American film actor and producer Leonardo DiCaprio is the latest celebrity to have invested in wine. He is now a major shareholder in Champagne Telmont, owned by the Rémy Cointreau group. DiCaprio, known for his climate activism, did not choose that brand lightly.
The Telmont champagne house was founded in 1912 and is located in Damery near Epernay. Telmont prides itself on its green credentials, which, according to the brand, motivated DiCaprio’s design to be financially involved.
“Leonardo DiCaprio’s decision to become a shareholder is a strong statement of support for Telmont, which will encourage us to implement our ambitious plans,” said Ludovic du Plessis of Champagne Telmont. “We share the same beliefs and the same commitment to protecting the environment. Our home stands with one foot in tradition and the other in modernity, but both are firmly rooted in the earth. We strive to act in the name of Mother Nature in everything we do.”
The Champagne House achieved its first organic farming certification for some vineyards in 2017. It aims to convert the remaining vineyards’ land to organic by 2025 and plans to help its growing partners achieve full organic conversion by 2031.
No more champagne on board
Additionally, Telmont claims to be committed to protecting the biodiversity of its lands and reducing its ecological footprint. In June 2021, it scrapped the use of gift wrapping. Their packaging has also been limited to classic green sparkling wine bottles made from 85% recycled glass.
It’s also worth noting that Telmont will no longer export bottles via air freight from 2024. For example, Telmont champagne bound for the US will be shipped on sailing boats by a wind-powered shipping company, which would Ensures much lower carbon dioxide emissions.
“Champagne Telmont, along with its winegrower partners, has set its sights on the production of 100% organic champagne, to ensure a fully sustainable production cycle for years to come. From protecting the biodiversity on Earth to using 100% renewable electricity, Telmont is committed to radically reducing of carbon emissions, which makes me proud to be an investor,” the representative said in response to the news of his investment.
(Javed)
