The Battle for Chateau Miraval: Jolie, Pitt, and Campari

Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have been making headlines again, but it's not for a sequel to Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The famous ex-couple is entangled in a legal battle over their shared winery, Chateau Miraval, and the drama is playing out like a Marvel (or should we say Miraval?) summer blockbuster.

The Stakes

Chateau Miraval isn't just any winery. Located in the picturesque south of France, it’s known for producing some of the world’s best rosé wines. Valued between $167 million and $500 million, this estate is a prize worth fighting for.  In the oversaturated rosé market, Miraval is an undeniable standout.

 The Accusations

At the heart of the conflict, Jolie is accused of selling her stake in Miraval without Pitt’s consent. On the other side, Stoli Group, which purchased Jolie’s shares, claims that Pitt has been misusing the winery’s resources for personal projects. The exchange of accusations has been fierce, with Pitt being called a “petulant child” and his lawyers countering that Jolie “contributed nothing” to the business.

Pitt has gone to great lengths to deflect criticism from Jolie's attorneys about being an actor, not a winemaker, taking the time for photo ops walking the vineyards with his shirt sleeves rolled up like Robert Mondavi. 

Enter Campari

In 2023, Campari Group, renowned for its iconic aperitif and brands like Aperol and Grand Marnier, entered the scene by signing on as the exclusive distributor of Miraval’s products in the U.S. and France. This move raised eyebrows, especially from Stoli Group and Nouvel (Jolie’s former company), who are now demanding answers in court.

Nouvel accuses Pitt and his allies of freezing them out of Miraval and wants details on Campari’s contract. They speculate that Campari might have been involved in Pitt's alleged scheme to siphon off Miraval’s assets.  They recently filed a motion to compel compliance from Campari.  

The Legal Rollercoaster

Earlier this year, a Luxembourg court stripped Stoli Group of 10% of its Miraval shares, giving Pitt majority ownership of the estate. This decision is just one twist in the ongoing legal proceedings, with more revelations expected as the case unfolds.

The Bigger Picture

This legal tussle is more than just a celebrity spat. It highlights the complexities of business partnerships, especially when they intersect with personal relationships. Not just complex but melancholy considering the couple tied the knot at the winery surrounded by family and friends in 2013. 

Final Note

As the legal wrangling continues, one thing is clear: Chateau Miraval is more than a winery; it’s a symbol of a once-golden partnership now turned sour.  Maybe it’s time for Miraval to change its name to Miserable.