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Simon Judge

  • SITT Spring Tasting 2025

    SITT Spring Tasting 2025

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    Simon Judge

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    In late February 2025, I attended the Specialist Importers’ Trade Tasting (SITT) in London. With 47 specialist importers showcasing over 700 wines from diverse regions including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Lebanon, Moldova, Spain, Ukraine, the USA, Italy, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, there was an impressive array to explore. The wines are exclusively available to the independent sector, meaning they won’t be found on supermarket shelves or in wine multiples. The event caters specifically to independent wine merchants, sommeliers, restaurateurs, online retailers and regional wholesalers. With so many wines on offer, I had to narrow my focus. I…

  • Shifts in Global Alcohol Consumption Patterns

    Shifts in Global Alcohol Consumption Patterns

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    The IWSR’s Bevtrac 2024 Wave 2 report highlights a significant shift in global alcohol consumption patterns, with moderation becoming a prevalent trend across all demographics over the past year. While a surge in complete abstinence observed in 2023 appears to have been temporary, consumers, including younger legal drinking age individuals, are now returning to alcohol but adopting various moderation strategies. One notable change is the rise in light drinkers, defined as those who consume alcohol infrequently and in low quantities. This group now constitutes the largest segment among drinkers in 15 key markets, surpassing both medium and heavy drinkers. Additionally,…

  • Understanding South African Wine

    Understanding South African Wine

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    South African wine, with its rich heritage dating back to the 17th century, has evolved into a dynamic industry renowned for its diverse terroirs and innovative winemaking. The country’s wine regions, clustered primarily in the Western Cape, produce a wide array of styles, from robust reds to crisp whites, underpinned by unique grape varieties such as Pinotage. History and Regions South Africa’s winemaking tradition began in 1652 when Dutch settlers planted the first vineyards near Cape Town. Today, the Western Cape remains the epicentre of production, encompassing over 30 wine-growing regions. The Coastal Region, stretching from Cape Town northward along…

  • Wanderlust Trade Portfolio Tasting 2025

    Wanderlust Trade Portfolio Tasting 2025

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    In February 2025, I was invited to the Wanderlust Annual Trade Portfolio Tasting in London. The event showcased around 130 wines, with a particular spotlight on 20 of their passionate and independent producers who were present. Wanderlust imports sustainable wines into the UK, working exclusively with family-owned or independent producers. They focus on organic and sustainable wines, sourced from smaller family estates, distributing them to UK restaurants, hotels and hospitality venues. They also sell directly to consumers via their website and have been awarded Best Online Retailer of the Year by Decanter Magazine. Among the many great wines, these were…

  • Spier Villa Blue Albariño

    Spier Villa Blue Albariño

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    Spier Villa Blue Albariño is an intriguing take on the classic Albariño (or Alvarinho), a grape most commonly associated with Galicia in Spain and its Portuguese counterpart. However, this particular wine comes from South Africa, produced by Spier Estate in the premium wine region of Stellenbosch. As one of the Cape’s oldest wineries, Spier has a reputation for excellence, having been named ‘South African Wine Producer of the Year’ in both 2011 and 2018. In 2022, it received the prestigious Editor’s Choice ‘Winery of the Year’ award from Platter. Beyond their winemaking, Spier is also known for their community-driven initiatives…

  • Supermarket Own-Label Wines

    Supermarket Own-Label Wines

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    Victoria Moore, wine correspondent for The Telegraph, writes about supermarket own-label wines and their quality, often surpassing well-known brands. The article link might be behind a paywall, as The Telegraph typically opens articles for only a short period to be indexed by search engines. Victoria has sampled hundreds of bottles to select two standout own-label wines from each major UK supermarket. These picks take into account a range of styles, regions and special offers: (The bold, italicised ones have also been previously picked by me) Aldi Asda Booths Co-op Lidl M&S Morrisons Sainsbury’s Tesco Waitrose

