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Simon Judge

  • Thoughts on Wine Price vs Value

    Thoughts on Wine Price vs Value

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    Simon Judge

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    When you purchase a bottle of wine, you might assume that most of the price goes towards the wine itself. However, the reality is often quite different, particularly for lower-priced and very highly priced wines. Here, I explore the complexities of wine pricing and explain why the relationship between price and quality is not as straightforward as it may seem. In the UK, the pricing structure of inexpensive wines reveals an perhaps unexpected allocation of costs. Consider a £5.99 bottle of wine. Of this amount, £1.00 typically goes to VAT, £2.16 covers UK excise duty, and £0.10 accounts for customs…

  • M&S Collection Poggio Tosco Chianti Classico Riserva

    M&S Collection Poggio Tosco Chianti Classico Riserva

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    M&S Collection Poggio Tosco Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 is an Italian red from Tuscany, made by the Azienda Uggiano winery. This blend is predominantly Sangiovese (80%) with the remaining 20% likely composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo, given the usual composition of Chianti from this winery. It sits in M&S’s ‘Collection’ range, which features top-tier wines from globally renowned regions, catering to a broad audience of both casual and seasoned wine enthusiasts. ‘Classico’ denotes this Chianti’s origin in the Chianti region, between Florence and Siena. This area, spanning about 100 square miles, produces Chianti wines under the DOCG designation, ensuring…

  • Top Sainsbury’s Wines to Impress Without Breaking the Bank

    Top Sainsbury’s Wines to Impress Without Breaking the Bank

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    Rob Buckhaven from Metro explores the stigma around supermarket wines, noting that people are often hesitant to bring own-brand bottles to social events, fearing judgment, though they’re happy to drink them in private. Rob suggests we care less about others’ perceptions, as supermarket wines are often made by top producers and offer excellent value. Here’s his list of recommended wines from Sainsbury’s: These wines represent exceptional quality for the price, dispelling myths around own-brand supermarket wines.

  • How to Drink Wine

    How to Drink Wine

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    Tom Surgey’s How to Drink Wine is a refreshingly unpretentious guide that demystifies the world of wine. Tom, a well-regarded wine expert, brings a wealth of experience from his years in the industry, from starting as a young enthusiast at The Ivy in London to crafting wine lists for restaurants and representing top wine producers globally. His informal, conversational tone invites readers in, making this book accessible and engaging for beginners, yet still valuable for those with a seasoned palate. At first glance, How to Drink Wine is surprisingly compact, especially for a book written by someone with Tom’s experience.…

  • Co-op Irresistible Assyrtiko

    Co-op Irresistible Assyrtiko

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    Greek wines are enjoying a growing presence in the UK market, with particular popularity around Assyrtiko, a vibrant and flavourful grape variety, with wineries such as Kir-Yianni leading the way. Assyrtiko’s profile is often compared to the boldness of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, though it brings its own distinct blend of mineral, citrus and peach with a lively acidity. The Co-op has introduced a new Assyrtiko under its ‘Irresistible’ range, although a close look at the small-type on the bottle label reveals this wine is actually produced by Kir-Yianni. Having recently sampled Kir-Yianni branded Assyrtiko at a Greek wine tasting…

  • Why I Choose a Web Site Over Social Media

    Why I Choose a Web Site Over Social Media

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    I prefer to manage a website as my main platform while most wine enthusiasts are concentrating on boosting their social media presence. I do use social media to share headlines, draw attention and message, but the bulk of my content stays firmly on my site. While gaining followers on social platforms is useful and even fun, it’s not my primary goal. You might think this approach is a bit old-school, but I see it as being more about thinking differently, controlling the narrative and planning for the unexpected. The truth is, social media posts can be quite fleeting. Posts are…

