14 years ago

Talking Wine – February 2011

The Chancellor’s recent VAT rise demonstrates a consistency not often seen in politics but the results will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the wine trade and its customers. However The Oxford Wine Company will not be introducing any retail price rises until April when, due to supplier increases and an expected further duty hike in the budget, it will be necessary for us to increase prices.

Ever since I have been in the wine trade I have heard that Sherry is making a comeback. But this time I really believe it’s true and not just media hype. I recently served a lovely Gitana Manzanilla which is a drier style of Sherry and the perfect aperitif to get those taste buds going. It has lovely clean dry minerality with a hint of nut and spice and is just perfect when the guests arrive. Forget all the jokes about Granny – this is a delicious trendy young drink.

Ted Sandbach

Ted studied History and Physical Education at Loughborough University before teaching at Magdalen College School in Oxford for 7 years. He gave up teaching to follow his passion for wine and cut his teeth at Stevens Garnier in Wine retail. During this time he travelled extensively and took his wine exams including the Diploma – which he will admit is much harder these days! Frustration and ambition prompted him to start The Oxford Hamper Company in 1985 which by 1992 had metamorphosed into The Oxford Wine Company.