Catena Zapata names new UK importer
Argentinian wine producer Bodega Catena Zapata has secured a deal with UK importer and distributor Enotria for Catena and Catena Zapata. UK distribution was previously managed by Bibendum.
Bodega Catena Zapata’s partnership with Enotria will come into effect from 1 January 2026.
The Argentinian producer plans to increase its focus on the premium on-trade and independent retail sectors via the new partnership.
Enotria will work closely with the winery to premiumise its product offering and grow its reach across all on- and off-trade channels, the producer said in a press release announcing the deal.
Dr. Laura Catena, managing director of Catena Zapata, thanked Bibendum for its “years of partnership and dedication to our wines”.
John Colley, interim CEO of Enotria, told db the “iconic brand” is one “all distributors would love to represent”. He said: “It will be no surprise to hear that our teams maintained contact with them for a number of years, even though we weren’t directly partnering with them.”
Majestic Wine Group acquired the UK importer and distributor in April 2025. Enotria continues to operate within the group as a standalone business, serving all drinks industry channels across the premium on-trade, off-trade and direct-to-consumer markets.
“Following Enotria’s change of ownership and strategic direction, it became clear that Catena were ready to engage with us, and of course we were delighted to do so. Our businesses are perfectly aligned when it comes to our strategy, our ethos and our cultural fit, and we’re all confident that this will be the start of a long and successful partnership,” Colley said.
Laura Catena praised Enotria’s “vision, expertise, and commitment to fine wine”, saying its positioning “will help us continue to elevate Argentine wine”.
Partner Content
Enotria serves all channels of the UK drinks industry, and will represent the entire Catena and Catena Zapata portfolios including Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino, Adrianna Vineyard’s 100 Point wines and the Catena, DV Catena and Catena Appellation series.
Colley described Catena as “a pioneer not only in Argentina but in the entire world of fine wine”.
The producer joined French distribution La Place de Bordeaux in 2018 with the 2015 vintages of Bordeaux blend Nicolás Catena Zapata, and Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec, making it a relative pioneer in a South American context.
“Given Enotria’s recent rebrand and our return to our heritage in premium and fine wines, Catena is exactly the sort of brand we want to be working with and we’re really excited to be doing so,” Colley said. “We know there is a push towards premiumisation in the wine market and among our customer base, and the Catena portfolio provides plenty of trade-up options, such as the appellation series. These are great ways for our partners to premiumise their offerings and grow their businesses.”
He described Catena as a “core partner of ours”, and said Enotria’s aim would be to “improve the volume of business at the premium end and grow value substantially and sustainably, helping them sell more wine, but also better wine”.
Catena and Catena Zapata join Enotria’s portfolio of 300 exclusive wine producers and more than 1,500 spirits producers.
Enotria’s 10,000-strong client base includes independent retailers, fine dining, specialist bars, hotels, travel operators and events venues including Bancone, Gaucho, Rick Stein, L’Enclume and Hotel du Vin/ Malmaison.
Addressing Enotria’s wider strategy going forward, Colley added: “Our strategic ambition since bringing Enotria into the Majestic Wine Group has been clear – to be the pre-eminent wine distributor in the UK. We want to be the best in terms of our service levels, the support we provide our customers and of course, our portfolio. Catena’s ‘best in class’ wines and reputation add real quality and depth to our portfolio and the fact they have entrusted Enotria to represent them in the UK speaks speaks volumes for the regard in which Enotria is held and the progress we are making as a business speaks volumes for the progress we are making as a business.”
Related news
Wines of Hungary makes central Europe the centre of attention
Trinity Hill taps into rising demand for white wines in Asia
