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Simon Judge

  • Wine Merchant Top 100 2025

    Wine Merchant Top 100 2025

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    The winners of this year’s Wine Merchant Top 100 have been revealed. These represent the top 10% from nearly 1,000 wines assessed during a rigorous day of judging in April, involving 36 independent wine merchants. Further details about why each wine was chosen will be shared in a special supplement due out in July, which will also highlight the highly commended entries. In the Sparkling Wine category, the top honour went to Grande Réserve, Premier Cru, Pierre Mignon, Champagne, France NV (£35.74, Alliance Wine), while the best value sparkling wine was Llopart Corpinnat Brut Panoramic, Penedès 2018 (£26.75, Hallgarten &…

  • My Top Wines By Value

    My Top Wines By Value

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    This post is all about the best of the best when it comes to value in wine I have tasted recently. I have a separate page listing what I think are the best value wines overall, but this is a selection of those few that stand out even more. These are, in my view, the very best wines by value. Of course, this is a subjective space. My taste may not match yours. And wine evolves, so by the time you read this, some of these wines may have changed. That said, I will update this post over time. One…

  • Vinho Verde Sun Lotion

    Vinho Verde Sun Lotion

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    Aldi has electronic shelf labelling so they can easily change products and prices. I spotted this in the health area of the Woking store.Electronic shelf label gone rogue or new Vinho Verde packaging?

  • Parcel Series English Sparkling Brut

    Parcel Series English Sparkling Brut

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    Majestic’s Parcel Series wines are sourced from top-tier wineries that discreetly offer a limited amount of stock at significantly reduced prices. This arrangement allows the producers to free up valuable cellar space, while presenting customers with a rare chance to enjoy high-quality wines for much less than their usual cost. This particular wine is a non-vintage English Sparkling made by Rolling Green Hills Ltd. The name has appeared in various supermarket tastings concerning English Sparkling wines, and while it is widely speculated to be Nyetimber behind the label, this remains unconfirmed. The wine is labelled Brut, which suggests a very…

  • Global Wine Market Faces Long-Term Decline Amid Shifting Consumer Trends

    Global Wine Market Faces Long-Term Decline Amid Shifting Consumer Trends

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    Wine Australia’s latest Market Bulletin explores a significant global trend in the wine industry: a consistent and widespread decline in wine consumption over recent years. Between 2018 and 2023, global consumption dropped by around 3.1 billion litres, equivalent to approximately 31 billion standard glasses of wine. This pattern of reduction is not limited to one region but is evident across a range of mature and emerging wine markets. Forecasts suggest that if current trends continue, a further billion litres could be lost by 2028, which would amount to a total decline of around 20 percent over a ten-year period.  Source:…

  • Riesling for Summer

    Riesling for Summer

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    Hannah Crosbie, of the Guradian Newspaper, shares her renewed love for riesling, sparked by the arrival of warmer weather and a desire for wines that challenge and excite the senses. While riesling has a reputation for appealing to wine enthusiasts due to its distinctive aromas, sometimes reminiscent of petrol and wax, and its sharp acidity balanced by generous fruit, it’s becoming more accessible in shops and supermarkets. Often, the rieslings found on the shelves are German and dry, but there’s a wide world of riesling also coming from places like Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Alsace. Hannah highlights the…

  • Potential Impacts on Wine Trade Due to Tariffs

    Potential Impacts on Wine Trade Due to Tariffs

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    The new working paper (PDF) examines the projected impact of a US-initiated global tariff hike on the international trade of wine, beer and spirits, set to begin on 8 July 2025. Authored by Kym Anderson and Glyn Wittwer, of the Wine Economics Research Centre, University of Adelaide, the study uses a detailed global model of beverage markets to simulate four escalating trade scenarios resulting from US tariff actions announced in March and April 2025. Initially targeting the European Union, these tariffs extend to all countries and prompt retaliatory measures from Canada, China and other Asian nations. The first scenario involves…

  • The Best of South Africa

    The Best of South Africa

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    In mid-May 2025, I attended the Tim Atkin MW The Best of South Africa Tasting, an event Tim described as likely the finest presentation of South African wines in the UK this year. That claim stood up, the range and calibre of wines on show were outstanding. Tim Atkin MW is known for producing an annual South Africa Special Report, where he highlights standout producers and wines from the country. This tasting was based on his 2024 report and brought together a carefully curated selection of producers chosen by invitation only. Alongside these were producers identified as ‘Rising Stars’, a…

  • Mayu Gran Reserva Single Vineyard Pinot Noir

    Mayu Gran Reserva Single Vineyard Pinot Noir

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    I was impressed by this wine at a Majestic press tasting in Autumn 2024. I bought a bottle not long after but it’s taken me some time to get round to opening it. It’s from the Elqui Valley in Chile, where Mayu has been producing wine since 2005. The Mayu name comes from an ancient Inca word for the Milky Way. This particular bottle is from the 2022 vintage and sits at 14% ABV. Half of the wine spends ten months in French oak, which shows in the final character of the wine. On the Majestic site, opinions are a…

  • Global and UK Wine Market Insights

    Global and UK Wine Market Insights

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    The International Vine and Wine Organisation’s new report on the global vine and wine sector in 2024 outlines a challenging year shaped by ongoing climatic and economic pressures. Worldwide vineyard surface area continued to shrink for the fourth consecutive year, now standing at 7.1 million hectares. Major vine-growing countries such as Spain and France saw further reductions, while Italy and India stood out with modest growth. Wine production suffered significantly, reaching only 225.8 million hectolitres, the lowest level in over six decades. Severe weather events including frost, drought and excessive rainfall disrupted harvests across both hemispheres. While Italy managed a…

