Since our inception on 18th September 1972, Enotria&Coe has grown from humble beginnings into one of the UK's most respected wine importers. Founded by Remo Nardone, we started as a one-man operation, with Nardone personally overseeing buying, selling, and administration. His foresight in investing in a warehouse and logistics team - including drivers and warehouse personnel - laid the foundation for our future success. A pivotal moment came when the company secured a bonded warehouse, giving it a significant advantage in managing stock and streamlining distribution.

By the mid-1980s, Enotria was expanding rapidly. Sergio De Luca, now the Director of Buying for Italy, joined the company in 1985 when it was still a close-knit team of around 25 people. Reflecting on those early days, he recalls:

“Remo was a visionary. He didn’t just focus on selling Italian wines to Italian restaurants - he saw an opportunity within the Chinese restaurant sector, making us pioneers in introducing Italian wines to that market.”

This strategic move helped differentiate Enotria from competitors and contributed to its rapid growth.

Italy was always at the forefront of decisions back in the day. The company's producer partnerships have been a cornerstone of its success. One of our longest-standing relationships is with Fattoria dei Barbi in Montalcino, which joined the portfolio in 1974. Four years later, Fontanafredda in Piedmont followed, bringing with it a salesman, Remo Casadei, who would go on to become one of our company legends. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, we established a robust and diverse Italian wine range, adding renowned names such as Ruggeri (one of the first Prosecco brands in the UK), Anselmi in Soave, Conterno Fantino, E. Pira, and La Spinetta from the Barolo Boys, as well as Bergaglio and Poliziano in Tuscany.

Volume sales in the 1980s were driven in part by Chiarli, a major Lambrusco producer, while the 1990s saw the addition of innovative wineries such as Santadi from Sardinia (1991) and Planeta from Sicily (1996), for whom Enotria was the first importer in Europe and remain their importer today. Our early embrace of Sardinian and Sicilian wines made us one of the few importers at the time to showcase the region’s offerings.

From our modest beginnings to its current stature as a leader in wine importing, Enotria&Coe has remained committed to innovation, quality, and strong relationships with both producers and customers. Remo Nardone’s pioneering spirit continues to drive us forward.

Italian wines have long played an essential role on wine lists worldwide, offering an unparalleled variety of styles and flavours suited to any cuisine. Our deep-rooted heritage in Italian wine showcases our ability to provide a diverse and high-quality selection that meets the evolving demands of customers. As Sergio De Luca explains:

"One of my strong beliefs is that, although it can be a confusing area, Italy offers a multitude of options within the wine landscape—anything connected to palate, taste, territory, and tradition. This is reflected in our market, as Italian wine can satisfy any demand, from any ethnic cuisine to any customer."

This philosophy continues to guide us at Enotria&Coe, ensuring that Italian wines remain a fundamental part of our offering and an essential feature on wine lists everywhere.