Bouchard joins Henriot

Compiled by Joe Hyam

The family shareholders of Bouchard Père & Fils are to hand over control of their famous Burgundian wine company to the distinguished family Champagne group, Henriot.

Bouchard owns 230 acres of vineyards, of which 175 are classed grand crus and premier crus. Among them are such names as Le Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, and the Vigne de l'Enfant Jesus (wholly owned by Bouchard). Bouchard's stock consists of six million bottles, including a collection of vintages dating from 1846. Turnover is FFr150m (£19.5m).

Henriot has been a vigneron in Champagne since the 17th century and merchant since 1808. Claud Bouchard said last week: "Handing over our company will enable it to maintain its cohesion, its personality and potential for development, which might otherwise have been held back for family constraints."

Joseph Henriot claimed the house of Bouchard Père & Fils "seduced me by its potential, its magnificent vineyards and its renewed savoir-faire".