We are extremely sad to share the news that our founder, Remo Nardone, passed away on Sunday 1st September at the age of 89.
Right from the beginning, when he founded his company in 1972, Remo’s profound passion, integrity and pioneering vision were infused into Enotria. A father-like figure to his team, Remo founded a company with an ethos that mirrored his personal traits: resilience, determination, drive, uncompromising customer service, a deep appreciation for the individuals shaping the industry and the connections formed through a shared love of wine.
Starting off working in hospitality when he moved to the UK, before moving into sales with merchants, F.S. Matta and Hedges & Butler, Remo realised that there was a gap in the UK market for quality wines from his homeland. Therefore, drawing on his cultural heritage, Remo founded Enotria, curating a specialist Italian portfolio tailored to meet the needs of the growing Italian restaurant community of the time. In line with this philosophy and approach, from the outset Remo made a strategic decision to establish exclusive partnerships with his suppliers, forging relationships that extended beyond mere business transactions, and many of whom Enotria&Coe are delighted to still work with today. This philosophy remains central to Enotria&Coe’s culture - with our everyday mission to “care for our customers, people and suppliers” - and we are extremely privileged to be part of Remo’s legacy.
“Remo did not share my DNA, but has been like a second father to me. There are two things that kept us together: PASSION and WINE. The greatest compliment I could pay to Remo is to ensure that his memory lives on by passing on his (and my) legacy to the new generations at Enotria&Coe.” Sergio De Luca, Enotria&Coe Buying Director - Italy
“What Remo has left us is a massive legacy which is felt all around our business, and in particular our recently updated vision, values and strategic pillars, which are founded on the understanding of our heritage. Much of what Remo laid out for his business so many years ago still very much applies today and this is testament to his simple and easily understood principles. There will be many inside and outside of Enotria, not only amongst our own people, but also our producers and our customers, who will be devastated by the sad news: a true gentleman and incredible entrepreneur, Remo brought us new discoveries in the world of wine and will be sorely missed.” Julian Momen, Enotria&Coe CEO
Remo’s family have asked that their privacy is respected at this difficult time, whilst they make plans to recognise his memory. In the meantime, in recognition of Remo’s considerable influence on the UK wine industry, Enotria&Coe would like to invite those who have previously worked with him or who knew him to share with them memories and stories of Remo, as we intend to create a Book of Condolence for his family to celebrate the life of this extraordinary man. Please email Head of Marketing, Alex Notman-Watt, on Marketing@enotriacoe.com.
For more information about the substantial impact Remo had on both the wider UK wine industry and making Enotria&Coe the company it is today, please visit our blog post Remo Nardone, Enotria Founder, which was part of our 50th Anniversary Celebration series.
