Pig in a Poke stays simple

A wine that is designed to help the on-trade keep its wine offer simple for both staff and consumers has been launched by Wheelbarrow Wines.

Old Spot Red from Pig in a Poke is a blend of fruity Malbec and hearty Shiraz from the Mendoza region of Argentina.

"We think this combination is fantastic because it delivers all the jammy flavours you'd ever want (turbo-charged blackcurrants, damsons, cherries and much more) at a great value-for-money price — that's the Argentinian bit," said Wheelbarrow Wines MD Alistair Morrell.

The wine doesn't need to be aged and it should act as a great accompaniment to hearty foods such as big T-bone steaks, rich stews and sausages, according to the company.

Morrell explained that the company decided not to put the grape varieties or the country on the front label, and instead called it Old Spot Red in order to convey a simple message to consumers and to bring assurance into the category.

"Most wine drinkers want to know what the wine is about, what it stands for and what the experience of the wine is — not the intricacies of its make-up," said Morrell.

"The cheeky pig on the label and the name point to what the wine is — robust, meaty, stocky, no-nonsense. Naturally we've got nothing to hide and are very happy to talk endlessly about grapes and winemakers if it keeps our customers happy, but we're not convinced it does."

The brand is currently stocked by Nicholsons and Classics of pubco Mitchells & Butlers.

The company will be investing in marketing, such as point-of-sale material, and internet activity for the wine.