Taittinger sold

[hotwine]

Read somewhere recently (WSJ maybe?) that the house of Taittinger, including its hotel and Champagne businesses, has been sold. Sure hope the same fate doesn't befall their Champagne as befell Veueve Clicquot when LVMH bought them out a while back. VC "yellow label" champers went down the toilet.

Taittinger NV Brut la Francaise has been my go-to Champagne for a while now.

[Thraz]

Apparently the buyer is Starwood, a hotel owner (Sheraton and Wyndham I think), and they are interested in Taittinger's hotel business only. I read they are vey likely to sell the champagne business to yet a third party.

[hotwine]

If that happens, wouldn't be at all surprised to see LVMH snap it up. They're still on a buying spree for French luxury goods. That would be a shame, given their track record with VC.

[wondersofwine]

Andrea Immer works for Starwood Resorts now I believe, but if they sell off the Champagne business that won't have much bearing on the quality of the wine. It will depend on who buys it and whether they keep the winemaker staff currently in place, etc.

[Innkeeper]

Don't think Andrea is still with Starwood. She makes her living off of her TV show (Fine Living) and books.