Simon Judge
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Muga Rioja Reserva
Muga is one of the most iconic and traditional bodegas in Rioja. Situated in the historic railway quarter of Haro, the capital of Rioja Alta, Muga is renowned for eschewing stainless steel tanks in favour of time-honoured methods. The bodega even operates its own cooperage, creating barrels from a variety of oak sources and carefully toasting them to achieve the perfect flavour balance. At any time, the winery houses an impressive 17,000 barrels, with 60% made from French oak and the rest from American oak sourced from Kentucky and Ohio. This Reserva is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and…
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The Best Alvarinho
Another gem chosen by my wife, one I might never have stumbled across (the wine, not wife) otherwise. This 2021 vintage from Casal de Ventozela in northern Portugal has a 12% ABV. Although the ‘Vinho Verde’ mentioned on the label might suggest a lighter style, don’t be misled, this wine delivers remarkable depth and character. Aged on its lees for four months post-fermentation, it amplifies its delicious stone fruit flavours and achieves an added layer of richness. It opens with an intense aroma of apricot, drawing you in. Taste wise, it’s dry, though it gives the impression of being slightly…
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Trends for 2025
Bibendum’s Top 6 Wine Trends for 2025 highlights emerging preferences in the wine industry, based on the analysis of cutting-edge venues using the ‘Wine MODE’ tool. This is based on changes seen on UK on-trade (hospitality) wine lists. French Aligoté is gaining recognition as a standalone varietal due to improved ripening from global warming, now appearing in a significant number of venues. Spanish Rosado, traditionally fuller-bodied than French rosé, is becoming popular for its food pairing versatility, particularly Rioja rosado. USA Cabernet Sauvignon from regions like Napa Valley is being featured more frequently, while Italian Primitivo, with its rich and…
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Wines for the Festive Season
In CityAM, Libby Brodie explores affordable yet delicious wines perfect for the festive season, highlighting sparkling options, lesser-known regions and supermarket exclusives. Wines Mentioned:
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Liquid Cocaine Hidden in Wine Cartons
Reuters has reported that Polish authorities have seized 44 litres of liquid cocaine, valued at approximately $1.85 million, hidden in wine cartons. The drugs were intercepted in the Lublin region after being shipped from a Panamanian port, passing through a European sea port and a Czech customs point in Ostrava. The operation involved Polish Border Guards in Gdansk and Czech customs officers. Three men have been arrested, with further arrests possible as the investigation continues.
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Co-op Les Pionniers NV
Co-op’s award-winning Champagne is on offer to Co-op Members for just £15.00 (was £21.50) between 18th and 24th December 2024. Read my review.
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Adnams Crémant de Limoux
Crémant has gained attention in recent years, due to the growing popularity of Crémant wines as an affordable alternative to Champagne. Produced by Maison Antech, this Crémant is a 70/30 blend of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc with an alcohol content of 12% ABV. The production process follows the traditional method, the same method used to make Champagne. Grapes are handpicked and whole bunch pressed before undergoing secondary fermentation in the bottle, which creates the signature bubbles. Crémant de Limoux is aged on the lees for a minimum of nine months. Maison Antech goes beyond this requirement, extending the lees ageing…
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El Enemigo Cabernet Franc
From Tesco’s Autumn Winter Tasting, it became clear that Tesco are focusing on adding more premium wine offerings. This shift and market conditions has encouraged some wine producers/importers, who once avoided supplying supermarkets, to reconsider, with Tesco now starting to compete more with retailers like Majestic and independent wine shops. With this in mind, I decided to start reviewing some of these premium selections, beginning with El Enemigo Cabernet Franc that has a high 4.3 on Vivino, 99/100 from James Suckling and 92/100 from Robert Parker. This wine, supplied through C&C Group/Bibendum Wine, is notable for being bottled at source,…
