French wine executive Jean-Charles Boisset has acquired the Artesa winery in California from Spanish wine group Raventós Codorníu.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
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The Artesa winery encompasses 350 acres, including 155 acres of grapevines spread across the Carneros and Mt. Veeder appellations in Napa Valley.
The estate grows varieties including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Albarino and Tempranillo.
Founded in 1991 as Codorníu Napa, the estate originated as a specialised sparkling wine venture.
Mr Boisset plans to produce sparkling wines under the Artesa brand and his JCB collection, while expanding the property’s still-wine programme.
He said: “The soils, the light, the maritime air, the individuality of the slopes-there is an extraordinary alchemy of terroir.
“My Burgundian sensibility responds instinctively to the possibilities for nuance, freshness, depth and finesse. I want to explore what this estate can reveal, vintage after vintage.”
The acquisition broadens Mr Boisset’s footprint across California. His regional holdings include Buena Vista Winery, Raymond Vineyards, Elizabeth Spencer Winery, DeLoach Vineyards, and Flora Springs Winery.
Raventós Codorníu CEO Sergio Fuster said: “Artesa has played a significant role in the history of Raventós Codorníu, and it is one of the most successful wineries in our portfolio.
“We are convinced that Boisset is the ideal custodian to guide the winery through its next phase of development. Their in-depth knowledge of the local market will unlock Artesa’s extraordinary potential even further, while ensuring the continuity of its legacy.”
According to Spanish outlet Demócrata, the sale of Artesa is part of Raventós Codorníu’s strategy to simplify its corporate structure and focus resources on Spain and Argentina.
Raventós Codorníu’s brand portfolio includes Viña Pomal in Spain and Séptima in Argentina.
Private-equity firm Carlyle acquired a majority stake in the Cava maker in 2018, with the business valued at €390m (then $451m) at the time.
The private equity firm is assessing “strategic options” for that stake and appointed advisors last year to guide the process.
