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Simon Judge

  • The Effects of Climate Change on Winemaking

    The Effects of Climate Change on Winemaking

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    Researchers from Italy have put together a useful paper (pdf) on the effects of climate change on wine composition and winemaking processes, focusing on the challenges posed and strategies to address them. This research is relevant because climate change will increasingly alter the flavour profiles, quality and availability of wines. It highlights how increasing temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and extreme weather events impact grapevine physiology, grape composition and overall wine quality. These changes result in higher sugar content, reduced acidity and elevated pH levels, leading to increased alcohol levels in wine, which affects its sensory characteristics and market appeal. To…

  • Baron Amarillo Gran Reserva

    Baron Amarillo Gran Reserva

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    I recently came across and purchased a newly listed wine at Aldi, the Baron Amarillo Gran Reserva (2014 vintage), with a brown label and gold mesh. This wine is produced by Pagos del Rey, part of the Felix Solís group, one of the largest family-owned wineries globally. It different to the Criadores de Rioja produced Gran Reserva (black on white label) also under the Baron Amarillo name. The wine has the classic cherry aroma typical of a Rioja but carries hints of leather and caramel. Taste wise, it is soft, yet the finish is unexpectedly dry, with notes of dark…

  • The Traitor Red Blend

    The Traitor Red Blend

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    As I write this, a new season of the hugely popular show The Traitors is captivating audiences on UK TV. Possibly by coincidence, Majestic has introduced a new Chilean own-label wine range intriguingly titled The Traitor, complete with its own fascinating backstory: The legend of the Añañuca flower tells of a young indigenous woman from Monte Rey who falls in love with a miner, rejecting the advances of other men. The miner, consumed by a dream revealing the location of a treasure-filled mine, abandons her without hesitation and never returns. Heartbroken, Añañuca eventually dies. The day after her burial, the…

  • Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot Noir

    Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot Noir

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    Coming from the coastal San Antonio region in Chile, Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot Noir is made using traditional Burgundy vinification methods. This wine is aged in a mix of foudres and partially new oak barrels, adding depth and complexity to its character. This 2021 vintage has earned considerable acclaim, receiving 93 points from Tim Atkin, a Silver Medal at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) and 92 points from the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Notably, it is now part of Tesco’s new premium wine selection, previously accessible only through independent wine merchants. My first encounter with it was…

  • Insights from Vivino vs Expert Bordeaux Reviews

    Insights from Vivino vs Expert Bordeaux Reviews

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    A new paper from Cambridge University Press examines the validity of crowdsourced wine ratings, focusing on the Vivino platform, by comparing them with professional critics’ assessments and exploring their sensitivity to weather variations that impact wine quality. Using a dataset of Bordeaux red wines, the study finds substantial correlation between Vivino ratings and professional evaluations, though the latter exhibit stronger internal consistency. Differences are partly due to amateurs prioritising immediate drinking pleasure, whereas professionals consider the wine’s ageing potential. Both amateurs and critics are responsive to weather conditions that affect grape quality, aligning with findings in viticulture literature. However, the…

  • Exploring Regional Differences in Wine Tasting

    Exploring Regional Differences in Wine Tasting

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    The new study (pdf) explores whether distinct groups of wine experts differ in their sensory and quality assessments of the same wines. Blind tastings were conducted with panels from two Canadian regions, the Okanagan Valley and Montreal, which have different socio-cultural and training backgrounds. The Okanagan panel included winemakers and winery employees with training in the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, while the Montreal group comprised sommeliers and wine journalists trained in a French-inspired approach. The research found significant differences in how the panels evaluated certain sensory attributes such as vegetative, bitterness and balance. The Montreal panel rated sensory attributes…

  • Bruce Jack Pinotage Malbec

    Bruce Jack Pinotage Malbec

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    This South African red wine from the Breedekloof Valley in the Western Cape is a more unusual blend of 70% Pinotage and 30% Malbec. Pinotage is a grape that tends to produce wines that polarise opinion, but I find this wine to be a standout example. It opens with a lovely smoky aroma, complemented by enticing notes of blackcurrant, without any excessive volatile aromas or burntness that you can get with Pinotage. On the palate, the continued smoky and blackcurrant flavours are rich and satisfying, paired with a very round mouthfeel. While the influence of the Malbec isn’t distinctly noticeable,…

