Iron and Rose

In the 80’s I worked for Oddbins, who at the time were the alternative wine merchants, setting and achieving new goals in wine retail and moving stuffy wine retail into a new and dynamic era with unknown wine regions, wines styles, grape varieties and producers.

Forty years on and the new generation of wine styles, grape varieties and producers is being brought to the forefront with minimal intervention wines, orange wines, biodynamic and organic wines, and grape varieties that were thought lost. It’s a mixed bag of wine styles and tastes and it is definitely appealing to a younger generation of wine drinkers, stimulating the market as did Oddbins in the 80’s.

Iron & Rose in Shrewsbury market are certainly driving and leading this market with a range of several hundred wines available on-line, in the shop and through their own eating outlets, where wines can be matched to food.

Founded by Robin Nugent, a former Tanners and Alliance Wines employee, Robin wanted to move away from the corporate wine world of big brands, Chateau produced wine that had been around for years. Most of all, he wanted distance from the supermarket own label wine market, where supermarkets were, and still are, dictating what wines we should drink, and how those styles should be delivered as monotone same old, no character wines.

Robin worked in Alsace for a number of months, to gain knowledge of viticulture and vinification, working with biodynamic producer Rolly Gassmann, a producer that has been around for many years (for those who know their Alsace wines). He worked very differently to other producers and his appreciation of organic and biodynamic wine production was ahead of the game, and the winery is now run by Rolly’s son.

Robin then decided to complete an MBA to help move forward with his own business model and ideas of creating his own natural wine retail business.

In the 80’s the buzzwords were Old World Wines (France, Italy, Germany etc.) versus New World Wines (Australia, Chile, California), whereas today it’s Classic Old School Wine versus Low intervention Natural Wines. Personally, I believe there is a place for both types and, as I always judge a wine on its quality and the style I like, I have found that the low intervention wines can be appreciated and paired with food as are the classic old school wines.

What I do like about the wines that Robin is offering at Iron and Rose, is that he sources it all from producers with strong environmental and ethical policies. The range comes from small producers who are either relatively new to wine production, wish in some cases to keep their production limited, or for financial reasons can only make small amounts each year. The grape varieties are exciting, the methods of production new and forward thinking, using all types of ageing techniques and working to produce natural wines ‘from the field to the glass. The Natural Revolution', as Robin quoted.

Why Natural and Low Intervention?

Simply because our experience is that wines made this way taste best, are more authentic and are filled with life and individuality. Enlightened producers around the world are experimenting, questioning the orthodoxy, rediscovering purity and simplicity, preserving diversity, and farming in a more natural way. Iron and Rose manifesto

The name Iron & Rose comes from a connection to Robin’s favourite wine and specifically grape variety, Barolo and the Nebbiolo grape, for which iron and rose are aroma notes often written by wine tasters. Robin’s favourite country for wine is Italy (I can understand why), although he does love wines from many other countries and regions. Robin continues to build his knowledge of wine and search for new producers and recently visited Galicia, in Northern Spain, another country leading the way with Natural Wine production.

Of the extensive range, the cheapest is about £9.50, and most expensive £250 per bottle, probably similar to most good wine merchants, however a key factor about Iron & Rose for me is the sales knowledge and appreciation of wine of the team. It definitely reminds me of my Oddbins days in the 80’s, they want to sell you a wine they are passionate about, and one which will hopefully inspire you, and or compliment specific food dishes.

The range is approximately 40% White Wine and 60% Red Wine with a smattering of Rosé. Of that current offer of orange wines, Robin sells around 100 bottles per week, and I would recommend you speak with Robin or one of his team of 12 staff about Orange wines, because if you’ve not tried or stepped into this world of wine, then be prepared they are very different.

Robin’s business has a hospitality side called Glou Glou not far from Shrewsbury train station and Petit Glou Glou, next to the retail outlet in Shrewsbury market. These venues are often used for tutored wine tastings and pairing with food, which are advertised on the Iron & Rose, and Glou Glo websites.

If you appreciate and or love good wine then please visit the shop in Shrewsbury market, there’s a lot of wine to check out, and many that will inspire your own taste.

ironandrose.com

glouglou.uk

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