The agreement brings together two companies with a strong strategic fit and aligned values and is due to commence on1September 2024. Founded in 1946, Zamora Company is a 100% family-owned Spanish company and is today a global leader in the premium wine industry, with a portfolio of wines present in more than 80 countries around the world.

The agreement includes: Ramón Bilbao- the eponymous Rioja and Rueda winery which is celebrating its centenary this year, and also 25 years of Haro born-and-bred Rodolfo Bastida at the winemaking helm (along with Rosana Lisa and Sara Bañuelos), leading to Ramón Bilbao being recognized as one of the most innovative, thought-leading wineries in Spain and most admired in the world.

Known as pioneers of a new style of wine in Rioja- more contemporary, fresh and fruity- Ramón Bilbao has also led the way in high-altitude viticulture, sustainability and in exploring the geographical extremes of Rioja through both vines and winemaking. FXC will now be responsible for the full portfolio of wines in the UK: from the traditional trio of Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva and the Mirto ‘superblend’ Rioja, plus Ramón Bilbao’s white wines from Rueda, the Limites Norte & Sur boundary-pushing duo from ‘forgotten’ Rioja grapes, terroir wines including Edición Limitada Tempranillo and Viñedos de Altura, and the ultra-premium, boutique Lalomba single vineyard project.

Mar de Frades- located at the heart of the Salnés valley, Mar de Frades is a real leader in DO Rias Baixas, owning 66 hectares in some of the best plots as well as working with more than 200 winegrowers in the region. Paula Fandino has been winemaker since 2007, with a mission to search for the maximum expression of Albariño Atlantico.

FXC will now be responsible for the full range in its emblematic blue bottle, including the flagship Mar de Frades Albariño, plus the world’s first ever sparkling Albariño and the lees-aged, single vineyard Finca Valiñas. Cruz de Alba- one of the most well-known biodynamic producers in Spain (Demeter certified), Cruz de Alba is a boutique producer that owns 40 hectares in the Ribera del Duero’s ‘golden mile’. Sergio Ávila is in charge of winemaking and FXC will now represent all four wines including the single vineyard Finca los Hoyales.

The agreement follows Freixenet Copestick’s international parent company, Henkell Freixenet, becoming the distributor for the Zamora Company spirits brands (including Licor 43 and Martin Miller’s Gin) in Germany in 2023. With its own strong portfolio, and as UK representative for many key global wine brands, Freixenet Copestick is strategically placed to provide further growth to these fantastic products across the market. Rob Hilton of FXC comments, “We are excited to enter into this partnership with Zamora Company.

We feel there are strong synergies across our respective businesses and believe we can help them grow their impressive wine portfolio.” UK and Ireland Area Manager for Zamora Company Jeremy Rockett adds, “This is an important year for Ramón Bilbao as we celebrate 100 years of producing modern, forward-thinking and innovative wines in Rioja, and as the brand seeks to reinforce its presence in key countries on the international market. Freixenet Copestick are one of the top suppliers to the UK Off-Trade, which is where we are increasingly being seen; they also have an impressive On-Trade presence, which is a crucial channel for our wines. They have the insight, tools and customer access we need, and we have the wines to support them, from Ramón Bilbao, and its sister brands Mar de Frades and Cruz de Alba, in the UK’s very sophisticated trading arena.”