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Simon Judge

  • Tuk-tuk Wine Theft Using Wheelie Bin

    Tuk-tuk Wine Theft Using Wheelie Bin

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    TheDrinksBusiness is reporting, a 61-year-old pedicab driver, from Islington, has admitted to stealing fine wine worth £24,000 from a restaurant in London’s financial district. The theft occurred on 6 May 2025, when thief broke into a restaurant on Threadneedle Street, stole 73 bottles of wine, and transported them away using a wheelie bin attached to his tuk-tuk. He later committed further break-ins on 15 and 19 June, stealing more wine and reinforcing his pattern of offending. The thief was arrested in the early hours of 22 June after being spotted outside a bar by a police constable who recognised him…

  • Shifting Alcohol Habits in the UK and Beyond

    Shifting Alcohol Habits in the UK and Beyond

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    Moderation in alcohol consumption, driven by both health and economic concerns, continues to shape global drinking habits, though patterns vary by region and age group. Research from IWSR reveals that consumer spending on alcohol is declining across most of the top 15 global markets. A key indicator is a 20% drop in per capita pure alcohol consumption since 2000, as more consumers shift towards lower-ABV drinks, such as ready-to-drink options and no/low-alcohol products. Younger consumers are particularly engaged in moderating their intake. In IWSR’s 2024 No/Low Alcohol Strategic Study, 75% of Gen Z and 74% of Millennials said they had…

  • Finest Sancerre Rosé

    Finest Sancerre Rosé

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    I wanted to try this as it recently won a Gold medal at the International Wine Challenge (IWC), which caught my attention since golds account for less than 1% of all medals awarded. It’s made from Pinot Noir grapes grown in Sancerre and bottled at the source in the Loire by Fournier Père et Fils, rather than being bulk bottled in the UK. This is the 2024 vintage, which comes in at 12.5% ABV. I noticed the lovely strong aroma of peach straight away. The wine is dry and fruity, with lovely flavours of stone fruit, strawberries and raspberries. On…

  • New WineGB Industry Report 2025

    New WineGB Industry Report 2025

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    The new WineGB Industry Report 2025 highlights continued resilience and growth in the English and Welsh wine sector, despite economic pressures and regulatory challenges. The number of vineyards has risen to 1,104 and wineries to 238, with land under vine expanding to 4,841 hectares, a 510% increase since 2005. Kent remains the leading county for plantings, followed by West Sussex and newly, Essex. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir continue to dominate, with 99 grape varieties now grown in the UK, including emerging plantings of Grenache, Tempranillo and Viognier. Although 2024 saw the lowest average yield since 2016 due to challenging weather,…

  • Calvet Crémant de Bordeaux Blanc

    Calvet Crémant de Bordeaux Blanc

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    This sparkling wine from Bordeaux is a blend of 70% Sémillon and 30% Cabernet Franc, made using the traditional method with the second fermentation in the bottle that lasts for 11 months. This the 2022 vintage and sits at 12% ABV. The bubbles are small and stayed for a very long time, giving it a visual elegance not always found at this price point. There’s a buttery brioche aroma, the result of the bottle fermentation, lifted by a zesty citrus note that keeps things fresh. On tasting, it’s fruity and bright, with flavours of sherbet and citrus. There’s a hint…

  • Whispering Angel Rosé Alternatives

    Whispering Angel Rosé Alternatives

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    Whispering Angel, the popular and premium rosé from Provence, has earned cult status thanks in part to celebrity endorsements, notably from Adele, and its subtle, dry flavour. It’s made from a blend of cinsault, grenache and vermentino grapes, offering pale colour and delicate notes of orange, red berries, herbs and spice. However, at up to £25 a bottle, it sits at the more expensive end of the rosé market. With that in mind, the Independent has wine experts and sommeliers share a range of excellent and more affordable alternatives. Many of these come from similar regions in southern France, especially…

