Louis Latour takes on first Italian listing with Banfi

Louis Latour Agencies has signed a deal with Italian winery Castello Banfi that will see it take over exclusive distribution of the producer’s portfolio across the on- and off-trade in the UK.

Cristina Mariani-May of Castello Banfi

Founded in 1978, and located in Tuscany, with vineyards in Montalcino and Chianti, the family-owned Castello Banfi estate produces a range of wines, from Chianti Classico through to single vineyard Brunellos.

“We are very pleased to begin our new UK partnership withLouis Latour Agencies. We believe in family businesses, as Banfi and Louis Latour are, and I am confident that this collaboration will produce amazing results in the challenging UK market,” said Cristina Mariani-May, third generation Family Proprietor of Castello Banfi.

Louis Latour Agencies was founded in 1990 and is the UK subsidiary of historic Burgundy wine producer Maison Louis Latour. Operating across the UK on- and off-trade sectors, it represents 12 family-owned wine and Cognac producers including Champagne Gosset, Seresin Estate, Viu Manent and Wakefield Wines.

Castello Banfi is the first Italian wine producer to join Louis Latour Agencies portfolio.

“Castello Banfi is a perfect fit, they share the same qualities as our other agencies and will slot in perfectly and complement our existing portfolio,” said Louis Latour Agencies’ managing director Will Oatley.

“Banfi also represents a significant milestone for us being the first European winery to join us from outside France.”

The changes will take effect from 1 April.