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France’s most celebrated export has just added another of the world’s most famous names to its list of backers.
The Oscar winning actor announced Tuesday thathe has acquired a “significant” share of Telmont, a 110-year old champagne house near Epernay.
Breaking the news of his investment on Twitter, DiCaprio lauded the firm’s commitment towards the environment.
“From protecting biodiversity on its land, to using 100% renewable electricity, @maisontelmontis determined to radically lower its environmental footprint,” he wrote. “Proud to join as an investor in Champagne Telmont.”
Founded in 1912, Telmont is a fourth-generation, family-directed house located in Damery.
Fifteen-months ago, brands giant Remy Cointreau obtained majority ownership. The family remains involved in operations and their partnership shares aggressive plans involving organic production.
In a follow-up statement, Telmont’s President Ludovic du Plessis described DiCaprio’s investment as sending “a strong message of support that will encourage us as we carry out our ambitious plans.
“We share the same convictions and the same commitment to protecting the environment,” du Plessis said. “The House has one foot in tradition and the other in modernity, but both firmly rooted in the terroir! We aim to act in the name of Mother Nature in everything we do.”
“Welcome aboard, Leonardo DiCaprio,” he added on Instagram.
Discussions involving DiCaprio’s investment, sources tell PEOPLE, first started over two years ago. “The conversation began in 2019, and was slowed because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” an insider says.
Negotiations were conducted largely between DiCaprio and du Plessis. “They’ve known one another for over 15 years,” adds a source, and included virtual tastings with cases of the brand’s 2020 release sent to DiCaprio in Los Angeles for sessions conducted online.
The actor is expected to visit the house as early as this Spring, according to one industry source.
DiCaprio’s arrival in champagne is only the latest in an increasingly crowded celebrity field which began with JAY-Z.
In 2014, the music star purchased the small respected house Armand de Brignac. He subsequently sold half ownership to luxury goods giant LVMH last year. Estimates place his profit on the sale at over $300 million net.
Other celebrity investors in business with French houses include50 CentandIdris Elba.
source: people.com
