France-based businessman and vineyard owner Jacky Lorenzetti has expanded his wine portfolio with the purchase of 50% stake in Chateau d’Issan, a 17-century property in the Margaux appellation, from The Cruse family.
Known as Margaux Third Growth, the Chateau d'Issan has 53ha of vineyards, out of which 40ha are in appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) Margaux and 13ha in AOC Haut-Médoc and AOC Bordeaux Superieur regions. The vineyard produces wines such as grand vin Chateau d'Issan, Blason d'Issan, Moulin d'Issan, Le Haut-Medoc d'Issan and others.
The estate was initially purchased by Emmanuel Cruse in 1945, who later divided the property between his sons - Roland and Lionel Cruse. The 50% stake currently sold is Roland's share.
Meanwhile, Lionel and his son Emmanuel Cruse will retain their entire share, while Emmanuel will remain as managing director of the estate.
Cruse, who has been working as a consultant for Lorenzetti's other wine estates such as Chateaux Lilian Ladouys in Saint Estephe and a fifth growth property in Pauillac - Chateau Pedesclaux for last two years, will now become the managing director of both these estates.
He told Decanter.com that, "Nothing will change with the day-to-day running of Issan, but it is a positive move, and will enable me to work alongside a shareholder who has equal belief in my strategy, and who has a vision to push things forward, not just for Issan but for all of his estates."
