Argea, a burgeoning force in the Italian wine scene, has rapidly ascended the ranks since its inception, poised to assert its dominance in the industry.
Formed from the merger of Italian wine group Mondodelvino SPA and private equity firm Clessidra in 2021, Argea embarked on a mission to claim the mantle of “the leader in Italian wine” within the private sector. With strategic acquisitions and a steadfast commitment to quality, Argea has steadily expanded its portfolio of Italian wine brands, spanning diverse regions across the country.
At the time of the merger, Mondodelvino boasted an array of esteemed labels, including Cuvage and Acquesi in Piedmont, Ricossa producing Barolo DOCG and Barbera DOC wines, Poderi dal Nespolo 1929 in Romagna, Barone Maltalto in Sicily, and Codici Masserie in Puglia. Argea’s influence grew further with the acquisition of Cantina Zaccagnini in 2023, renowned for its production of Montepulciano wines from Abruzzo.
Enrico Gobino, head of corporate communications, revealed Argea’s ongoing pursuit of terroirs, emphasizing a keen interest in Tuscany to complete its regional footprint. With significant investments on the horizon, Argea aims to surpass the €1 billion turnover mark, cementing its position as a powerhouse in the Italian wine market.
Behind Argea’s meteoric rise lies Clessidra, a private equity firm with roots in Italy’s industrial sector. Transitioning from its traditional holdings to diversify into wine, Clessidra adopts a unique approach, acquiring family-owned wineries while allowing them to retain a stake in the group. This collaborative model ensures a harmonious balance between heritage and innovation, propelling Argea’s growth trajectory.
Looking ahead, Argea plans to enhance its presence in the on-trade sector, spotlighting wines from Friuli, Campania, and Italy’s volcanic regions. Embracing the trend towards lower-alcohol offerings, the group is set to introduce 10 new low-alcohol wine products in 2024, catering to evolving consumer preferences.
While firmly rooted in Italy, Argea entertains the possibility of international expansion, signaling a bold vision for the future of Italian wine on the global stage. As the company prepares for its next chapter, Gobino envisions Argea as a transformative force, reshaping perceptions and elevating Italian wine to new heights.
