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Simon Judge

  • Co-op Spring & Summer Tasting

    Co-op Spring & Summer Tasting

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    In late April 2025, I went to the Co-op press tasting in London. Co-op remains the most shopped-at retailer in the UK, with an average of 2.2 million shoppers visiting every day, resulting in around 800 million shopping visits per year. In 2024, they grew their market share in the convenience sector to 13.7%, supported by a network of around 2400 stores. Their own-brand wine continues to be particularly strong, accounting for 43% of their wine sales. This year’s tasting introduced Co-op’s first ever Orange wine, an interesting new step for the retailer. A total of 71 wines were shown…

  • London Wine Competition 2025 Winners

    London Wine Competition 2025 Winners

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    The 2025 International London Wine Competition, now in its eighth year, once again placed equal weight on quality, value for money and packaging, aiming to mirror the way consumers actually choose wine. More than seventy leading professionals, including Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers and senior buyers, blind‑tasted every entry before reassessing price and presentation, so each medal reflects genuine market appeal as well as excellence in the glass. The top trophy, Wine of the Year, was awarded to the 2022 Isabel Estate Wild Barrique Chardonnay from New Zealand. Best Wine by Quality went to the 1987 Saamo from Georgia.Best Wine…

  • Calvet Sancerre

    Calvet Sancerre

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    This Calvet Sancerre 2024, 12.5%, is 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire region of France. It is grown on a hillside overlooking the left bank of the Haute Loire. In the glass, it has a pale yellow colour with delicate green reflections. Even when served very cold, it releases a strong and enticing aroma of passion fruit, with an underlying floral character that immediately draws you in. On the tongue, it delivers classic gooseberry notes, complemented by the lushness of ripe honeydew melon, with a dry yet very rounded and expressive flavour profile. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving…

  • Parcel Series ‘No.77’ Chilean Red Blend

    Parcel Series ‘No.77’ Chilean Red Blend

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    Parcel Series wines come from top-class wineries that quietly sell a limited quantity to Majestic at a fraction of their usual price to clear some space in their cellars, making this a rare opportunity to buy. This particular wine comes from the Viña Vik vineyard, set in the foothills of the Andes mountains. The vineyard was founded in 2006 by the Norwegian Alexander Vik and his wife Carrie Vik. Their top wine, VIK, a more Bordeaux style wine, not this bottling, has been awarded a perfect 100 points by the renowned critic James Suckling and the estate is widely recognised…

  • Waitrose Spring Press Tasting 2025

    Waitrose Spring Press Tasting 2025

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    I was invited to the Waitrose & Partners Spring Wine Tasting in London in April 2025, where 159 products were showcased across all drinks categories. The selection reflected a clear focus on both innovation and quality, with several key trends standing out. For Waitrose, Crémant is currently the fastest-growing category, with sales up 19% compared to last year. There has also been a notable rise in interest in lesser-known regions through the Loved & Found range, which now includes six new varieties. Their own label wines are also seeing real momentum, particularly the No.1 range which has doubled in size…

  • M&S Spring Press Tasting

    M&S Spring Press Tasting

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    In April 2025 I went to the M&S press tasting in London, where the retailer showcased a raft of new wines and several old favourites. Innovation in English wine was front-and-centre. M&S has released its first own-label Charmat-method sparkling, meaning the second fermentation is carried out in tank rather than in the bottle. Alongside this comes the new, traditional method, Rockferne Brut, made exclusively for M&S by Roebuck Estates in Sussex and highlighted among my picks below. A clear trend was a surge in demand for smaller formats. M&S has introduced twelve new half-bottles and minis this month, creating one…

  • Mount Rozier Chenin Blanc Reserve

    Mount Rozier Chenin Blanc Reserve

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    Mount Rozier Chenin Blanc Reserve is a white wine from the foothills of the Hottentot Mountains, produced by the Mount Rozier winery in South Africa’s Western Cape wine region. The estate has a rich heritage, founded at the turn of the 19th century by Annie Rozier, a local flower merchant known for gathering wildflowers in the Schapenberg hills around her family’s homestead. She gained a reputation for making natural remedies and medicines, becoming a beloved figure in the local community. Today, the Mount Rozier Estate remains committed to preserving its natural surroundings, with 30 hectares of land designated for the…

  • Russians Lure European Diplomats with Wine Tasting Invite

    Russians Lure European Diplomats with Wine Tasting Invite

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    In April 2025, researchers revealed Russia’s APT29 (Cozy Bear) resumed phishing attacks on European diplomats, using a wine tasting invitation. The emails mimic European Ministry of Foreign Affairs correspondence and re-target diplomats who don’t respond. Links lead to a malicious file, wine.zip, dropped under specific conditions. Inside, a PowerPoint executable (wine.exe) exploits DLL side-loading to run an obfuscated loader called Grapeloader. The emails imitate a European Ministry of Foreign Affairs and are resent if ignored, with subject lines such as “Wine tasting event (update date)” and “For Ambassador’s Calendar”. Their embedded link sits on infrastructure that withholds the malicious file…

