Simon Judge
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Tenuta Di Trinoro Tasting
In early September 2024, I attended a tasting lunch in London hosted by Benjamin Franchetti, the owner of Tenuta di Trinoro, a renowned estate known for its Super-Tuscan wines. The estate was founded by Benjamin’s late father, Andrea Franchetti, who defied expectations by creating a world-class Super-Tuscan from scratch, without any outside help. Although Tenuta di Trinoro fits the definition of a Super-Tuscan, using international grape varieties, aged in barriques and produced in limited quantities, Benjamin prefers not to classify the wines in this category. He values the creative freedom to craft unique wines without restrictions or expectations. Andrea’s legacy…
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WineGB Trade and Press Tasting
The WineGB Trade and Press Tasting, in early September 2024, offered an impressive selection, showcasing over 300 wines from 80 producers. The event featured individual exhibitor stands, regional vineyard association stands and themed tasting tables. English sparkling wine has reached an exceptional level of quality, frequently rivalling and occasionally surpassing some of the finest Champagnes. Although I tasted a some traditional method sparkling wines, my primary interest lay in exploring the wines outside this well-established category. I wanted to see how English sparkling wines are evolving and also to investigate what still wines were on offer, particularly those made with…
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Swig Autumn Portfolio Tasting
Swig is an online retailer founded by Robin Davis, 25 years ago, which has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s best independents. They also supply some of the UK’s top restaurants and independents, and in 2021, Decanter Magazine awarded them Best Midsize Online Retailer. In September 2024, I attended the Swig Autumn Portfolio Tasting at Crypt on the Green. The venue’s naturally cooler temperature was ideal for showcasing red wines at their best, a refreshing change from warmer venues that can sometimes compromise the tasting experience. The event featured 265 wines, with a particularly wide range of Italian…
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Consumer Attitudes and Willingness to Pay for Sustainable Wine
New research (pdf) looks into how age influences consumer attitudes and their willingness to pay for sustainably produced wine. The research is based on a survey of approximately 2,500 wine consumers across seven countries: the United States, South Africa, Netherlands, Italy, France, Chile and Australia. The study finds that younger consumers, those aged 18 to 44, are more inclined to view sustainable wine certification as important compared to older consumers aged 45 and above. This younger group also shows a slightly higher willingness to pay a premium for sustainably produced wines. However, while the willingness to pay among younger consumers…
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Cork vs Screw Cap
There’s a great new in-depth article at Food and Wine on Screw Caps vs Corks. The debate between corks and screw caps in the wine industry revolves around tradition, functionality and consumer perception. Corks, traditionally used in wine bottles, are praised for their ability to help wines age and develop complexity due to their porous nature. However, corks can deteriorate over time, leading to oxidation and there’s the potential of cork taint, affecting up to 5% of wines. Screw caps, introduced in 1959, have gained popularity due to their consistency and ability to prevent contamination. They are particularly suited for…
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Babylonstoren Sprankel
The Babylonstoren Sprankel 2018, from the Western Cape, offers an intriguing alternative to traditional Champagne. It’s part of the growing selection of Cap Classique wines from South Africa with over 260 producers and more than 400 different cuvées. South Africa now produces an impressive 11 million bottles annually and the Sprankel is a great example of why South African sparkling wines are gaining international recognition. Made using the traditional Méthode Cap Classique, which mirrors the techniques used for Champagne, the Sprankel is made only from Chardonnay grapes. It benefits from over four years of ageing, allowing it to develop a…
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Italian Wine Tasting
In July and August 2024, when press tastings were sparse, I decided to host a few wine tastings at home. For this third tasting of the Summer, I invited PR agencies, importers and retailers to submit Italian wines. I also included a few wines recommended by participants from previous tastings, as well as a blind tasting to challenge expectations. Nine family members and friends, all sharing my enthusiasm for wine, joined me in tasting eleven different wines. The wines were paired with delicious Italian pizza and pasta from Squisito Italian, complemented by fresh salads and homemade tiramisu, allowing us to…
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Whites Mellowed by Age
There’s new research on how bottle aging affects the sensory characteristics and quality perception of various dry white wines, specifically those made from Alvarinho, Arinto, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Bianco grape varieties. A panel of experienced tasters and students assessed the wines using dark glasses to prevent colour bias, focusing on various sensory attributes such as quality, balance, complexity and evolutionary state. The study included basic physical–chemical analysis, browning measurements, elemental composition and a partial volatile fraction analysis. The research revealed that while white wines are not typically aged, certain varieties display an unexpected aging potential. The sensory evaluation showed…
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Caliterra Tributo ‘Single Vineyard’ Carmenère
Caliterra Tributo ‘Single Vineyard’ Carmenère 2020 is a wine that caught my attention during a Hatch Mansfield tasting, and it has been a pleasure to explore it further following subsequent purchase. Produced by Caliterra Winery, a brand owned by the Mondavi/Errazuriz partnership, this wine is a fusion of modern winemaking techniques with Chile’s rich heritage. This 2020 vintage, 13.5% ABV, from the Colchagua Valley is a blend of 90% Carmenère, 8% Shiraz, and 2% Malbec, made by winemaker Rodrigo Zamorano. The grapes are handpicked and fermented using natural yeasts, resulting in a wine that is both authentic and expressive. On…
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Pairings for Beef
Jancis Robinson writes in the Financial Times Newspaper (might have moved behind paywall by the time you read this) on finding the perfect wine pairings for beef, exploring a diverse array of wines from around the globe. Wines include: Tasting notes can also be found on the Purple Pages of JancisRobinson.com.