  • Expressions Fetească Regală

    Expressions Fetească Regală

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    This is a Romanian white wine produced by Cramele Recaș in Transylvania, a region with a winemaking history that stretches back centuries. The vineyards in this area are thought to be among the oldest in the world, with Roman origins and documented references to the Recaș vineyard land dating as far back as 1447. For this wine, the grapes are harvested at night to preserve their delicate character. This particular 2023 vintage, part of the M&S own-label expressions range, was awarded the People’s Choice Winner in the White Own Label category. It forms part of my awards25 series. For a…

  • How Science is Uncorking the Secrets of Early Winemaking

    How Science is Uncorking the Secrets of Early Winemaking

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    A new paper, Advancement and Innovation in Ancient Wine Research by Emlyn Dodd and Dimitri Van Limbergen offers a comprehensive look at how modern archaeological and scientific techniques are transforming our understanding of ancient wine. For wine enthusiasts today, several aspects of the research are particularly compelling, as they provide not only historical context but also parallels in modern winemaking. One of the most striking revelations is the use of ancient DNA to trace the domestication and spread of grapevines. Studies show that domesticated grapevines may have originated independently in several regions, including the Caucasus, Italy, Sardinia and the Iberian…

  • Understanding Micro-oxygenation (MOX)

    Understanding Micro-oxygenation (MOX)

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    If you are keen to better understand how winemaking influences what ultimately ends up in your glass, you can gain some insights from exploring the topic of micro-oxygenation, or MOX, a carefully controlled technique used in red winemaking to manage oxygen exposure with precision. MOX is not about simply letting air into the wine but involves controlled, minute additions of oxygen to achieve specific effects on wine’s taste, structure and longevity. The main purpose of micro-oxygenation is to improve the texture and stability of red wines, especially those with high tannins. It can soften astringency and preserve colour by encouraging…

  • 25% Off Wine at Sainsbury’s

    25% Off Wine at Sainsbury’s

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    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 23 July 2025 to 27 July 2025. See the recent Sainsbury’s press tasting for tips on what to buy.

  • 25% Off Wine at Tesco

    25% Off Wine at Tesco

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    Tesco has save 25% off wine with Clubcard when you buy 6+ bottles that are £6 and over (£7 in Wales), from 22 July 2025 until 28 July 2025. See the recent Tesco tasting and Picks for tips on what to buy.

  • Waitrose No.1 Barossa Shiraz

    Waitrose No.1 Barossa Shiraz

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    This wine is part of Waitrose’s premium No.1 range, aimed at those seeking standout quality. Having been impressed by the No.1 La Val Albariño and Margaux, I had high hopes for this Shiraz, which boasts a 2025 IWC Silver medal and a 93-point rating. It’s produced by the seventh-generation Lindner family and aged in a mix of French and American oak. The 2021 vintage comes in at 15% ABV. As soon as the cap is opened, the aroma escapes from the neck of the bottle, full of ripe red fruit. In the glass, there’s a slightly browning edge to the…

  • Sky Sommelier Recommended Wines

    Sky Sommelier Recommended Wines

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    Sky Money asked three of the UK’s top sommeliers to find the best summer wines under £10 from major supermarkets. Frederic Brugues (Sketch London), Mateusz Kowalczyk (Moet Hennessy) and Polly Gibson (UK Sommelier Academy) each sampled wines across red, white, rosé and sparkling categories. With many of them working with high-end wines in their day jobs, they found remarkable quality for less than a tenner. Here is the full list of recommended wines under £10 by supermarket: AldiWhite: Costieres de Nimes Blanc, £7.99Red: Washington State Syrah, £9.99Rosé: Rosorange Rosé, £9.99Sparkling: Ribolla Gialla Spumante, £6.99 AsdaWhite: Extra Special Gavi, £9.27Red: La…

  • 20% Off Wine at Morrisons

    20% Off Wine at Morrisons

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    Morrisons has 25% discount on 6 or more bottles of wine, More card price, £6 or more, for just 2 days, until 20 July 2025. See the recent press tasting for my picks.

