Simon Judge

  • Roseblood Sparkling

    Roseblood Sparkling

    Roseblood Sparkling is a new sparkling version of Roseblood Rosé from the historic Château d’Estoublon, which dates back to 1489 and is located in in the Alpilles Natural Regional Park in Provence. Positioned as a premium Provence rosé, it certainly looks the part, with distinctive, luxury-inspired branding and an eye-catching bottle designed to stand out. The blend is 45% Grenache for roundness, 35% Cinsault for finesse and 20% Syrah. It’s a non-vintage sparkling rosé made using the Charmat method, but with an interesting twist. Rather than adding sugar to trigger the secondary fermentation, reserved grape juice is used instead, helping…

  • Florão White

    Florão White

    This 2025 vintage is a Portuguese white wine from Quinta da Fonte Souto in Alentejo, although you might be surprised to see the Symington family name on the label. They’re far better known for their Port and wines from the Douro Valley. The Symington family acquired Quinta da Fonte Souto in 2017, making it their first vineyard estate outside the Douro. The first wines under their ownership arrived in 2019, including this Florão White. There’s some interesting symbolism on the label. The estate’s stylised emblem brings together three elements: a chestnut tree, a cross associated with the Symington identity and…

  • The Affects of UK Alcohol Duty Reforms

    The Affects of UK Alcohol Duty Reforms

    I have previously explored aspects of UK Alcohol Duty in my articles Increases in UK Wine Duty, Alcohol Reductions and Do You Want a ‘Watered’ Down Version of a Wine? Here is a detailed analysis of what has happened. The UK’s 2023–2026 alcohol duty reforms transformed the domestic wine market by shifting taxation from a flat volume fee to a graduated tax based strictly on alcohol strength. To minimise these escalating financial penalties and keep retail prices stable, some commercial producers have widely adopted industrial product reformulation and de-alcoholisation techniques like reverse osmosis to lower their beverages’ ethanol content. This…

  • The Essential Guide to Italian Wine

    The Essential Guide to Italian Wine

    In October 2026, I attended the London launch of The Essential Guide to Italian Wine 2027, organised by Daniele Cernilli, better known as DoctorWine. He is one of Italy’s leading wine experts, an award-winning journalist, author and educator. He is also the editor of The Essential Guide to Italian Wine, working alongside a team of experts to select and review some of Italy’s finest wines. This was my fourth consecutive year attending the event and it never disappoints. Over the years, I have tasted some outstanding wines, including two vintages of the iconic Tignanello at a previous tasting. The masterclasses…

  • Noble Riesling Dessert Wine

    Noble Riesling Dessert Wine

    I first came across this at a recent press tasting and it was one of those wines that made me want to take a closer look. It comes in a half bottle from North Canterbury, New Zealand, but curiously, there’s nothing on the labels to tell you who makes it. However, the information provided at the press tasting revealed that it’s produced by the highly acclaimed Pegasus Bay. The name Noble Riesling comes from the use of Riesling grapes affected by ‘noble rot’, caused by a fungus called Botrytis cinerea. Under the right conditions, this makes the grapes shrivel and…

  • 25% Off Wine at Asda

    25% Off Wine at Asda

    Asda has 25% off wine, on £5.50 per bottle or more, 6 bottles or more, from 19 October 2026 until 1 November 2026. See the pick list for tips on what to buy.

  • The Astronomer Viognier

    The Astronomer Viognier

    This extremely young, 2026 vintage, wine takes its inspiration from a saying attributed to Galileo: “All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered, the point is to discover them.” Time, then, to discover this wine. My own discovery was rather less astronomical. I spotted it at Aldi as the discounted Wine of the Week. It’s produced by Australia’s De Bortoli, a name I usually associate with honeyed, sweet dessert wines. Viognier, meanwhile, tends to send my thoughts straight to France. This bottle is an example from much further afield. In the glass, it’s almost clear, but there’s plenty…

