As reported by Winespectator “French luxury group EPI and the Biondi Santi family of Italy have signed a deal giving EPI a significant stake in Tuscany’s historic Biondi-Santi winery in Montalcino and forming a financial and strategic partnership to grow the brand. The price and details of the alliance were not disclosed. The deal was completed Dec. 16.
“I have been working on this partnership for a year,” Jacopo Biondi Santi told Wine Spectator. “It is a partnership between France and Italy, between Champagne and Brunello.” Owned by the Descours family, EPI has owned the Champagne houses Charles Heidsieck and Piper-Heidsieck since 2011.
EPI president Christopher Descours described the partnership as a unique opportunity to accelerate the international development of Biondi-Santi while strengthening the character of the winery. “It is very much part of EPI’s DNA,” he said. “We, at EPI, have acquired over the years a strong experience in developing wine and Champagne brands in the ultrapremium category. What was achieved with Charles Heidsieck and Piper-Heidsieck within the last five years makes me confident about the possibility of EPI and Biondi Santi to tie up and build a bright future for Biondi-Santi wines.” [Continue reading]