  • Apelación Cabernet Franc

    Apelación Cabernet Franc

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    Apelación Cabernet Franc by Zuccardi is an interesting expression of this variety, made by a winery more widely known for its Malbec. Made from 100% Cabernet Franc, the grapes are carefully sourced from select vineyards in Paraje Altamira and across the wider Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina, a region renowned for its high-altitude viticulture. The wine is fermented using native yeasts in concrete vats, a traditional technique that allows for a pure expression of the fruit. It is then matured in 2,500-litre foudres, which offer subtle oak influence without overpowering the varietal character. The 2020 vintage comes in at 14%…

  • Learn About No Alcohol Wine

    Learn About No Alcohol Wine

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    New research on Dealcoholized wine: Techniques, sensory impacts, stability, and perspectives of a growing industry“ is a detailed review examining the production, sensory implications, stability concerns and future prospects of dealcoholised wine. Growing interest in dealcoholised wine is largely driven by health-conscious consumers, social trends encouraging reduced alcohol intake, and legal considerations such as road safety. Consumers increasingly seek alternatives that offer the benefits and enjoyment of traditional wine without the associated alcohol content. The global market for such products is expanding rapidly, estimated to exceed US$10 billion. The review outlines a range of post-fermentation techniques used to remove or…

  • Definition Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

    Definition Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

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    This 2018 vintage of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru comes from the right bank of the River Garonne, from the family-run Château du Roy. It is made from 35-year-old vines and sits at 13.5% ABV. While it’s Merlot-led, it also includes some Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. I almost didn’t review this bottle. On opening, it was underwhelming, both in aroma and flavour. I didn’t bother decanting at the time, thinking it unnecessary given the seemingly low tannins and lack of sediment, but in hindsight that was a mistake. Even after a full day open, it still felt muted and a little…

  • Blueprint Pinot Noir

    Blueprint Pinot Noir

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    Blueprint Pinot Noir from Waitrose is part of a range created to highlight excellent-value, classic wines from around the world. Each bottle is chosen not just for quality, but for how faithfully it represents its style and place of origin. The label design reflects the winemaker’s region, adding a touch of visual charm to the experience. This particular Pinot Noir stands out by delivering impressive quality despite not coming from one of the traditionally celebrated regions for the grape. Produced in Romania by Cramele Recaș, it offers a fresh take on the variety and demonstrates that Pinot doesn’t have to…

  • 25% Off Wine at Waitrose

    25% Off Wine at Waitrose

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    Waitrose has 25% off 6 bottles or more of wine and Champagne priced between £6 and £100 from 16 April to 22 April 2025 inclusive. See the recent press tasting for tips on what to buy.

  • 25% Off Wine at Morrisons

    25% 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 until 21 April 2025.

  • Les Dauphins Cotes du Rhone

    Les Dauphins Cotes du Rhone

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    Les Dauphins wines take their cue from the vibrant spirit of 1920s Paris, a time when jazz, art, fine food and wine flourished and when the Rhône Valley saw the formation of its first co-operatives. This cultural backdrop shapes the character of these wines, which are made by the Union des Vignerons des Côtes du Rhône, a co-operative with over six decades of heritage. Grapes are carefully selected by winemakers Thierry Walet and Camille Potau from plots across the Southern Rhône Valley, farmed by long-standing grower-partners, a network of 2000 families whose dedication ensures the continued quality and identity of…

  • Provence Rosé Tasting

    Provence Rosé Tasting

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    In April 2025, I joined a virtual masterclass hosted by Ray O’Connor MW, ambassador for Vins de Provence. Aimed at trade and press, the session tackled the question: “Provence rosé: are they all the same?” and explored the breadth and diversity the region has to offer. Ray took us through the regions and sub-regions of Provence, looking into grape varieties, terrain, climate, relevant statistics and the pivotal role of the Centre du Rosé research centre. The educational element has its own article on Understanding Provence Rosé, while this write-up focuses solely on the tasting element of the session. We sampled…

  • Understanding Provence Rosé

    Understanding Provence Rosé

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    History Provence, located in the sun-drenched south of France, is globally renowned for producing some of the finest rosé wines. Its legacy in winemaking stretches back to 600 BC with the founding of Marseille and the planting of the region’s first vineyard. Over the centuries, wine production in Provence evolved under the influence of monasteries from the 5th to 12th centuries and was later shaped by the rise of major Provençal winegrowing families in the early 20th century. A significant shift occurred in the 1970s, when quality became a priority in rosé production, ushering in a new era that redefined…

  • 25% Off Wine at Asda

    25% Off Wine at Asda

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    Asda has 25% off wine, on £5.50 per bottle or more, 6 bottles or more, from 11 April 2025 until 5 May 2025. See the Autumn/Winter Press tasting for tips on what to buy.

  • w/o Organic Grillo Spumante

    w/o Organic Grillo Spumante

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    From Sicily comes a new project from winemaker Dino Taschetta: w/o – meaning a wine made without compromise. This sparkling wine is made from the indigenous Grillo grape believed to be a cross between Cataratto and Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria). Grillo is a versatile grape capable of producing both still and sparkling wines. In this case, it’s been used to create a sparkling wine made using the Charmat method, the same process used for Prosecco. The 2023 vintage sits at a relatively light 11% ABV and is bottled in a UK first, 100% recycled ‘wild’ glass, giving it a sustainable…

  • 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 9 April 2025 to 19 April 2025. See the last Sainsbury’s press tasting for tips on what to buy.

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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