Nick Mantella steps down as UK managing director of Codorniu

By Gemma McKenna

Published: 01 May, 2014

Nick Mantella has stepped down as managing director of sparkling wine company Codorniu UK after 12 years at the firm.

Mantella joined Bodegas y Vinedos Codorniu Raventos, or Grupo Codorniu UK as it was then known, as a business manager in 2002, before being promoted to sales director in 2006, and managing director in 2010.

Mantella is now seeking a new role within the wine trade. He told harpers.co.uk he was interested in a position that would involve dealing with other markets. "I'm not looking for a status quo job, I want something challenging and exciting that works across all channels. I'm looking for something I can build that has clear objectives."

Harpers.co.uk understands that Codorniu plans to replace Mantella, and this story will be updated with news of its plans for a successor.

Codorniu was founded in 1551, and makes cava in accordance with the traditional Champagne method. It now produces around 60 million bottles of wine per year. It has vineyards in three climate zones in northern Spain's Catalunya region.

Although Codorniu is well known for its cavas, which are widely distributed in the UK multiple retailers, it also offers a range of Rioja and Ribera del Duero wines including its Vina Pomal. Mantella told harpers.co.uk back in March 2014 that the firm is seeking new agencies, and is looking in particular to add New World wines to its portfolio.

Nielsen figures to March 2014 showed the average price of Codorniu in the UK off-trade is £7.30, ahead of cava at £6.74 and Prosecco at £7.09.

Cava is currently losing market share to its Italian sparkling rival Prosecco, which is still in rapid growth in the UK market.

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