  • Screaming Devil Brut

    Screaming Devil Brut

    This is a new arrival at Asda and it’s an interesting next step for a wine brand that started life as a bit of a cheeky imitation. For anyone unfamiliar with Screaming Devil, the name is a tongue-in-cheek spin on Whispering Angel, the rosé that quickly caught everyone’s attention. Asda’s original Screaming Devil Côtes de Provence still rosé was a runaway success, and now the supermarket is extending the range into sparkling wine. This time, though, it’s not trying to copy anything. There isn’t a sparkling Whispering Angel to imitate. Another difference is that Screaming Devil Brut carries the IGP…

  • UK Festive Trends Reports

    UK Festive Trends Reports

    Hallgarten & Novum Wines have announced two new reports that examine how UK consumers plan to purchase and drink wine over Christmas and New Year 2026. The first focuses on the hospitality sector (restaurants, pubs, bars and hotels), while the second examines retail (supermarkets, independent wine merchants and online retailers). Both are based on research conducted with Nielsen in August 2026, surveying 500 UK consumers who had recently purchased wine. Consumers anticipate spending more, are interested in premium wines and increasingly want products that make celebrations feel special. However, value for money, familiarity and clear product information remain essential. The…

  • 25% Off Wine at Tesco

    25% Off Wine at Tesco

    Tesco has save 25% off wine with Clubcard when you buy 6+ bottles that are £6 and over (£7 in Wales) from 14 October 2026 until 2 November 2026. See the Tesco Pick List for tips on what to buy.

  • 25% Off Wine at Sainsbury’s

    25% Off Wine at Sainsbury’s

    Sainsbury’s has 25% off wine for Nectar loyalty card holders, sparkling and Champagne, 6 bottles or more, £6 or more (£7 in Wales), from 14 October to 31 October 2026. See the Sainsbury’s Pick List for tips on what to buy.

  • Over £20 Pick List

    Over £20 Pick List

    This list is for when you are looking to celebrate a special occasion, host a memorable dinner party or simply treat yourself to something truly exceptional. Over the last year, I have tasted over 1500 wines at retailer press tastings to bring you my favourite premium wines priced over £20. Asda Louis Bernard Champagne Brut 2018 12.5% £28.00: A precise and toasty brut Champagne showcasing citrus and orchard fruit framed by deep autolytic complexity. Champagne Veuve Olivier & Fils Secret de Cave NV 12% £28.00: Aged for five years on the lees, this beguiling Champagne offers fresh apple, honey, and…

  • Morrisons Pick List

    Morrisons Pick List

    Welcome to my latest Morrisons wine round-up. I have tasted over 250 wines from the two tastings at the recent Morrisons Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer press events to find the best bottles. This is a bi-annual summary updated every May and October, designed to help you navigate the aisles and discover the best value and quality available. Here are my top recommendations, grouped by country, complete with vintage, price and a brief tasting note for each. Keep in mind that availability varies by store, and these prices can drop significantly during 25% off promotions. France Spain Italy England Germany Argentina Chile…

  • Morrisons Autumn Winter Tasting

    Morrisons Autumn Winter Tasting

    In mid-October, I was back in London for the Morrisons press tasting, held this time at a new venue, The Crafts Council. The gallery-style surroundings made for a change from previous tastings and provided an interesting new setting in which to explore their latest drinks range. There were noticeably fewer members of the wine press in attendance than usual. While the less-central venue may have played a part, I suspect it had more to do with the previous week having been something of a marathon of press tastings. There was also a ‘Wines of South Africa’ tasting taking place on…

  • Exceptional Pouilly-Fumé

    Exceptional Pouilly-Fumé

    This is a wine I discovered at the recent Asda Autumn Winter press showcase and I wanted to take a closer look. The term Fumé, meaning smoky, traditionally has two explanations. The first refers to the light grey bloom that develops on mature Sauvignon Blanc grapes, giving them an almost smoky appearance. The second comes from the association between local flint soils and the smoky characteristics sometimes found in the wines. This is the 2025 vintage from the Loire Valley, produced and bottled in France by Léon Vatan. Notably, it’s not shipped over in bulk for bottling in the UK.…

