Notes&Queries

Counting the cost of Brexit

Now that the UK has voted for Brexit, what will this mean for supermarket wine prices? Brian Fuller, Southampton Andrew Shaw, group wine-buying director for Conviviality, replies: As with much of the post-Brexit analysis, it’s very hard to predict! In the short term, however, the broad assumptions are linked on the euro and US dollar inflationary impact due to foreign currency market swings which will increase average item pricing from the respective producing countries from the start of 2017 (most supermarkets will have secured their foreign currency requirements until then). Alternative wine producing countries such as South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and even China will likely increase their market share on the retailer shelves.

The mid- to long-term outlook is potentially more concerning and uncertain. Depending on the outcome of our trade negotiations with the EU, Brexit threatens the sustainability of many suppliers in Europe who are heavily reliant on the UK market (like Rioja). Brexit may have triggered a rebalancing of the structure of global wine market but as one door closes, another one will open.

Does ‘reserve’ mean better? Hedgerow

These shrubs, and occasionally trees, are used as natural roadside boundaries between fields. Dry white wines, such as Sancerre, often have these aromas – predominantly herbaceous, grassy and nettle-like – but they can also encompass the wild fruits and berries that grow on them too. Examples may include elderflower, gooseberry, or even raspberries, brambles and blackberries. Hedgerow as a descriptor in a tasting note, therefore, will often denote this fresh, green integration of fruit and plant. (Tasting note from p94)