  • Capaia One

    Capaia One

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    Capaia One is the flagship red wine from Capaia Estate, located in the village of Philadelphia within the Tygerberg district, just north of Cape Town, South Africa. The estate benefits from a climate that allows the grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in wines with concentrated and complex flavours. Made by winemaker Stephan von Neipperg, who also owns two Grand Cru Classé estates in Saint-Émilion, this wine is made with the same level of precision as the finest Bordeaux châteaux. The blend consists of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 18% Shiraz, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot. Each varietal is…

  • How Climate Change is Affecting Bordeaux Wine Producers

    How Climate Change is Affecting Bordeaux Wine Producers

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    New research examines the impact of climate change on the income of wine producers in the Bordeaux region. The study analyses the relationship between climate variables, vineyard characteristics and economic performance. The findings indicate that rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns significantly affect vineyard yields and income, with high temperatures during the bloom period (May to July) reducing yields, while warmer conditions during ripening (August to September) have a positive effect. Rainfall variability, particularly excessive precipitation during the bloom period, also negatively impacts yields. Wine producers in Bordeaux have responded by adapting their business strategies. Many have expanded their vineyard…

  • 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 20 February 2025 until 2 March 2025. See the Autumn/Winter Press tasting for tips on what to buy.

  • HJ Fabre Malbec Barrel Selection

    HJ Fabre Malbec Barrel Selection

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    HJ Fabre Malbec Barrel Selection 2023 is a wine from Patagonia, Argentina, made from 30-year-old vines. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, it has an ABV of 14.5%. The name Fabre may sound French, and for good reason, this Malbec is the creation of Bordeaux-born Hervé Fabre. Discovering Argentina in the 1990s, Hervé has since dedicated himself to championing old-vine Malbec, managing his estates with the precision of a top Bordeaux château. His impressive barrel cellars have earned six Decanter Trophies in just three years, including two for Barrel Selection wines. This Malbec is refined and elegant, with…

  • 25% Off at Morrisons

    25% Off at Morrisons

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    Morrisons has 25% discount on 6 or more bottles of wine, £6 or more until 16 February 2025. Just been in to Morrisons and many wines are ALSO discounted so you get double discount.Their web site is very poor and doesn’t show the deals.Here are wines from my Picks: Morrisons The Best Marques de los Rios Rioja Gran Reserva 2014£14 -> £12.50 -> (25% off) £9.38Really a Lopez de Haro. Morrisons version gained Silver IWC 93 points. Champagne Charles Clement Cuvee Des Vignerons£25 -> £17 -> £12.75 The Best Chenin Blanc 2024 South Africa£8.50 -> £6.50 -> £4.88 The Best…

  • The Best of Rioja 2025

    The Best of Rioja 2025

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    In February 2025, I attended Tim Atkin MW’s Best of Rioja tasting in London. Like the inaugural event last year, this was a truly rare occasion, bringing together an incredible collection of wines in one room. In this year when Rioja celebrates the 100th anniversary of the creation of its Denominación de Origen, the event featured nearly 300 wines, showcasing the very best the region has to offer. Almost all of Rioja’s top bodegas were present, with the lineup consisting of the First and Second Growths from Tim’s annual Rioja Report, complemented by an equally important group of rising stars.…

  • Domaine Tabordet Organic Pouilly Fumé

    Domaine Tabordet Organic Pouilly Fumé

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    A new wine from Majestic, made using the Sauvignon Blanc grape. This wine comes from the Pouilly-Fumé appellation in the Loire Valley and is the 2023 vintage with an alcohol content of 12.5%. The wine has a light golden hue and requires quite a bit of warmth to fully reveal itself. It is a gentle and elegant wine, not overtly bold but rather subtle and inviting. The aromatics are a pleasant blend of honeydew lemon and a hint of tropical fruits. It features a grassy taste with mineral undertones and a salty, saline finish. Interestingly, it is not as flinty…

  • Understanding Old Vines

    Understanding Old Vines

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    Old vines have long captivated the imagination of wine enthusiasts and producers alike, often associated with wines of exceptional quality and character. But what exactly constitutes an ‘old vine’ and do these venerable plants truly produce superior wines? This aspect of viticulture is both intriguing and complex, requiring an understanding of the term itself and the impact of vine age on wine quality. What is an Old Vine? The term ‘old vine’, or ‘vieilles vignes’ in French, is commonly used on wine labels to indicate that the wine is produced from grapes grown on notably old vines. However, there is…

