Simon Judge

  • Factors That Determine Wine Quality

    Factors That Determine Wine Quality

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    A recent study “Machine Learning for Predicting Wine Quality and its Key Determinants Based on Physicochemical Properties” (PDF download) by Domonkos Frigyes Török, explores the role of various properties in determining wine quality. Sulphates, pivotal in the wine’s preservation and flavour profile, actually play a dual role as both preservatives and taste enhancers. They contribute…

  • The Role of Quercetin in Red Wine Headaches

    The Role of Quercetin in Red Wine Headaches

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    Headaches triggered by red wine, commonly known as ‘red wine headaches’, is the focus of a study by UC Davis scientists. They suggest that these headaches, which can occur within minutes to a few hours after drinking even a small glass of red wine, might be due to a flavanol called quercetin. This substance, found…

  • Understanding Valpolicella and Amarone

    Understanding Valpolicella and Amarone

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    Valpolicella is a wine-producing region in Italy combining traditional techniques with the variable geography of the Verona province. Located between the Lessini Mountains and Lake Garda, Valpolicella’s landscape has a varying terrain – mountainous areas, hilly vineyards and fertile valley floors. In 2020, this region boasted a large €600 million turnover, with a significant 70%…

  • Amarone Calling

    Amarone Calling

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    On 20th November 2023 I attended the ‘Amarone Calling’ tasting, a collaboration between the UK Sommelier Association and the Consorzio Tutela Vini Valpolicella, the Italian organisation dedicated to promoting and controlling the appellation of Valpolicella wines. The event focused on showcasing a range of Valpolicella and Amarone wines, offering a unique opportunity to explore these…

  • Reviving the Riches of Australian Shiraz

    Reviving the Riches of Australian Shiraz

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    Fiona Beckett from the Guardian Newspaper has an article on Australian Shiraz. In the 1990s, her favourite red wine was Australian shiraz, admired for its voluptuous, ripe and smooth qualities. However, tastes evolved and these wines became known as too sweet and jammy. However, recently, at a wine tasting, Fiona was impressed with the quality…

  • Top 100 Winners

    Top 100 Winners

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    Simon Judge

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    The Wine Merchant Magazine runs an annual competition where a selected panel of independent merchants blind-taste their way through more than 1,000 wines. The result is a great list of wines (also available as a magazine supplement) which arguably is the best of the best. Here are the value wines from the list: Best Value…

  • Wine in Grapes

    Wine in Grapes

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    Simon Judge

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  • From Wine Lees to Jelly Sweets

    From Wine Lees to Jelly Sweets

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    Simon Judge

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    Researchers in Turkey have discovered an innovative and sustainable use for winery waste, specifically wine lees, which are residues left over after the fermentation process in winemaking. This waste material, primarily comprising dead yeast cells, has been found to be a promising natural colouring agent for gelatine-based sweets, offering both cost-effectiveness and health benefits. This…

  • 25% Off Wine at Asda

    25% Off Wine at Asda

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    Simon Judge

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    Asda has 25% off wine, on £5.50 per bottle or more, until 11:59pm on 13 December 2023.

  • The End of an Era: Oddbins Closes Its Physical Stores

    The End of an Era: Oddbins Closes Its Physical Stores

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    Simon Judge

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    Harpers is reporting that the renowned wine retailer Oddbins has taken a significant turn by closing the physical aspect of its business, signalling the end of an era for a brand that was once a staple on UK high streets. Oddbins, known for its diverse and quality wine offerings, faced challenges in regaining its pre-pandemic…

  • White Castle Vineyard Triumphs at 2023 Welsh Wine Awards

    White Castle Vineyard Triumphs at 2023 Welsh Wine Awards

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    The Welsh wine industry celebrated the 2023 Welsh Wine Awards, held at the Llanerch Vineyard Hotel in Hensol on 6 November, 2023. The awards, marking their most successful year yet, were organised by the Welsh Vineyards Association (WVA) . In a year that also commemorates WVA’s tenth anniversary, the competition saw a record-breaking entry of…

  • Top 100 Tasting with Tim Atkin MW

    Top 100 Tasting with Tim Atkin MW

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    Simon Judge

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    On the 14th of November 2023, I went to a trade and press wine tasting event ‘Top 100 Tasting with Tim Atkin MW’ focussing on Ribera del Duero. The event was a curated selection of wines from Tim Atkin’s recent visit to the region. Ribera del Duero is renowned for its deep colours, complex aromas,…

  • Understanding Ribera del Duero

    Understanding Ribera del Duero

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    Ribera del Duero, a wine region in Spain, is mainly known for its red wines. Situated along the Duero River in the northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula, Ribera del Duero benefits from a unique climate, higher altitude and a rich winemaking heritage. The region gained its Denominación de Origen (DO) status in 1982. The…

  • Independent Wine Retailers Resilient Amidst Market Challenges

    Independent Wine Retailers Resilient Amidst Market Challenges

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    Simon Judge

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    In recent years, the narrative surrounding independent wine retailers in the UK has been dominated by a sense of impending doom, fuelled by the aggressive competition from supermarkets with their convenience of next-day delivery. However, the latest figures from The Wine Merchant paint a surprisingly different picture, one of resilience and steadiness in a turbulent…

  • 25% off Wine at Morrisons

    25% off Wine at Morrisons

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    A rare 25% discount on 6 or more bottles of wine, £5 or more. Until 21 November 2023.

  • 25% Off Wine at Tesco

    25% Off Wine at Tesco

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    Tesco has save 25% off wine with Clubcard when you buy 6+ bottles that are over £5.50, from 13 November 23 until 3 December 2023.

  • 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, £5 or more, from 13 November 2023 until and including 12 December 2023.

  • Mimo Moutinho Lisboa Red

    Mimo Moutinho Lisboa Red

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    Simon Judge

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    The 2021 Mimo Moutinho Lisboa Red from Aldi is made from the Touriga Nacional grape. Following the footsteps of its predecessor, the 2019 vintage, which Decanter praised for its ‘juicy brambles, liquorice and smoky tarry notes’, this wine maintains a high standard, scoring a respectable 3.8 on Vivino. On tasting, there’s red fruits. The wine…

  • Wine in Wine

    Wine in Wine

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    Simon Judge

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  • Produttori Primitivo di Manduria Riserva

    Produttori Primitivo di Manduria Riserva

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    The 2019 vintage from Manduria’s Consorzio Produttori Vini showcases the deep-rooted history of the winery, founded in 1932. This year is proudly indicated on the label. This full-bodied wine, with its robust 14.5% alcohol content, is also suitable for vegans. The wine has been carefully aged in oak barrels for at least nine months, a…

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