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 sell better. However, the new UK wine tax laws coming in next year have added a layer of complexity, with the duty increasing every additional 0.5% rather than a flat rate. 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.
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