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Self Blending of Wines
When reviewing wines, I often have six to eight bottles open at once. Different types and profiles help me calibrate my taste and I sometimes open a wine I’m already familiar with for comparison when assessing something new. That’s exactly what I did with the Deluxe Pinotage. This time, I decided to also open an Asda Extra Special Pinotage, which is one of my picks. I like its deep, smoky, earthy flavour and nothing else comes close at that price point. Tasting the Lidl Pinotage alongside it, I found the Lidl Pinotage while ok had much less flavour, but the…
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Deluxe Pinotage
Pinotage wine often flies under the radar, and this particular Deluxe Pinotage from Lidl is especially elusive as it isn’t listed on Lidl’s website. The Pinotage grape was first cultivated in 1925 through the crossbreeding of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut by Abraham Izak Perold, the inaugural Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University. Known for its rich colour and robust flavours, Pinotage is typically associated with South Africa, though it is also grown in countries like New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Switzerland and Israel. Lidl’s Deluxe range is curated to offer a touch of luxury at affordable prices. This particular wine, with an…
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Aldi Christmas 25% Discount
It’s Aldi’s Christmas wine sale from 9th to 31st December, with up to 25% discounts on over 60 bottles. The following prices are from the press release which don’t all match those online so check carefully before buying. See my picks from the Autumn press tasting which include the Fleurie and Vouvray. Specially Selected Australian Cabernet Franc £5.99 £4.49Specially Selected Australian Chardonnay/Gruner Veltliner Blend £6.49 £4.85Specially Selected Australian Grenache £8.99 £6.69Specially Selected Australian GSM £7.19 £5.39Specially Selected Australian Malbec £8.99 £6.69Specially Selected Australian Merlot £8.49 £6.35Specially Selected Australian Pinot Noir £7.69 £5.75Specially Selected Australian Semillon £8.99 £6.69Specially Selected Australian Zweigelt…
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Mental Approaches for Assessing Wines
A new study looks at how two different mental approaches, mindfulness and thought suppression, affect the ability to smell and assess wines. Mindfulness, which involves staying present and accepting your feelings and sensations without judgment, helped people better notice the intensity of smells in the wines. However, it made them less likely to judge whether a wine smelled pleasant or unpleasant. On the other hand, thought suppression, where you try to push away your emotions, reduced people’s overall ability to identify smells in the wine. For anyone tasting wine, this means that being mindful, focusing calmly on the smells and…
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Free Chianti Classico Course
The Consorzi Vini e Olio Classico online platform offers a free educational course on Black Rooster DOP wines and oils, exploring the history, terroir, and production of Chianti Classico. The five-module programme covers topics such as the region’s ancient history, modern challenges, grape and olive varieties, and production techniques. You will learn about Sangiovese grapes, Chianti cultivars and tasting methods. Aimed at professionals like sommeliers and food writers, as well as wine enthusiasts, the course provides an official certificate upon completion, recognising the skills acquired.
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Wine-Tasting Experience Day
Wine Unearthed invites you to a fun and educational Wine-Tasting Experience Day in London, held at Browns Covent Garden. You’ll sample 15 quality wines, enjoy a three-course food and wine-matching lunch, and learn how to taste wine like a professional in a relaxed setting, perfect for beginners and wine enthusiasts alike. Organised by Wine Unearthed, this event takes place on Saturday, 18 January 2025, from 11:00 to 16:00, priced at £125.
