Simon Judge

  • Ángeles de Amaren

    Ángeles de Amaren

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    Simon Judge

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    The Bodegas Ángeles de Amaren Rioja 2017 is a modern interpretation of Rioja Alavesa, consisting of a blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano grapes. I thought I’d try this wine again having previously singled it out at a Rioja tasting, although the vintage I received via retail is 2017, rather than 2019 as was…

  • Wine With Chinese Food

    Wine With Chinese Food

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    Simon Judge

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    Chinese food is known for its diverse flavours ranging from sweet and sour to spicy and umami. Here are some wine recommendations that can complement the variety of tastes found in Chinese cuisine: The key to pairing wine with Chinese food is to consider the dominant flavours of the dish—whether it’s spicy, sweet, sour, or…

  • Wine With Fish

    Wine With Fish

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    Pairing wine with fish can offer a harmonious blend of flavours. The best wine choice often depends on the type of fish and its preparation. Here are some general guidelines: Light and Delicate FishFor fish that are light and delicate in flavour, such as sole or flounder, opt for light-bodied white wines. A classic choice…

  • Different Wine Pairings

    Different Wine Pairings

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    Will Lyons in The Times, has an article on Six Wine Pairings That Break the Rules and Work. (Might be behind paywall now because is only visible for short time to get indexed by search engines). Will provides a selection of wines offering a variety of options to pair with a range of dishes, emphasising…

  • Kir-Yianni Assyrtiko

    Kir-Yianni Assyrtiko

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    The Kir-Yianni Assyrtiko 2022 from Greece is an example of the increasing popularity and distinctive character of the Assyrtiko grape, traditionally associated with the volcanic terroir of Santorini. However, under the stewardship of Stelios, the son of Yiannis who founded the Kir-Yianni winery, this particular variant is cultivated in the cooler, higher altitude vineyards of…

  • Wine With Fish and Chips

    Wine With Fish and Chips

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    Simon Judge

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    Pairing wine with fish and chips can elevate this classic comfort dish to a more sophisticated culinary experience. Given the crispy, fried nature of the fish and the savoury flavours of the chips, you’ll want a wine that can cut through the richness while complementing the delicate taste of the fish. Here are a few…

  • Do You Want a ‘Watered’ Down Version of a Wine?

    Do You Want a ‘Watered’ Down Version of a Wine?

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    Richard Siddle writes on the London (Trade) Wine Fair web site on how our wines might be changing soon, without our consent. Richard discusses the complexities and strategies behind wine selection and sales in retail outlets, driven primarily by industry dynamics rather than consumer preference. Factors like international currency strength, harvest quality and government taxes…

  • Roche Lacour Crémant de Limoux

    Roche Lacour Crémant de Limoux

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    Simon Judge

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    This sparkling wine captures the essence of the South of France, specifically from beneath the hills of Limoux. It is made from a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir and 20% Chenin Blanc and is 12.5% ABV. This 2020 vintage heralds the return of Laurent Mingaud, its original winemaker, who brings his expertise back…

  • Co-op Buy 3 Save £5

    Co-op Buy 3 Save £5

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    Simon Judge

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    Co-op Members have the opportunity to save £5.00 when purchasing three bottles of wine. This offer includes a broad selection of wines and sparkling priced over £7. The promotion will be in effect from the 3rd to the 23rd of April 2024, inclusive. Examples of wines included in the deal are…Les Pionniers NV ChampagneThe Ned…

  • Crémant Rising in Popularity in the UK

    Crémant Rising in Popularity in the UK

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    An article in Joe discusses a shift in the UK’s sparkling wine preferences, with Crémant emerging as a popular alternative to Prosecco. Despite Prosecco’s continued popularity, with Brits consuming around 130 million bottles annually and making up nearly 25% of Italy’s exports of the sparkling wine to the UK, the French sparkling wine Crémant is…

