Meet the Merchant - Adnams

Adnams Sole Bay Brewery, Southwold, Suffolk IP18 6JW

Tel: 01502 727 200 Fax: 01502 727 201

www.adnams.co.uk www.adnamswines.co.uk

Adnams began as the brewhouse of the Swan pub in Southwold, Suffolk, more than 650 years ago, and has had the name Adnams for more than 130 years. In that time, it's developed into one of the country's top wine merchants, with a portfolio that puts it right up there with the best that the tweedy London brigade can offer.

Talking to senior wine buyer Alastair Marshall

How many wines are in your portfolio?

450, with a further 150 in the fine and rare list. The main list is steady, but the fine and rare section fluctuates wildly, with cases coming in and going out all the time.

Areas of speciality?

We're generalists rather than specialists, but we're strong in certain areas such as the South of France and Spain. We've got 40 or 50 Australians as well.

Which are the vintages to look for?

2001 offered value for money in Bordeaux - it was really classy in Rioja and very good in Tuscany and Germany. It's an unregarded, but successful, year.

Which areas/sub-regions are exciting you at the moment?

We're agents for some people, so I would pick out Yarra Yering, Ridge and Saintsbury, but it's not hard to recommend wines like that.

Which producer do you rate most highly and why?

Apart from our agency brands, we've got a drinkable Cahors (at last) from Mathieu Cosse and Juniper Estate from Margaret River that we're proud of.

What is the key to a good wine list?

Sell what you like to drink. That way you can convey some of your passion. All the successful guys are interested. You don't need to be rigid because people are very eclectic in their tastes, so sell them what you think is exciting.

Pick a Sunday roast wine from your list

Viñas Viejas Garnacha 2003, Balthazar Gracian, Calatayud. One hundred-year-old Garnacha vines give this an intensity of cherry fruit and impressive length of flavour £5.60+VAT

2001 L'Orangerie de Carignan, 1er Côtes de Bordeaux. Medium weight with full black fruit with a hint of burnt orange peel £5.99+VAT

And for curry or fusion food?

2004 Rosé, Forrest Estate, Marlborough. Vibrant pomegranate pink in colour, with flavours of raspberries, blueberries and redcurrants and a hint of tannin £5.50

2003 Viognier, Le Jade, Vin de Pays des Côtes de Thau. Fresh and clean with hints of orange peel and quince on the palate £4.75+VAT

Three wines off your list every serious gastro-pub should have

Quinta do Crasto Tinto 2003, Douro. A dashing blend of Douro varieties - Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Touriga Naçional. Rich, ripe and spicy at £5.75+VAT

2004 Basa Rueda Blanco by Telmo Rodriguez. A stunning wine offering great value, this is packed with yellow plum and peach flavours £4.99+VAT

Les Bastions Rosé 2004, Côtes de Saint-Mont, Producteurs Plaimont. Flavours of red fruits with appealing softness £3.99+VAT

Next trade tasting

In the autumn - one in Southwold and one in London. Anyone interested in attending should contact wines@adnams.co.uk

Chris Losh's picks

MERLOT 2003, CASA RIVAS, MAIPO VALLEY, CHILE

This has all the lush softness you'd expect from a Chilean Merlot, but with a beguiling whiff of eucalyptus. Flexible, approachable, and with more character than you've any right to expect from the price. £4.30+VAT

2004 MUSCADET DE SÈVRE ET MAINE CUVÉE PRESTIGE, SERGE SAUPIN

There are still plenty of rubbish bottles that come out of Muscadet, but this isn't one of them. Fresh, tangy and zippy, it's perfect for summer glugging and to accompany seafood and lunchtime salads. £4.40+VAT