  • £7 and Under Pick List

    £7 and Under Pick List

    Welcome to my selection of great wines at £7 or less, drawn from over 1,500 wines I’ve tried at press tastings in the past year. I update the list regularly as I discover new favourites. Finding a great bottle of wine doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. From crisp, aromatic whites to rich, full-bodied reds, here is your definitive list of the best affordable wines, complete with their vintage, supplier, cost and a brief tasting note to help you choose. Asda Lidl Sainsbury’s Tesco Waitrose

  • Sainsbury’s Pick List

    Sainsbury’s Pick List

    Welcome to my latest bi-annual summary, updated every May and October, where I bring you the my Sainsbury’s wine selections. I have tasted over 250 wines from the Spring and Autumn press tastings hosted by Sainsbury’s over the past year, narrowing down the offerings to highlight the most exciting discoveries, reliable classics and absolute bargains. Here are my recommendations, grouped by country, for ease of finding in the aisles. Prices are subject to change, sometimes even downwards by as much as 25% during the buy-six promotions. Not all wines are in all stores. Argentina Australia Austria Chile England France Greece…

  • Sainsbury’s Autumn Winter Tasting

    Sainsbury’s Autumn Winter Tasting

    In early October 2026, I was invited to London for Sainsbury’s Autumn Winter Drinks Tasting, where they showcased their latest wine and drinks range for the colder months ahead. Sainsbury’s presented more than 130 bottles, including 87 new additions, making this a larger tasting than usual. There was also a noticeable shift in emphasis. While previous press tastings concentrated heavily on promoting Sainsbury’s own-label, this time there was a larger presence of branded wines. Here are my picks: Taste the Difference Champagne Brut NV 12% £24.24Produced by Champagne Louis Kremer, Champenoise des Grands Vins, this Champagne is a blend of…

  • IWSC 2026 Wine Trophy Winners

    IWSC 2026 Wine Trophy Winners

    The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) has announced its 2026 Wine Trophy winners, recognising 45 outstanding wines from across the world. The trophies represent one of the competition’s highest distinctions, awarded following a second round of judging in which expert judges re-tasted the year’s gold medal-winning wines. Australia Producer Winning wine Region House of Cards Ace High Chardonnay 2025 Margaret River Xanadu Wines Reserve Chardonnay 2024 Margaret River Lenton Brae Cabernet Sauvignon 2024 Margaret River Nocturne Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2024 Margaret River Stella Bella Wines Suckfizzle Cabernet Sauvignon 2024 Margaret River Willespie Estate Wilyabrup Reserve Semillon 2025 Margaret…

  • Tesco Pick List

    Tesco Pick List

    Welcome to my bi-annual summary, which is updated every May and October to highlight the very best bottles I have discovered at Tesco. I have tasted over 250 wines from the two latest press events: the Tesco Autumn/Winter 2026 tasting and the Spring/Summer 2026 tasting. Both of these events highlighted Tesco’s impressive commitment to developing its range, cementing its reputation for providing everything from outstanding value to premium bottles. To help you navigate the wine aisles, I have organised all my picks from these tastings below. They are grouped by country, with their vintage and price. Keep in mind that…

Did You Know?

Supermarkets remain the dominant purchasing channel, used by 77.8% of respondents. More

Champagne remains the leading celebratory sparkling wine at 33.4%, followed by Prosecco at 27.4% and English Sparkling wine at 20%. More

34% of people identify high wine prices as a leading frustration. More

Australian wine exports to China have collapsed from around $1.2 billion to less than $10 million. More

Wine’s aroma is not determined solely by which flavour compounds it contains. More

Low-to-moderate wine consumption is associated with lower mortality. More

Moderate water stress can be part of what creates flavour and terroir expression. More

Wine appears less frequently online than other alcoholic drinks. More

Independent retailers had 9% fewer customers in March 2026 than two years earlier. More

Average spend per bottle in independents has risen by 23% since 2019, compared with 21% in supermarkets. More.

