Nick is the founder of Oakley wine agencies, based in Colchester, and has been specialising in Portugal for over 30 years. He’s a wine agent so represents the vineyards to the end customers – mostly the big supermarkets and wine merchants – and then acts as the importer. As a result he’s got a unique perspective and insight into the wine industry and how it works.
Of the 8 wines presented, 4 are in the shops right now, 3 are looking for customers, and the Port is a legacy bottling from a vineyard which no longer makes Port.
The alcohol strength has become all important. In general, higher strength wines well better. However, the new UK wine tax laws have added a layer of complexity, with the duty increasing every additional 0.5%. This is apparently a Brexit Benefit. It does mean that there is an incentive to persuade the vineyard to bottle at a lower strength. We’ll see what happens when it comes into force fully next year.
Wines:
White
Conde Vimioso reserve 2020, Tejo region. Arinto. 13%. Not on sale here, would be around €4.50 ex cellar, and perhaps £13 retail.
JPR* Alvarinho, Monção & Melgaço. 12% Not on sale here yet. similar price to above.
Rose
Morrison's Best Espadeiro Vinho Verde. 11.5% £7. This is what Mateus Rose could be… Not a serious wine, but simply for sitting in the sunshine and enjoying.
Red
Agenda Dão. 13% £8.99, Majestic managers choice It may well be on offer for less right now.
Marques de Borba Alentejo JPR 14%. Alicante Bouschet + Aragonez, Castelão, Syrah. The Old vine version is on sale in Majestic at £13, so this would be maybe £10-£11.
Morrisons Best Douro. 13% £7.50. This is Nicks best seller, about 330,000 bottles a year. A very straightforward red. And clearly very popular
Quinta do casal Branco, Merlot. JPR. Tejo region. 14%. Not on sale here, would be perhaps £9.99. At that price it would be a bargain.
Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, Douro - CLA Special Reserve Port. This is a heirloom bottling of port from an estate that used to make port. Very nice it was too.
*JPR – Joao Portugal Ramos. A big winemaker/consultant in Portugal – Nick has been working with him from the very beginning.
