The Losh Cause – Where the monopolies have got it right

The discount culture in the UK and other European wine markets has resulted in reduced choice and hampered opportunities to trade consumers up to better wines. In contrast, writes Chris Losh, the retail monopoly system in Nordic countries fosters greater discernment among consumers and encourages trial of new and interesting wines. Is there something the so-called ‘free’ wine markets can learn from their Nordic counterparts?