Simon Judge

  • Aldi Unveils UK’s First Supermarket Own-Brand Paper Wine Bottles

    Aldi Unveils UK’s First Supermarket Own-Brand Paper Wine Bottles

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    Aldi has announced the launch of the UK’s first supermarket own-brand paper wine bottles, marking a significant step in sustainable packaging. The products, Cambalala South African Shiraz and Cambalala South African Sauvignon Blanc, priced at £7.99 for a 75cl bottle, will be available from 18th March, coinciding with Global Recycling Day. These innovative bottles are…

  • Kopke Library Collection Tasting

    Kopke Library Collection Tasting

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    Kopke, the oldest port wine house, has a rich history dating back to its foundation by German Nicolau Kopkë in 1638. Since establishing its vineyards in the Douro Valley in 1781, Kopke was bought by the Bohane family in London. However, Kopke has been proudly Portuguese since the mid-twentieth century and is now under the…

  • Heightened Alcohol Sensitivity After COVID-19 Recovery

    Heightened Alcohol Sensitivity After COVID-19 Recovery

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    There’s new research that looks into alcohol sensitivity experienced by individuals after recovering from COVID-19, known as Post-acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). It presents case series of patients who, after contracting COVID-19, began experiencing adverse reactions to alcohol that they hadn’t faced before, such as severe hangover symptoms from small amounts of alcohol. This suggests…

  • Jeroboams Trade Portfolio Tasting 2024

    Jeroboams Trade Portfolio Tasting 2024

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    Jeroboams is a London-based wine merchant, well-regarded for its extensive and exciting selection of wines, Champagnes, specialist cheeses and charcuterie. The company, founded by Peter Rich, started as a cheese and wine club before opening its first shop in South Kensington in 1985, specialising in quality cheeses, oils, vinegars and wines. Over the years, Jeroboams…

  • Gran Montana Malbec

    Gran Montana Malbec

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    The Gran Montana Malbec 2021 is an Argentinian wine from the Familia Zuccardi Winery located in the Uco Valley, created by winemaker Ruben Rufo. This 2021 vintage has had a mixed reception on Vivino with a rating of 3.8, a dip from the winery’s historically higher 4.0 scores. This Malbec reveals bramble fruit aromas, which…

  • 25% off Wine at Sainsbury’s

    25% off Wine at Sainsbury’s

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    Sainsbury’s has 25% off wine, 6 bottles or more, £6 or more, until 10 March 2024.

  • 25% off Wine at Morrisons

    25% off Wine at Morrisons

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    25% discount on 6 or more bottles of wine, £5 or more, until 10 March 2024. Maximum 20 items per customer.

  • Red Bordeaux Wine From Supermarkets Under £20

    Red Bordeaux Wine From Supermarkets Under £20

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    The Scotsman has an article on Best red Bordeaux wine from supermarkets for under £20. The article discusses the author’s evolving appreciation for wine, particularly Bordeaux wines. Initially viewing Bordeaux as exclusive and expensive, the author, Rosalind Erskine, has discovered affordable and quality options available in supermarkets. The journey has highlighted both the traditional appeal…

  • Italian Wine Exports – Downturn in Both Volume and Value

    Italian Wine Exports – Downturn in Both Volume and Value

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    European Supermarket Magazine is reporting that in 2023, Italian wine exports experienced a downturn in both volume and value across its five principal export markets, decreasing by 4.4% and 7.3% respectively, amounting to €4.45 billion. This decline was particularly marked in the United States, Canada, Japan and the UK, with only Germany witnessing a 7%…

  • TV Wine Expert Hails Lidl’s £5.99 Cava as ‘Best Bargain of the Year’

    TV Wine Expert Hails Lidl’s £5.99 Cava as ‘Best Bargain of the Year’

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    In an article by Bristol Live, a wine from Lidl has been spotlighted by Saturday Kitchen’s wine expert as the “Best bargain this year.” It’s the Arestel Cava Semi Seco, a sparkling wine that boasts a price tag of only £5.99. During a recent episode of Saturday Kitchen, aired on BBC One on the morning…

  • Duca di Sasseta Primitivo IGT

    Duca di Sasseta Primitivo IGT

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    This 2022 vintage wine was part of the Lidl Italian and Iberian Wine Tours tasting when it was one of my favourites. I have since purchased it and it’s as good as I remembered and I now know it also works great with (Italian) food. It has also gained a respectable 4.0 score on Vivino….

