LVMH--the machine

I was hoping the company would get out of the champagne business but so far, desperate for more land, they are getting in deeper. The company that likes to sell the look of luxe instead of the real thing, acquired the previously family owned Montaudon, which according to the out of date Tom Stevenson World Encyclopedia of Champagne, owns about 80 acres of pinot noir planted vineyards. Stevenson writes, "The non-vintage and vintage have always been passable but not special." Meanwhile the LVMH press release writes: Christophe Navarre, chairman of Moët Hennessy, said: "The acquisition of Montaudon enables us to complete our portfolio of prestigious brands and to increase our Champagne reserves. This corresponds with Moët Hennessy's strategy to strengthen its worldwide leadership in the luxury wines and spirits sector."