Argea set to enter the Franciacorta market with Contadi Castaldi
The sector’s leading private player (controlled by Clessidra) is set to expand its portfolio with the acquisition of the Brescia-based brand. The seller is Terra Moretti, which is stepping up its reorganisation, including the sale of the Teruzzi & Puthod winery
The Franciacorta label Contadi Castaldi is set to join the Argea wine group. The first private-label wine brand, Argea (controlled by the private equity fund Clessidra) is, according to Il Sole 24 Ore, close to acquiring the sparkling wine label Contadi Castaldi, which has been put on the market by the Terra Moretti Group. Il Sole 24 Ore attempted to contact Argea for comment but received no response.
Strategic move for Argea
With this acquisition, Argea aims to strengthen its position in the sparkling wine segment, where it already boasts a well-established presence thanks to Botter’s strength in Prosecco and the Piedmont-based company Cuvage. This expansion also involves an upward repositioning with a brand, Contadi Castaldi, which has a strong multi-channel focus – that is, it is present both in the hospitality sector and in leading retail chains.
The value of the deal, according to rumours circulating in financial circles, is expected to be around 30 million euros. The offer, which has been on the table for several months, is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks. Contadi Castaldi boasts an annual production of just under 1.2 million bottles. Turnover in 2025 was close to 13 million, with an EBITDA of 4.
Argea’s arrival in Franciacorta could prove significant for the entire appellation, as it brings to an area that has always struggled with exports (20 per cent of production is exported) a major player with substantial resources and a strong focus on foreign markets, which could bring about a significant leap in quality for the entire export sector of Brescia’s sparkling wines.
Argea’s potential acquisition of Contadi Castaldi confirms that, despite the current economic difficulties, in the world of wine, brands with high recognition and strong positioning retain their full appeal both amongst consumers and investors. With Contadi Castaldi, Argea would strengthen its geographical presence by expanding into Lombardy following its establishment in Abruzzo, Piedmont, Veneto and Sicily, and would consolidate its position not only in the sparkling wine sector but also in the hospitality sector (bars and restaurants), where it is already present with the Zaccagnini, Poderi dal Nespoli and Cuvage labels.