  • Sparkling Wine, Champagne and Premium Own-Label Fuelled Christmas Growth in UK

    Sparkling Wine, Champagne and Premium Own-Label Fuelled Christmas Growth in UK

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    Kantar data shows that sparkling wine and Champagne were standout performers in the UK festive retail market, with sales growing by 4.4% to reach a total of £187 million across December 2024. This increase reflects a strong consumer appetite for celebratory drinks during the holiday season, despite rising grocery price inflation. Fortified wines also saw strong sales, with over 45s accounting for the majority of purchases in this category. Premium own-label lines, including wine offerings, saw good growth, with sales rising by 14.6% compared to the previous year. These lines now represent a record 7% of all grocery sales, driven…

  • The Battle Between Science and Prohibitionists

    The Battle Between Science and Prohibitionists

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    David Morrison argues on his blog that current medical evidence does not support the claim that moderate wine consumption is harmful, though public health messaging has increasingly taken a prohibitionist stance. He critiques official health organisations, such as the WHO and the UK Chief Medical Officers, for their stringent guidelines on alcohol, pointing out a lack of solid scientific evidence to justify their warnings. Morrison, a seasoned scientist with extensive research credentials, states that moderate wine consumption, defined as up to two glasses per day for men and one for women, poses no harm according to recent studies. He references…

  • Waitrose No.1 La Val Albariño

    Waitrose No.1 La Val Albariño

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    I very briefly mentioned this wine in the Waitrose Autumn Press Tasting and it warranted closer exploration. Produced by the Spanish winery Bodegas La Val, this 2023 vintage Albariño is made without oak, offering a clean and expressive character. The most intriguing aspect of this wine is how its profile transforms so dramatically as it warms, yet it maintains its appeal whether served very cool or at a warmer temperature. When served well chilled, this wine has a fresh, citrusy profile with a distinct salty, saline quality that reflects the ‘gentle coastal character’ noted on the back label and illustrated…

  • French Red Wine Faces Crisis Amid Changing Tastes

    French Red Wine Faces Crisis Amid Changing Tastes

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    The FT newspaper is reporting (link started free but might be behind paywall by the time you read this) that the French red wine industry is facing a severe decline as younger generations increasingly shift away from red wine, opting for rosé, beer, spirits, or alcohol-free alternatives and some avoid alcohol altogether. Consumption of red wine in France has fallen by about 90% since the 1970s, while total wine consumption has decreased by over 80% since 1945. Generation Z purchases significantly less wine than older generations, highlighting a generational shift. Experts attribute the decline to the industry’s failure to connect…

  • Belle France Bordeaux Rouge

    Belle France Bordeaux Rouge

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    This bottle of Belle France Bordeaux Rouge, purchased as part of Aldi’s Wine of the Week promotion, represents excellent value for money and is almost certainly sold at below cost to get customers into stores. Priced at £9.99, and reduced to only £4.99, which is quite a bargain for a Bordeaux. The wine is a blend of Merlot (65%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) and Cabernet Franc (10%), made by Producta Vignobles, a cooperative with a long history of pioneering the sale of AOC wines in supermarkets since 1960. This level of traceability to an identifiable producer, via a barcode on the…

  • Mash Heating

    Mash Heating

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    Mash heating, also known as thermovinification in winemaking, is a process that involves heating the grape must to higher temperatures than traditional methods. This technique is used to enhance various aspects of the final product. The process is sometimes used for grapes damaged by botrytis or grape rot in order to avoid prolonged contact with the grape must. Thermovinification is used before fermentation. It involves heating the grape mash to around 70 °C and 85 °C for about an hour, followed by rapid cooling before fermentation. This method offers benefits such as enhanced extraction of colour and phenolic compounds, resulting in wines with improved…