  • M&S Notte Stellata Rossa Primitivo di Manduria

    M&S Notte Stellata Rossa Primitivo di Manduria

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    M&S Notte Stellata Rossa Primitivo di Manduria is made from grapes grown in the San Marzano region of Puglia in Italy, with the new 2022 vintage offering a touch more strength at 14.5% ABV. This wine, which previously won a Silver at the International Wine Challenge. It spends six months ageing in a mix of French and American oak barrels, giving it a nuanced oaky depth. Unlike many wines, the back label of the Notte Stellata actually gives a very accurate description, highlighting rich, dark cherry, plum and chocolate notes. While the wine has a higher residual sugar level, it…

  • Bel Air Parcellaire Merlot

    Bel Air Parcellaire Merlot

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    I couldn’t resist trying this new Bordeaux from the Coop. Made from 100% Merlot, the Bel Air Parcellaire Merlot 2023, from Maison Sichel, is made from their select vineyard plots renowned for producing high-quality wines with a distinctive terroir expression, particularly benefiting from clay soils typical of Bordeaux’s right bank. On the nose, it offers abundant raspberry aromas, leading to a soft, rich palate filled with very ripe cherry and rosehip notes. The mouthfeel is medium yet very round, thanks to the 14.5% alcohol content and the tannins remain light to medium and approachable. With no oak ageing, the wine’s…

  • Davy’s Autumn Trade Tasting

    Davy’s Autumn Trade Tasting

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    In late October 2024, I went to Davy’s Autumn Trade Tasting in London. Davy’s, established in 1870, supplies a range of bars, hotels, restaurants and catering services, as well as private and corporate clients, including universities, colleges and companies. Their offerings are available through several wine shops in London, online and via mail order. The event featured an impressive selection of 240 wines spread across four elegant rooms. It turned out to be a ‘red’ day for me, as nearly all the wines I most liked were reds. Pricing can vary significantly depending on the purchasing context, whether on trade…

  • Ancient Wine Contained Cremated Bones

    Ancient Wine Contained Cremated Bones

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    A recent study reports the discovery and analysis of a reddish liquid found in a 2000-year-old Roman mausoleum in Carmona, southern Spain, which appears to be the oldest preserved liquid wine. Found in 2019, the urn (left) containing the liquid also held cremated human remains, which likely explains the preservation of the wine, traditionally used in Roman burial rituals. Researchers used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to identify mineral salts and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) to detect polyphenols, elements characteristic of wine. Analysis showed that the liquid’s composition matched that of white wines typical to the Baetic region,…

  • White Wines to Enjoy in Autumn

    White Wines to Enjoy in Autumn

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    David Williams of The Guardian has some recommendations for richer, fuller white wines as an alternative to the usual reds. Wildstone Reserva Roussanne 2024, Colchagua Valley, Chile – £8 at WaitroseAlso previously also tipped by me from the Waitrose tasting, this wine from Chile’s reliable Luis Felipe Edwards has a full-bodied, autumnal appeal, featuring mouth-filling peach and pear flavours. M&S Chez Michel Collines Rhodaniennes Marsanne 2023, France – £9 at Marks & SpencerA marsanne from the northern Rhône, this wine balances ripe pear and white peach with floral notes and a slight herbal bitterness. Tahbilk Marsanne 2022, Nagambie Lakes, Victoria,…

  • Hacienda Uvanis, Garnacha Old Vines

    Hacienda Uvanis, Garnacha Old Vines

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    I often buy wines that have caught my eye during press tastings and I first spotted this one at a Lidl press tasting early in 2024. It has been sitting around for a while, being overlooked as newer wines arrived. However, I decided to open it on a whim and was amazed by how good it turned out to be. This Garnacha comes from Navarra, Spain, with a 14% ABV and from the 2021 vintage. It’s light to medium-bodied with a very light colour. The wine is dry and impressively fragrant, offering raspberry and cherry notes. These aromas evolve into…

  • WineGB Launches First Sustainability Impact Report

    WineGB Launches First Sustainability Impact Report

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    WineGB has launched its first Sustainability Impact Report (pdf) to coincide with the International Day of Climate Action, marking significant progress in its Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB) initiative. In just four years, SWGB now covers 43% of UK vines, with 79 members, 31 completing their first audit, and 13 receiving gold certification for multiple audits. The report outlines key sustainability achievements, such as widespread use of renewable energy and sustainable vineyard practices, and highlights challenges, like low uptake of government grants. It also offers case studies and suggests how the government can support further sustainability efforts in the…