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Majestic Showcase
In December 2024, with so few press tastings in the calendar, this gave me the opportunity to visit my local Woking Majestic for their showcase tasting. The event featured nine wines, arranged across three sections: white, red and sweet/fortified. The tasting began on a high note with the Taittinger Brut Réserve, a sparkling classic that hardly requires an introduction, let alone any detailed mention. The whites included a Chablis, a Viognier, and a Chenin Blanc. Of these, the standout for me was the St Ferreol Viognier 2023 (13%). Partially fermented and matured in French oak on its lees, it offered…
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Wines of Alentejo Battle of Icons
In early December 2024, London hosted a unique event: Wines of Alentejo, Battle of Icons. This gathering brought together 18 people from the trade and press to explore and celebrate the exceptional wines of Alentejo, one of Portugal’s most renowned southern wine regions. The event focused on identifying and highlighting wines poised to become ‘Icons’, top-tier examples of Alentejo’s winemaking excellence. By spotlighting these soon-to-be Icons, Wines of Alentejo, Battle of Icons also aimed to enhance the reputation and recognition of Alentejo wines. The event began with a refreshing, sparkling Vinha D’Ervideira. However, the main focus of the evening was…
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Understanding Wines of Alentejo, Portugal
This region blends age-old practices with modern techniques, producing wines that are highly regarded both in Portugal and across the globe. The geography of Alentejo is marked by rolling plains, varied soil types and a Mediterranean climate. Soils such as schist, clay, granite, marble and limestone provide the perfect foundation for grape cultivation. The predominantly hot and dry climate, with a strong continental influence, further enhances the conditions for growing high-quality grapes. Alentejo is subdivided into eight distinct sub-regions: Borba, Évora, Granja-Amareleja, Moura, Portalegre, Redondo, Reguengos, and Vidigueira. Each of these sub-regions contributes to the region’s wine diversity. Portalegre, with…
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Lowest Wine Output Since 1961
The OIV’s new 2024 World Wine Production Outlook (PDF) highlights a challenging year for the global wine industry, with production estimated at 227 to 235 million hectolitres, reflecting a 2% decline from 2023 and a 13% decrease compared to the ten-year average. This marks the lowest global output since 1961, primarily driven by adverse climatic conditions across both hemispheres. In Europe, production has been significantly affected by extreme weather, with France experiencing a sharp 23% drop, while Italy regains its position as the leading global producer despite remaining 13% below its five-year average. Spain, although improving from 2023, remains 4%…
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M&S Collection Amarone della Valpolicella
The M&S Collection series is their premium wine range, designed to elevate their offerings and showcase winemaking craftsmanship. Among these, the Amarone della Valpolicella 2021 is, so far, my favourite in the collection. This wine, produced by Cantine Giacomo Montresor, a winery with roots dating back to 1892, comes in at 14.5% ABV. While on the lower end of the typical Amarone spectrum (14-16% ABV, often exceeding 15%), this balance hints on what’s to come. A blend of 60% Corvina, 20% Corvinone, and 10% Rondinella grapes, it employs the traditional appassimento technique. The grapes are partially dried for up to…
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Terra Organica Prosecco
Terra Organica Prosecco is an organic and vegan-friendly Prosecco, notable for being the first of its kind to eliminate the traditional foil cap, a decision aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and waste. It is made in small batches by the family-run winery led by winemaker Claudio Galosi. The prosecco features a low alcohol content of 10.5%, making it a lighter, yet still very flavoursome choice. Each purchase of Terra Organica contributes 1% of the sale to non-profit organisations dedicated to protecting the environment, underlining the brand’s commitment to ecological causes. Terra Organica Prosecco has a fine, delicate mousse, a…
Pick Lists
Majestic | The Wine Society | Tesco | Waitrose | Sainsbury’s | Morrisons | Co-op | Asda | Lidl | £7 and Under | Over £20
Did You Know?
Australian wine exports to China have collapsed from around $1.2 billion to less than $10 million. More
Wine’s aroma is not determined solely by which flavour compounds it contains. More
Low-to-moderate wine consumption is associated with lower mortality. More
Moderate water stress can be part of what creates flavour and terroir expression. More
Wine appears less frequently online than other alcoholic drinks. More
Independent retailers had 9% fewer customers in March 2026 than two years earlier. More
Average spend per bottle in independents has risen by 23% since 2019, compared with 21% in supermarkets. More.
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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