  • Holy Communion Must Be Alcoholic

    Holy Communion Must Be Alcoholic

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    The Independent newspaper is reporting that The Church of England has reaffirmed its stance that only alcoholic wine made from fermented grape juice can be used during Holy Communion. This decision has sparked disappointment due to the perceived injustice towards individuals who cannot consume alcohol due to health reasons. This ruling has led to criticism from some members, including Reverend Canon Alice Kemp, who argues that this exclusion from fully participating in Holy Communion is unjust.

  • Unrepresented Wines

    Unrepresented Wines

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    My original intention was always to focus on UK-centric wines, those available here in the UK. I attend a wide range of tastings, including those hosted by retailers, importers and specific wine regions. The region-specific tastings often feature some wines that are ‘unrepresented,’ meaning they do not yet have a UK importer. Initially, I avoided these wines, preferring to stick to wines that were more readily accessible. However, over time, my curiosity has led me to explore this uncharted territory to see what I might be missing. It turned out that some of the better wines I have tasted have…

  • Definition by Majestic Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

    Definition by Majestic Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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    Majestic Wine has expanded its Definition range with a new wine made exclusively for them by the well-known Californian producer, Schug Winery. This Pinot Noir comes from Sonoma’s cool-climate region, an area greatly influenced by marine fog and the winds of the Petaluma Gap, lending a unique character to the wine. The winery’s founder, Walter Schug, brought his European winemaking skills to Sonoma. Born in Germany in 1935, Schug was raised on the grounds of the Staatsweingut Assmanshausen, one of Germany’s premier Pinot Noir estates. His career in America began in 1966 with Gallo, and by 1972, he was the…

  • Oxidative Style

    Oxidative Style

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    The oxidative style of wine is a deliberate winemaking approach that exposes the wine to controlled amounts of oxygen during production. This technique enhances secondary aromas, flavours, and textural complexity, distinguishing oxidative wines from their reductive counterparts. Wines made in this style often exhibit savoury and umami flavours, nutty aromas, a deeper colour compared to reductive wines and a rich mouthfeel with increased textural complexity. Winemakers use various methods to achieve an oxidative style, including barrel fermentation, bâtonnage (lees stirring), racking (transferring wine between barrels), and ageing in wooden barrels or under a layer of yeast known as flor. These…

  • Gonzalez Byass 21st Birthday Tasting

    Gonzalez Byass 21st Birthday Tasting

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    2025 marks 21 years since Gonzalez Byass established its UK office and to celebrate, the company hosted an extensive tasting in London, showcasing its diverse and expanding portfolio. The company now represents wines from ten different countries, including renowned producers such as Vilarnau Cava, Champagne Deutz, Domäne Wachau, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, Jackson Estate, Wirra Wirra, Ashton Hills, Neil Ellis, Viñedos Veramonte, Finca Constancia, Viñas del Vero, Singular Estates Disznókő, and Beronia. Recent additions to the portfolio include Famiglia Castellani from Tuscany and Burgundy house Jean Bouchard. Gonzalez Byass wines are available through independent retailers (do a Google search for specific wines),…

  • Aluado Alicante Bouschet

    Aluado Alicante Bouschet

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    Aluado Alicante Bouschet is a wine that unusually uses the Alicante Bouschet grape, a variety I’ve found impressive in past Portuguese tastings. This grape is more commonly used in blends, making it quite rare to encounter a wine where it features predominantly or exclusively. This wine comes from Quinta de Porto Franco family estate, situated just north of Lisbon. The 2023 vintage has an alcohol content of 12.5%. The winemaker behind this intriguing bottle is José Neiva Correia, a figure, according to Laithwaites, celebrated by wine critic Tim Atkin as a pivotal influencer in Portugal’s wine revolution. José’s innovative approach…

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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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