  • Behind the Glass: The Chemical and Sensorial Terroir of Wine Tasting

    Behind the Glass: The Chemical and Sensorial Terroir of Wine Tasting

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    This book by Gus Zhu, published by Académie du Vin Library (discount code provided later), is a revelatory exploration of why wine tastes, smells and even looks the way it does. Combining scientific rigour with deep sensory insight, Zhu, the first Chinese national to become a Master of Wine, offers readers a richly detailed and approachable guide to the complexities that lie within a glass of wine. Rather than focusing on wine regions or grape varieties, Zhu turns his attention to the human senses themselves, sight, taste, and smell, structuring the book around how each contributes to our experience of…

  • Asda Spring Summer Wine Showcase

    Asda Spring Summer Wine Showcase

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    Early May marked the final supermarket tasting of the spring/summer tasting season, with Asda’s showcase in London closing things out. With 128 wines available to try, this event offered a few new additions and some much-loved favourites presented as newer vintages. As expected for the Spring/Summer, there was a strong emphasis on refreshing whites, rosés and lighter reds, along with a handful of more robust reds ideal for barbecue weather. Asda’s Wine Atlas range, relaunched last year, continues to evolve and impress. It now has a dedicated hotspot in stores (see photo, left, I previously took in-store) and is seeing…

  • Toro Loco Superior Rosé

    Toro Loco Superior Rosé

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    When you have seen Toro Loco at Aldi you would be forgiven for thinking it’s one of their brands invented just for the supermarket shelf, but it’s very much the real thing. It’s produced by NVC Bodegas in Utiel-Requena, a region just inland from Valencia in Spain. This wine is the result of a community effort involving more than 3,000 local families with most of the grapes being hand-picked. The name comes from old Spanish, ‘Toro’ referencing ‘bull head’ and ‘Loco’ meaning ‘crazy’. This particular bottle is made entirely from Bobal grapes, from the 2024 vintage, with an alcohol content…

  • Moillard Thomas Mâcon Rouge

    Moillard Thomas Mâcon Rouge

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    Moillard-Thomas is in Nuits-Saint-Georges, in the Côtes de Nuits and is one of the oldest wine merchants in the region. This Mâcon Rouge, 2024 vintage, 12.5%, from Burgundy, France, is made entirely from Gamay grapes. This light purplish wine starts with a fruity aroma, gently underpinned by a savoury note that hints at something earthy, perhaps a touch of mushroom. At very first sip, it leaves a dry impression, but this quickly gives way to juicy cherry flavours that bring vibrancy to the palate. A subtle thread of spice weaves through, along with a whisper of fennel, adding a layer…

  • Mount Rozier Reserve Merlot

    Mount Rozier Reserve Merlot

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    Mount Rozier Reserve Merlot comes from the foothills of the Hottentot Mountains in South Africa’s Western Cape, produced by the Mount Rozier winery. The estate traces its roots back to the early 1800s, when Annie Rozier, a flower merchant known for foraging wild blooms in the Schapenberg hills, established a reputation for creating natural remedies. Her connection to the land and the local community is still reflected in the estate’s values today. Mount Rozier remains deeply committed to environmental stewardship, setting aside 30 hectares of its grounds for the protection of native plants and wildlife. This respect for nature underpins…

  • The Rise of Own Label Wines

    The Rise of Own Label Wines

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    Attending lots of supermarket wine tastings, you begin to notice patterns. One of the most notable trends of late is the rise and still growing success of own label wines. These are wines sold under a retailer’s branding rather than that of the original producer. But what’s behind this surge? And what does it mean for producers, retailers and us as consumers? Retailers like Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morissons and Majestic are upfront about their own label offerings. These wines are proudly integrated into the supermarket’s branding, think Waitrose No. 1 or Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference, and often still reference the…

  • 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 28 April 2025 until 5 May 2025. See the recent Tesco tasting and Picks for tips on what to buy.

  • Majestic Spring Press Tasting

    Majestic Spring Press Tasting

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    At the start of May, I attended the Majestic Spring Press Tasting 2025, which this time took place at a different venue, the iconic Lord’s cricket ground in London. Spacious and distinct, the surroundings gave a certain charm to the event, helping the wines feel a little more special. The layout benefited from the space too, with all the wines arranged in a very long, uninterrupted line, it felt like a grander offering than the 97 wines available to taste. As always, Majestic’s tasting booklet was the most comprehensive and detailed, complete with colour coding that made navigating the range…

  • 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 30 April 2025 to 4 May 2025. See yesterday’s Sainsbury’s press tasting for tips on what to buy.

  • Sainsbury’s Spring Summer Press Tasting

    Sainsbury’s Spring Summer Press Tasting

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    At the very end of a busy month of supermarket tastings, I went to Sainsbury’s Spring Summer Drinks Press Tasting in April 2025, held in London. Sainsbury’s has seen an 8% rise in ready-to-drink sales year on year. This includes cocktails, spritzes and wine in cans such as Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc and La Vielle Ferme Rosé. Online searches for canned wine have jumped by 51% and sales of rosé have risen nearly 50% over the past five years. Another rising category is chilled reds, with a 125% increase in year-on-year online searches. Altogether, 79 wines were available to try,…

Pick Lists


Majestic | The Wine Society | Tesco | Waitrose | Sainsbury’s | Morrisons | Co-op | Asda | Aldi | Lidl | £7 and Under | Over £20

TipS – Infographics


Buying | Menu Ordering | Labels | Drinking | Storing | Pairing

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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