  • Co-op Irresistible Cabernet Sauvignon

    Co-op Irresistible Cabernet Sauvignon

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    I’m reviewing the 2023 vintage of Co-op Irresistible Cabernet Sauvignon as part of my awards25 series. This particular vintage won a silver medal at the 2024 International Wine Challenge (IWC), so I was naturally keen to try it. It’s produced by Viña Indómita in Chile’s Maipo Valley, with winemaking led by Diego Covarrubias. This is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 10 months in French oak and comes in at 14% ABV. It’s worth highlighting from the outset that this is the 2023 vintage I’m discussing, the one that took the IWC silver. The 2022 is still available in some…

  • Esporão Bico Amarelo

    Esporão Bico Amarelo

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    This, 2024 vintage, wine has swiftly risen to prominence, securing a remarkable 96 points and claiming both the IWC Vinho Verde Trophy and the Portuguese White Trophy at the International Wine Challenge 2025. Its lineage traces back to Quinta do Ameal, an estate established in the early 1700s, which Esporão rejuvenated a few years ago, bringing new vitality and renown to its white offerings. This particular vintage is a blend of Avesso, Loureiro and Alvarinho grapes and at 11 per cent alcohol it already suggests a departure from the lighter, lower-ABV wines typically associated with Vinho Verde. There is none…

  • Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône Rosé Réserve

    Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône Rosé Réserve

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    This 2024 vintage draws inspiration from the lively elegance of 1920s Paris, a time when food, wine, music and art flourished. It also marks a period of transformation in the Rhône Valley, when the first co-operatives, like Les Dauphins, were formed. This rosé is a blend of 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 5% Cinsault, with grapes grown on clay-limestone and stony soils near the village of Tulette, in the old Dauphiné region. The wine is left on its lees in tank, which plays a part in shaping its final character. It sits at 12.5% alcohol. Pale pink in the glass,…

  • ¡Hola! Mediterraneo Orange Spritz

    ¡Hola! Mediterraneo Orange Spritz

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    As I write this, the UK is in the grip of a heatwave and I’ve been on the lookout for something light, refreshing and a little bit different to help cope with the warmth. This Spanish spritz fits the bill perfectly. Coming in at 8.5% ABV, this spritz comes from Catalunya, in the heart of cava country. Presented in an attractive bottle, it immediately gives off Aperol vibes, but with a more refined twist. The base is a slow-fermented cuvée of sparkling wine, made primarily from Macabeo, the grape used in Cava, along with a touch of Chardonnay. Instead of…

  • Cuvée de Brieu Syrah

    Cuvée de Brieu Syrah

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    The Lidl July Wine Tour is now underway. I wasn’t able to attend the press tasting for this release as I happened to be on holiday. Fortunately, Lidl kindly sent over a few bottles from the range for me to try. Lidl’s Wine Tours tend to run for roughly two months, offering a limited window in which to pick up these wines, subject to stock availability. Some of the more popular bottles usually sell out quickly, which is a deliberate move to keep the wine line-up feeling fresh and ever-changing. As with previous tours, the wines are assessed by Richard…

  • Financial Struggles Mount for English Wineries Amid Market Pressures

    Financial Struggles Mount for English Wineries Amid Market Pressures

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    DrinkRetailing is reporting that a growing number of English wine producers are facing financial strain and seeking to sell, according to Chris Spofforth of Savills, a leading estate agency specialising in vineyards across Kent, Sussex and Surrey. He noted that while more opportunities now exist for buyers, mature wine businesses are proving harder to sell due to the difficulty in valuing established brands compared to vineyards alone. Several prominent producers have encountered significant losses. High Weald went into administration in April, while Ridgeview reportedly considered selling after a £1.5 million loss in 2023. Chapel Down also sought a buyer last…

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Did You Know?

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

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