Gaja has signed a distribution agreement with UK-based wine wholesaler and importer Hatch Mansfield.

Under the agreement, Hatch Mansfield will be the UK importer for the Gaja, Ca’Marcanda and Pieve Santa Restituta estates.

Effective 1 March 2019, the new distribution partnership covers both on and off-trade.

Hatch Mansfield managing director Patrick McGrath said: “Gaja has been at the forefront of revolutionising the Italian wine scene for many years and we are very proud to represent them and to continue building their distribution and profile in the UK.

“Their reputation is exceptional and they are a perfect addition to our portfolio of premium wines made by family-owned businesses.”

“We have taken the decision to consolidate the representation of our three estates under one single importer.”

Gaja acquired the Pieve Santa Restituta winery in 1994, and the Italian winemaker created the Ca’Marcanda estate in 1996. Both facilities are in Italy’s Tuscany region.

The new distribution agreement will see Armit Wines, Vinum Terra and Bibendum give up management of the Gaja, Pieve Santa Restituta and Ca’Marcanda estates.

Gaja president Angelo Gaja said: “After over 30 great years of partnership with Armit Wines, over eight years with Vinum Terra and most recently with Bibendum for the Ca’Marcanda estate, we have taken the decision to consolidate the representation of our three estates under one single importer.

“We are very thankful for the precious efforts of our former agents who grew the presence of our wines in Great Britain.”

As a result of the new agreement, Gaja will be a part of Hatch Mansfield wine portfolio, which includes Champagne Taittinger, Louis Jadot, Joseph Mellot, Jean Luc Colombo, CVNE, Viña Errazuriz, Caliterra, Domaine Carneros and Robert Oatley, as well as Villa Maria, Esk Valley, Vidal, Left Field and Kleine Zalze.