  • EU Sparkling Wine Production and Exports Down 8%

    EU Sparkling Wine Production and Exports Down 8%

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    Eurostat, the EU’s official statistics body, is reporting an 8% decline in sparkling wine production and exports in 2023 (yes, 2023, see below). The EU produced 1.496 billion litres of sparkling wine, down from 1.624 billion litres in 2022. Italy led production with 638 million litres, followed by France with 312 million (224 million litres of champagne and 88 million litres of other sparkling wines) and Germany with 263 million litres. Spain and Portugal contributed 206 million and 25 million litres, respectively. Exports to non-EU countries also fell by 8%, with 600 million litres exported in 2023 compared to 649…

  • Global Surge in No-Alcohol Drinks

    Global Surge in No-Alcohol Drinks

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    The IWSR (International Wine and Spirits Research) is a top authority on global alcohol beverage market data, analysis and insights, providing strategic intelligence to the industry. According to the IWSR No- and Low-Alcohol Strategic Study 2024, the market is experiencing a transformative shift, driven by younger consumers and evolving preferences. Across 10 key markets, including the US, Brazil, UK, and Japan, no-alcohol is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%, while low-alcohol volumes remain static. Key findings highlight that the US and Brazil are poised as key growth markets, with CAGRs of 18% and 10%,…

  • Domaine Philippon Frères Chablis

    Domaine Philippon Frères Chablis

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    I first encountered Domaine Philippon Frères Chablis at a Lidl press wine tasting and was impressed enough to seek it out again. My aim was to confirm that the version available in shops matched the quality I initially experienced. This Chablis, with an ABV of 12.5%, comes from Burgundy and is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes. It’s noteworthy that Lidl has opted to include the named producer for this wine, a move that’s somewhat unusual for their offerings. Even though it’s a relatively new addition to Lidl’s core range it already has an admirable 4.0 on Vivino. The wine has…

  • Thoughts on Supermarket 25% Off

    Thoughts on Supermarket 25% Off

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    Many UK supermarkets frequently offer periods where all wines priced £5 or £6 and over are subject to a 25% discount. Historically, these promotions occurred only once a year, typically in Autumn to coincide with the release of new vintages. However, they now align with significant holiday periods throughout the year, providing regular opportunities to stock up on supermarket wine at reduced prices. If you usually buy from supermarkets, it is a good strategy to make most of your wine purchases during these sales, but it’s worth shopping around. Some discounts might not be as enticing as they seem, and…

  • Ensure You’re Getting the Right Measure in Bars and Pubs

    Ensure You’re Getting the Right Measure in Bars and Pubs

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    Swindon link is reporting on a survey conducted by Swindon Borough Council’s Trading Standards team revealed that some pubs and bars in the borough are serving short measures of alcohol. During inspections of ten venues, officers found that 70 per cent of drinks purchased were below the legally prescribed quantities under The Weights and Measures (Intoxicating Liquor) Order 1988. Specifically, 60 per cent of medium glasses of white wine (175ml) and 80 per cent of vodka shots (25ml) were short measures. Wine deficiencies ranged from 5ml to 25ml, with the largest being 14.3 per cent below the required amount. Six…

  • Deluxe New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

    Deluxe New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

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    I first discovered and enjoyed this wine during the Lidl Winter Wine Tours press tasting and decided to try it again to explore in more detail. Produced in the Awatere Valley, this 2022 Sauvignon Blanc (12% ABV) is part of the Lidl Deluxe core line. From the winemaker signature ‘Priyanka K’ on the front label, it seems likely that it was produced by Priyanka Kulkarni of Indevin, a leading New Zealand wine producer who actually acquired Villa Maria and associated well-known brands in 2021. This Sauvignon Blanc offers the typical aromas of passion fruit, gooseberry and lemongrass, complemented by an…

  • Royal Tokaji Late Harvest

    Royal Tokaji Late Harvest

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    The 2021 vintage was a particularly great year for Tokaji wines and this Royal Tokaji Late Harvest showcases a wine from this year. Founded as a joint venture between about 62 local wine growers and international investors, including the celebrated wine author Hugh Johnson, Royal Tokaji has a mission to restore and preserve the quality of Tokaji wines. While Tokaji Aszú wines are more concentrated and typically reserved for special occasions, Late Harvest such as this offers a lighter, more versatile option. Late Harvest more easily pairs with a variety of dishes, from cheese and desserts to something unexpected like…

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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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