Nearly a third (32%) of UK consumers say they have already used AI for alcoholic drinks advice. More

Among socially active wine buyers, 37% have bought a wine recommended online. More

In 2026, 72% of consumers now think wine knowledge is essential to appreciation, up 20 percentage points on 2025. More

Rías Baixas wines reached more than 107 countries in 2025 and exports represented 31 per cent of the denomination’s total sales. More

Light Strike Can Cause Wine Degradation in Just One Day. More

People actively adjust their wine choices depending on who might see them. More

In the UK, 73% of Alcohol is Bought From Retail Rather Than Hospitality. More

UK wine production reached 124,377 hectolitres that year, meaning the UK accounted for roughly 0.05 per cent of world output. More

For Crémant, grapes must be harvested by hand and the wines must undergo at least nine months’ ageing before release. More

In 2024, the UK was the second-largest export market for Champagne globally, after the United States. More

Local UK bottling of wine represents about 40% of imported wine. More

Around 1% of people, typically severe asthmatics, have a sulphite sensitivity. More

A large 80% of Australian wine arrives in the UK in bulk. More

Only about 0.02% of Australia’s landmass is dedicated to vineyards. More

In 2024, New Zealand produced only 1% of the World’s wine. More

In 2024, the US imported 37% of World production of Pinot Grigio and the UK was is in second place at 27%. More

In 2024, the UK was South Africa’s largest export market, with 40% of total exports. More

In 2024, the United Kingdom imported 22.3 million bottles of Champagne, a decline of 12.7% compared to the previous year. More

Larger Champagne producers source grapes from as many as 80 different vineyards throughout Champagne. More

Champagne houses and growers collectively produce around 300 million bottles annually. More

In 2025, the Champagne region was home to about 2,124 Champagne houses and approximately 19,000 growers. More

Provence is one of the leaders in the conversion to organic viticulture, with 61% of vineyards certified. More

8% of the South Africa’s grape production is Fairtrade-certified. More

Up to 80% of wine aroma compounds come from grape skins. More

Glycerol is the third-largest component of most dry wines after water and alcohol which is why they so often feel ‘smooth’ or ‘silky’ in the mouth. More

Humans are more than 400 times more sensitive to bitter than sweet. More

Humans can detect the earthy molecule geosmin at about 100 parts per trillion and camels are so sensitive to it they can locate damp ground from roughly 50 miles away. More

During the phylloxera crisis of the nineteenth century, 90% of Europe’s vineyards were destroyed. More

In 2025, for La Vieille Ferme, also known as “The Chicken Wine”, sales surged by 49.4% to £110.8 million. More

In 2025, in the UK, Yellow Tail held the top position with sales, marking a 9.8% increase over the previous year. More

In 2024, the UK was the second-largest wine importer in volume and value. More

In 2024, the UK was the fifth-largest wine-consuming country globally. More

In 2025, global wine consumption continued its downward trend, estimated at 214.2 million hectolitres, the lowest since 1961. More

In 2025, online alcohol sales had a 20% increase in value over five years. More

In 2025, the number of UK vineyards rose to 1,104 and wineries to 238, with land under vine expanding to 4,841 hectares, a 510% increase since 2005. More

Moët Hennessy alone commands nearly 46.66% of the Champagne market, with the top three producers together holding about 61%, and the top five controlling over 72%. More

In 2024, the Champagne market was worth roughly €3.92 billion. More

In the marketing year 2023/24, white wine accounted for roughly 55% of Spain’s output, whereas red and rosé together made up about 45%. More

In the UK, 92% of wine is consumed within 48hrs of purchase. More

The majority of wines, 95%, use commercial rather than wild yeast. More

Between 0.5 and 10 litres of water, per litre of wine, are needed for cleaning during winemaking. More

Machine harvesting can achieve up to 100 tons of fruit per day vs 1 ton for a human. More

In Germany, 2025 was the smallest wine vintage since 2010. More

The majority of vineyards, 90% in 2019, are farmed with heavy chemical interventions. Only 6% are organic. More

90% of low and coastal areas in south Europe and California will no longer be able to produce good wine by the end of the century. More

IMAGE WALL