Hollywood’s most famous celebrity couple who took their zeal for winemaking to a new level with the release of their acclaimed Miraval rosé last year, probably wish they were on the vineyard right now.
Pitt was assaulted the other night at partner Angelina’s ‘Maleficent’ premiere when a dangerous and scary 25-year old known for stalking celebrities, rushed the barricade to the red carpet and jumped him. Security intervened, and the moron was arrested.
Unhurt but startled I’m sure, nothing could keep the superstar pro from continuing signing autographs and his evening with his family all in attendance.
Longtime wine lovers Brad and Angelina escape the hustle and bustle of Hollywood to pursue quiet time on the vineyard and explore new terroirs.
On stands June 3, Pitt spoke to Wine Spectator. Here’s a snippet:
On the estate he and Angelina Jolie bought in 2012 for an estimated $60 million: “We became impassioned with this place, which could produce its own wine, its own food, and become a place where artists could congregate and share ideas.”
On being a farmer, and his love for the land: “I’m a farmer now. I love learning about the land and which field is most suitable for which grape, the drama of September and October: Are we picking today? Where are the sugar levels? How is the acidity? Is it going to rain? It’s been a schooling for me. In the off months, I enjoy cleaning the forest and walking the land.”
On his own compulsive nature: “For better or worse, given my compulsive nature, if we are going to be in the wine business, let’s make the best wine we can…I asked the question, ‘Why can’t we make world-class wine in Provence?’ Let’s approach it like a film, and let’s make something we can be proud of and people can enjoy.”
On partnering with wine superstar Marc Perrin: “I was looking for someone I could learn from and who would be interested in drawing on the strengths of Provence and the terroir of Miraval…When you look at the Rhône Valley and its great winemakers Château de Beaucastel and the Perrin family were not just at the top of our list, but make some of our favorite wines. Fortunately, [they] were interested in working with us as well.”
On what wines are coming next: “What really interests me now are the reds…We envision a superb Provence red. A super Provence. Give us seven years.”
On spending time out of the Hollywood spotlight: “It’s very peaceful and the antithesis of the drive, the want, the need to get ahead indicative of life in Hollywood. I’m instantly reminded what quiet sounds like.”
On his future goals: “There is a prevalent spirit of creativity here, and it is our goal to continue in that spirit. What comes out of it, I can’t say yet, but we want to be true to that spirit.”
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s first wine from Château Miraval was made in partnership with the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel fame. The rosé rated an outstanding 90 points on Wine Spectator’s 100-point scale and ranked among the Top 100 of 2013.