Ask Decanter

Each month our experts answer your burning wine questions. Email your questions to editor@decanter.com

RELOCATING WINES

We are planning to move from the UK to Italy this summer, and we have an extensive wine collection we’d like to take with us. In light of the difficulties caused by Brexit, can you advise? Francesca Short, by email

Anthony Rose, Decanter contributor, replies: It is true that things are different now that the UK has left the EU; however, it is still possible to do this. Seek the advice of specialist alcohol transporters who have experience of what’s required, post-Brexit. If moving to Italy, you may for instance need to acquire a codice fiscale Italian personal tax registration number.

As David Richardson from the Wine & Spirit Trade Association points out, the good news is that Italian excise duty on wine is nil, but the wines may be subject to Italian import duty (€32/100 litres) and possibly Italian VAT at 22%. This depends on the country of origin of each wine and how long it has been in the UK. There are some exemptions on the movement of personal goods if you’re moving for business or retirement, but they may not apply to wine.

In the case of the wine that’s UK duty paid, it’s basically a removals issue. The transporter would need a declaration that the wines being brought in are for personal consumption with a full list of the wines and their value. You might also want to claim drawback of the UK excise duty. There are a number of freight forwarders or customs consultants who specialise in beverage alcohol, some of whom are members of the WSTA.

The small part of the stock in bond could be transported under duty suspense, using the UK and EU EMCS systems. Those wines would also be subject to Italian import duty (€32/100 litres) and Italian VAT at 22%, as described above, upon release from duty suspense in Italy.

All in all, as Richardson points out, not entirely tongue in cheek, given the likely costs and hassle of this move, it might be more cost effective (and far less stressful, with no risks of breakages, loss, theft or deterioration along the way) to sell the collection in the UK and use the proceeds to create a new one in Italy.

HOLIDAY PLANNING

For a family trip on the Canal du Midi, can you recommend any vineyards which might receive guests (for a fee) and organise a tasting for us?

Howard Stone, Middlesex, UK Natalie Earl, Decanter’s regional editor for France (excluding Bordeaux & Burgundy) replies: I’m not sure how close to the canal itself you would need the winery to be, but I would recommend a visit in the Minervois, given the canal goes through it. The Minervois-La Livinière appellation is particularly special. Château Maris, about 5km northwest of La Redorte, is a biodynamic estate making very good wine, which I’m sure would receive visitors. En route, Domaine de L’Ostal (Famille JM Cazes) could be an option as well. A little closer in Rieux-Minervois, Emmanuel at Château de Rieux would doubtless be happy to receive you as well – lovely wines there. Further towards Carcassonne, Vivien at Le Clos des Jarres in Laure-Minervois would probably receive guests as well, and his organic, low-sulphur wines are great. If you wanted to arrange a fully fledged wine tour for your group, I can recommend Vin en Vacances (vinenvacances.com), whose professional team have a deep knowledge of the area, its wines, culture and people, and would put together a tour for you.