  • Taittinger Prestige Rosé

    Taittinger Prestige Rosé

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    This Champagne, primarily from the 2019 vintage, is a blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 25% Meunier, with an ABV of 12.5%. This wine has gained high praise, winning accolades from critics such as James Suckling, Wine Spectator, Decanter and Robert Parker. It has also earned a Gold Medal at the Concours des Vins and recognition from the Revue des Vins de France. The champagne’s striking salmon hue comes from the addition of 15% still red wine made from the finest Pinot Noirs of Montagne de Reims and Les Riceys. The colour is slightly deeper than your typical…

  • Optimising Flinty Aromas in Wine

    Optimising Flinty Aromas in Wine

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    New research focuses on a study exploring how certain winemaking strategies, particularly the use of different yeast strains and nitrogen supplementation, can affect the formation of phenylmethanethiol (PMT), a sulphur compound associated with ‘flinty’ or ‘struck match’ aromas in wines. These aromas are particularly valued in certain white wines, like Chardonnay. The study found that the type of yeast used in fermentation has a significant impact on the amount of PMT produced. Additionally, the nitrogen content of the fermentation medium, especially the addition of inorganic nitrogen, promotes PMT formation. This discovery is important because it means winemakers can potentially control…

  • Morrisons Autumn/Winter Press Tasting

    Morrisons Autumn/Winter Press Tasting

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    I went to the Morrisons Autumn/Winter Press Tasting in London in October 2024, an event that showcased a great selection of 127 wines, curated with the festive season in mind. A pianist provided a touch of elegance, enhancing the ambiance as we explored the wines on offer. There has been a refresh of Morrisons’ The Best range of French wines under £10, which is designed to offer exceptional quality at an affordable price point. There was also a noticeable expansion in the selection of premium French wines, particularly from smaller producers. Here are the wines that stood out most for…

  • 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 23 October to 29 October 2024 inclusive. See the recent press tasting for tips on what to buy.

  • Tbilvino Saperavi

    Tbilvino Saperavi

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    Tbilvino, a very ambitious Georgian winery, has set its sights on becoming the country’s leading producer. This wine, Tbilvino Saperavi 2023 13.5%, is made from the Saperavi grape what’s known as a teinturier grape, meaning it has both dark skin and red flesh. From the moment the wine is poured, it commands attention, flowing from the bottle’s curved neck in a deep, inky stream that promises something bold. On the nose, yes you’re greeted with rich, dark fruit aromas that suggest a full-bodied red, perhaps a Cabernet Sauvignon. However, as you take your first sip, the wine reveals itself to…

  • Reducing the Cost and Time of Wine Ageing?

    Reducing the Cost and Time of Wine Ageing?

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    There’s new research that examines the influence of ultrasound treatment on the chemical and sensory properties of a five-year-old bottled red wine over a period of twelve months. The study used both low-energy (5 minutes) and high-energy (30 minutes) ultrasound treatments to assess their effects. Sensory analysis revealed that, after three and six months of treatment, panelists preferred the ultrasound-treated wines, with the high-energy treatment generally yielding better results. However, by the ninth and twelfth months, the sensory differences between treated and untreated wines became less significant. From a chemical standpoint, the ultrasound treatment notably impacted the wine’s composition. The…

  • C.V.N.E Cune Rioja Reserva

    C.V.N.E Cune Rioja Reserva

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    C.V.N.E Cune Rioja Reserva 2019 is a blend of Tempranillo (85%), Garnacha and Mazuelo grapes and has an ABV of 14%. The grapes for Cune Reserva are sourced from the estate’s own vineyards, known as Caballeros, Santo Tomás and Sarnamoros in the prestigious Rioja Alta region. Grapes are aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels with the wine spending 50% more time in the barrels than legally required. This extended ageing lends the wine added finesse and a softer texture. I would recommend giving this wine some time to breathe, as it initially appeared more restrained than…

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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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