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By-product of Winemaking Shows Promise in Treating Diabetic Eye Disease
There’s new research that highlights the potential of using grape pomace, a byproduct of winemaking, as a source of beneficial compounds for eye health. The study examined the effectiveness of a nutraceutical formulation called Maltodextrinated Grape Pomace Extract (MaGPE) in treating diabetic retinopathy, a common complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness. The study involved a 6-month clinical trial with 99 patients who had mild to moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The patients were divided into two groups: one received the MaGPE supplement, and the other received a placebo. The study found that the MaGPE group showed significant improvements in…
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Brit-Nat: A New Wave for the UK Wine Industry?
The Buyer Magazine has an article on how Brit-Nat, a category of British pét-nat, might disrupt the UK wine industry. Pét-nat is an emerging style in English and Welsh winemaking that contrasts sharply with traditional English sparkling wine. Whereas traditional English sparkling represents the established norms, Brit-Nat embodies a countercultural ethos with its non-conformist, artisanal approach. This appeals particularly to younger consumers who value authenticity and unique stories behind the products they buy. Tim Wildman MW highlights the growing interest in pét-nat, driven by its appealing price point and the individuality of the wines and their makers. These wines are…
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Kingscote Sparkling
Unusually, this review of English Kingscote Sparkling begins with its price. Originally sold at £18 in Tesco, it recently became discounted to £12 and then available for a mere £9 during a special 25% off offer. But how does an Sparkling English wine, typically retailing at £20 or much more, end up at such a low price? The answer lies in the labelling and the winemaking process. This wine is labelled as “Sparkling Wine of England” rather than “English Sparkling Wine” The difference? Kingscote is made using the Charmat method, where the second fermentation occurs quickly in a large tank…
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Diablo Deep Carmenere
Diablo Deep Carmenere is a new wine from Chile’s Rapel Valley and as a big fan of Carmenere, I was tempted enough to give it a try, especially since their Diablo Black Cabernet Sauvignon is among my picks. However, I’ve always found Diablo Red too sweet, so I approached this one with a sense of intrigue. At 13.5% ABV, this 2023 vintage pours a deep purplish-red. On the nose, there’s a hint of familiarity with Diablo Black, with a leather-like aroma that perhaps suggests a shared winemaking technique. However, this is quickly overtaken by a strong caramel scent, which is…
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Majestic Sees 94% Surge in Organic Wine Sales, Exceeding Growth Expectations
DrinksRetailing is reporting Majestic has had a significant 94% increase in organic wine sales over the past year, nearly doubling from the previous year. This growth, spanning both retail and on-trade supply sectors, surpasses the company’s initial forecast that predicted a doubling of organic sales within three years. Majestic attributes this success to the improved depth and quality of its organic wine range, now offering 169 organic options compared to 124 the previous year. The trend is supported by more wine producers transitioning to organic practices. Majestic’s buying manager, Elizabeth Kelly MW, highlighted the rising demand for organic wines and…
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Non-Provence Rosé
The Guardian Newspaper has an article by Hannah Crosbie that explores the dominance of Provence in the rosé wine market, noting that many people mistakenly believe rosé is only made there. However, rosé is produced worldwide, offering unique qualities that shouldn’t be overlooked. Hannah encourages readers to explore rosés from different regions, which can offer distinctive flavours, colours, and aging potentials. To illustrate the diversity and quality available, the article provides examples of excellent rosés from outside Provence: Specially Selected Bowler & Brolly English Rosé, priced at £5.99 (on offer, down from £9.99), available at Aldi. It is made from…
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Wine Atlas Jaen Dão
The Wine Atlas Jaen Dão 2021 from Asda’s new Wine Atlas range is a great find for those seeking less familiar wines that deliver both quality and affordability. Mencía, known as Jaen in Portugal, is an indigenous grape variety originating from the western regions of the Iberian Peninsula. This medium-bodied red, with a 13% ABV, has already gained recognition, earning Bronze Medals at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2024, the Decanter World Wine Awards 2024 and the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2024. On the nose, this wine offers an inviting cherry aroma, hinting at the red-berried flavours that…
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Remembering Stephen: A Shared Passion for Wine
Devon Life is reporting that Stephen Barrett, the UK wine critic and restaurateur, has passed away at the age of 77. I had the pleasure of meeting Stephen at many press wine tastings. He had a remarkable way with words that truly set him apart. I mentioned him in the Bordeaux Experience tasting where he described some of the wines as simply ‘mad’. It was a perfect example of his unique and vivid approach to capturing the essence of a wine. Photo: Stephen at a Wines of Rueda, Navarra and Toro tasting. We always had a great rapport, and whenever…
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25% Off at Waitrose
A less frequent 25% off 6 bottles or more of wine and Champagne priced £6 or over from 20 August to 27 August 2024 inclusive. See the Waitrose press tasting for tips on what to buy.
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Kylie Minogue Prosecco
When my wife picked up this Kylie Minogue Prosecco, I had my doubts. Too much Prosecco DOC (not DOCG) nowadays is mass-produced, resulting in a loss of the distinctive taste it once had. I assumed this newly launched, non-Rosé Prosecco from Kylie Minogue would be just a bottle relying on celebrity branding to disguise a mediocre wine. How wrong I was. This Prosecco is sourced from the renowned Zonin 1821 estate, known for producing some of the better and more expensive Proseccos on the market. The pretty bottle, adorned with delicate heart stamps, is more than just attractive packaging and…
Pick Lists
Majestic | The Wine Society | Tesco | Waitrose | Sainsbury’s | Morrisons | Co-op | Asda | Aldi | Lidl | £7 and Under | Over £20
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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