  • Finding Good Value in Wine

    Finding Good Value in Wine

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    An article by David Williams in The Guardian Newspaper explores the intricacies of finding value in wine, noting that there is no simple formula linking price to quality. However, Williams highlights several factors that can affect the cost of wine, such as vineyard practices, equipment and the inherent qualities of the vineyard itself. Despite the…

  • Crisp, Clean, Well-balanced Cavas

    Crisp, Clean, Well-balanced Cavas

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    The Good Housekeeping Institute conducted a thorough testing of 20 cava bottles from supermarkets and leading brands, serving each chilled and blind to eliminate brand bias. Their search was for crisp, clean, well-balanced Cavas with delightful notes of apple, citrus, and brioche. Here are their top recommendations for 2023, complete with ABV, prices, scores, and…

  • Through the Looking Glass

    Through the Looking Glass

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    The Bibendum Spring Portfolio tasting, held on 27 February 2024, showcased 329 wines from England, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, USA, Canada, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Argentina, Australia, China, New Zealand, and South Africa. Bibendum is mainly targeted at the on-trade sector, which means bars, pubs, restaurants and hotels. The fact that many of the wines were…

  • Furmint and Friends

    Furmint and Friends

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    This tasting was on the 27th February 2024, in London, organised by Wines of Hungary UK in partnership with the newly established Hungarian Wine Marketing Agency. It showcased an impressive array of 29 producers, presenting over 150 wines. The highlight of the event was a masterclass led by Caroline Gilby MW who imparted her extensive…

  • Understanding Furmint

    Understanding Furmint

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    Furmint is a white Hungarian grape variety that plays a significant role in the production of Tokaji Aszú, one of the world’s oldest sweet wines. However, Furmint is also used to make a variety of other wine styles, each showcasing the grape’s versatility and unique characteristics. Furmint is also grown in Slovenia, Slovakia, Croatia, Austria…

  • Faustino V Reserva

    Faustino V Reserva

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    Faustino V Reserva 2018 Rioja is aged for a minimum of 24 months in American oak barrels. The previous vintage was highly regarded by James Suckling, receiving a commendable score of 93, and the wine itself has been adorned with multiple accolades, including a Silver Medal from Mundus Vini, the Bacchus Award, a Gold Medal…

  • Wines from Six Great Importers

    Wines from Six Great Importers

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    The Guardian Newspaper has an article discussing the various strategies people use when choosing wine, such as selecting by grape variety, region or label. It emphasises the importance of looking at the importer’s name on the back of the bottle as a quick guide to finding quality wines. Importers are likened to publishers or record…

  • Sparkling Wine Purchase Factors

    Sparkling Wine Purchase Factors

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    There’s new study-based research (PDF download) into recent sparkling wine consumers in Ontario, Canada, offering insights into the cues that drive their purchase decisions. Sparkling wine’s global market is experiencing significant growth. This uptrend is notable given the distinct nature of sparkling wine, often purchased for celebrations rather than regular consumption. Research has highlighted the…

  • The Rise of Beaujolais and the Decline of Merlot

    The Rise of Beaujolais and the Decline of Merlot

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    Decanter Magazine is reporting there’s been a notable shift in wine preferences in the UK, particularly in the red wine market. Merlot, once a popular choice, has seen a significant decrease in sales within bars and restaurants, spurred by a demand for lighter red wines. On the flip side, Beaujolais is experiencing a surge in…

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