by Ana Maria Barahona
The French producer Michel Laroche has formally acquired the vineyards and winery of Thierry Villard in Casablanca for $2m (1.6m ). In the agreement with the French group
Villard will retain the 2007 and half of the 2008 harvest for his own brand. "I already have signed long term contracts with producers of the valley to continue producing wines of premium quality under the Villard label," he says. Laroche confirmed the transaction that will allow it so source Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes and own a winery specialized in premiums wines.
