Online merchant launches in the Cotswolds

Tom I’Anson Wines, an online independent wine merchant, launched this weekend with a portfolio tasting at its Gloucestershire base.

New Cotswold merchant Tom I’Anson Wines

The company has been set up by Tom I’Anson, previously a property developer in Edinburgh, who balanced his architectural studies with a job at Justerini & Brooks’ former shop in the city.

It was largely this background which inspired I’Anson to set up his new venture upon returning to the Cotswolds where he grew up.

While he expects the majority of his business to come from online sales, I’Anson confirmed that customers are encouraged to visit his office just outside Cirencester, although he added: “it’s not a shop in the traditional sense.”

Comparing his company to the UK’s multiple specialist chains, I’Anson claimed: “We’re aiming for a much more personal, hands on service. I’m aiming to be a wine merchant for my generation.”

Outlining his initial range, which currently stands at just over 60 wines with plans to add “about 20 more”, I’Anson remarked: “There’s a lot at the £8 to £15 mark,” with prices starting at around £6 per bottle.

A vintage Bugatti added extra glamour to the launch

Highlights from the launch tasting included Lallier’s grand cru Champagne, priced at a competitive £24; La Bascula, a Catalan blend of Grenache Blanc, Viognier and Roussanne; and Rubillo, an aromatic red from Lazio made from the little known grape Cesanese.

For the moment, I’Anson is sourcing the majority of his wine from importers Boutinot, Cavendish Wines and Alliance Wine; however he suggested that the business could expand into a limited amount of direct imports as it grows.

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