it a "major" thing. Before finalizing the divorce in December, Pitt and Jolie had been in a nearly decade-long battle after they announced their separation in 2016. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's disputes included the separation of assets and custody issues, with the duo still currently feuding over their French vineyard, Château Miraval. After nearly a decade of court battles, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie finalized their divorce in December. The former Hollywood power couple had been locked in disputes over assets and custody, which took quite a toll on both sides and led to several media back-and-forths. Now, Pitt has revealed that he feels "relieved" that part of his life is over and he can officially move on. The actor made the revelation in his interview with GQ Magazine, which covered the creation of his new "F1" movie. However, despite how long the battle dragged on and the legal costs he likely incurred, Pitt said the finalization wasn't a huge deal to him, just something that was bound to happen eventually. "No, I don't think it was that major of a thing," the actor told the outlet. "Just something coming to fruition. Legally." Elsewhere in his conversation with the publication, Pitt reflected on how his "personal life is always in the news" and admitted that it has been a constant "annoyance" to deal with over the years. "It's been in the news for 30 years, bro. Or some version of my personal life, let's put it that way," the "Bullet Train" star said. "It's been an annoyance I've had to always deal with in different degrees, large and small, as I do the things I really want to do." "So, it's always been this kind of nagging time suck or waste of time, if you let it be that, I don't know. I don't know," Pitt added. Despite all of this attention, the actor thinks his life is "fairly contained," as he is surrounded by the best possible people. "It feels pretty warm and secure with my friends, with my loves, with my fam, with my knowledge of who I am, that, you know, it's like this fly buzzing around a little bit." In the meantime, Brad Pitt has found new love with jewelry executive Ines de Ramon, who was previously married to actor Paul Wesley. The pair began dating in 2022, three years after Pitt's legal separation from Angelina Jolie. After keeping their relationship private for several months, the couple began making public appearances together, including at premieres and other high-profile events. They also showed up together at the 2024 British Grand Prix, which Pitt explained in his GQ interview wasn't planned. "It's not that calculated," Pitt shared. "If you're living, oh my God, how exhausting would that be? If you're living with making those kinds of calculations? No, life just evolves. Relationships evolve." Early last year, the lovebirds finally moved in together, a move that further solidified their relationship. As they now approach their third anniversary, they are reportedly still going strong despite the rumors that Pitt's busy work schedule strained their relationship. "They're genuinely happy and very much in love," a source revealed, per the Daily Mail. They added, "Brad appreciates being with someone outside of Hollywood—it keeps things balanced, with no sense of rivalry or jealousy." Despite Pitt and de Ramon's blossoming romance, the possibility of marriage or kids seems unlikely for now, as the actor is yet to get over the emotional baggage from his previous marriage. "Brad is totally in love with Ines, but he doesn't want to go down the road of marriage and kids," an insider told the Daily Mail. They continued, "He's been burned badly by the divorce from Angelina and his kids wanting little if nothing to do with him. He's 61 and loving his life just the way it is."