  • Wine With Chicken

    Wine With Chicken

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    Pairing wine with chicken offers versatility due to the wide range of preparation methods and flavours chicken dishes can encompass. The ideal wine pairing depends on the preparation and seasoning of the chicken. Here are some classic pairings to consider: The key to a successful pairing is balancing the intensity of flavours between the dish…

  • Co-op Online Rioja Tasting

    Co-op Online Rioja Tasting

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    Simon Judge

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    Co-op has introduced an innovative online wine tasting series, granting members exclusive opportunities to engage directly with the winemakers responsible for their own-brand wine range. This initiative is designed to spotlight the exceptional talent behind Co-op’s wine selection and to educate members interested in expanding their wine knowledge. Each session, taking place monthly, will explore…

  • The Challenges of Contemporary Wine Scoring

    The Challenges of Contemporary Wine Scoring

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    Simon Judge

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    WineMag has an informative article by Jamie Goode, who wrote the Wine Science book, that looks into wine scores. Jamie notes a significant expansion in the wine criticism landscape, with numerous critics adopting the 100-point scale, except for a few like Jancis Robinson who opted for a 20-point scale. However, Jamie observes a narrowing in…

  • Lighter Wines for Spring

    Lighter Wines for Spring

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    Simon Judge

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    Fiona Beckett in the Guardian Newspaper, discusses the shift towards lighter red wines suitable for spring, highlighting the changing preferences in wine styles towards lighter, fresher varieties. This change isn’t limited to traditional wine regions but is also seen in areas like Australia, South Africa and Chile. Even grapes typically associated with fuller-bodied wines, such…

  • Wine With Duck

    Wine With Duck

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    Duck is rich, flavourful, and can be prepared in various ways, each influencing the best wine pairing. The right wine can complement the duck’s richness and enhance its flavours. Here are some suggestions: The preparation and accompanying ingredients of the duck dish are crucial in selecting the perfect wine. Consider the dish’s primary flavours and…

  • Feuerheerd’s Anchor Wine Reserva Douro

    Feuerheerd’s Anchor Wine Reserva Douro

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    Simon Judge

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    Barão de Vilar has introduced this 2020 vintage wine that intrigues from the outset, not least due to its unusual packaging. The decision to wrap the bottle in a different paper-over-glass certainly catches the eye, but this novelty might wear thin as it obscures how much wine is left. Made from a blend of Touriga…

  • Wine With Milk

    Wine With Milk

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    An article in Better Homes & Gardens discusses a unique and controversial drink trend on TikTok, mixing red wine with milk. It highlights the origin of this trend, with one of the early proponents being creator Sunny Vasconcelos, who encouraged others to try it. The trend gained more attention after music producer Benny Blanco shared…

  • Sainsbury’s CVNE Rioja Gran Reserva

    Sainsbury’s CVNE Rioja Gran Reserva

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    The 2016 vintage Gran Reserva, produced for Sainsbury’s by CVNE Winery, is a CVNE variant that stands out even among the winery’s diverse Rioja selections available at Sainsbury’s and other retailers. This particular wine is made from a blend of Tempranillo Graciano, and Mazuelo grapes hand-picked from CVNE’s own premier vineyards and is 14% ABV….

  • Wine With Roast Meal

    Wine With Roast Meal

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    Simon Judge

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    Pairing wines with a roast meal can elevate the dining experience significantly, whether you’re serving roast beef, pork, lamb, or chicken. The key is to match the intensity and flavours of the meat with the appropriate wine. Here are some classic pairings to consider: General TipsConsider the Seasoning: The herbs and spices used in the…

  • Dorset Wine Festival 2024

    Dorset Wine Festival 2024

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    Simon Judge

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    The inaugural Dorset Wine Festival is set to dazzle wine aficionados and epicureans alike on the 5th and 6th of October 2024. Hosted within the historic grounds of Highcliffe Castle, this premier event promises an exploration of the globe’s most exquisite wines. Over 50 esteemed wine exhibitors will be making their way from every corner…

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