Leonardo DiCaprio has proven there is a lighter side to environmentalism after acquiring an equity stake in the eco-driven Champagne house, Telmont. The actor, known for his passionate campaigning on ocean conservation and the climate crisis, saw a kindred spirit in Telmont, which proudly carries the tagline ‘Au Nom de la Terre’ (In the Name of Mother Nature).
DiCaprio is not the first celebrity to invest in the fine wine and spirits industry. Jay-Z is believed to have made a fortune with his cognac and champagne brands while Cameron Diaz recently launched her own rose. Whereas Jay-Z and Diaz are building from scratch, DiCaprio joins a Champagne house with over 100 years of history in Telmont.
Owned by drinks giant Remy Cointreau, Telmont has become an eco-warrior tipple of choice due to its efforts to eliminate its impact on the environment. It is on target to convert its entire vineyard to 100% organic agriculture by 2025 and is also assisting its partner growers to convert by 2031. It is an ambitious target considering less than 4% of Champagne vineyards are certified organic.
Telmont’s goals go far beyond biodiversity, however. The Champagne house uses 100% electricity across its operations and has eliminated air freight from its supply chain. In June 2021, it stopped putting its champagne in gift boxes and ceased buying clear bottles. It now relies solely on green champagne bottles made from 85% recycled glass.
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From protecting biodiversity on its land, to using 100% renewable electricity, @maisontelmont is determined to radically lower its environmental footprint. Proud to join as an investor in Champagne Telmont. https://t.co/frCFN9pcvQ
— Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) February 22, 2022
DiCaprio said: “Champagne Telmont, together with its partner wine-growers, has set its sights on producing 100% organic champagne, ensuring a completely sustainable production lifecycle in the coming years. From protecting biodiversity on its land, to using 100% renewable electricity, Champagne Telmont is determined to radically lower its environmental footprint, making me proud to join as an investor.”
Ludovic du Plessis, chairman of Champagne Telmont, said: “Leonardo DiCaprio’s decision to become a shareholder sends Telmont a strong message of support that will encourage us as we carry out our ambitious plans. We share the same convictions and the same commitment to protecting the environment. The House has one foot in tradition and the other in modernity, but both firmly rooted in the terroir! We aim to act in the name of Mother Nature in everything we do.”
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