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Simon Judge

  • 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…

  • European Wine Industry Unites to Combat Anti-Alcohol Movement

    European Wine Industry Unites to Combat Anti-Alcohol Movement

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    The VITÆVINO Declaration is a newly launched initiative by major European wine organisations to combat the growing anti-alcohol movement, which has negatively impacted wine sales and wine culture. The declaration, signed on 1 October 2023, aims to defend European wine culture by highlighting four key points: preserving wine heritage, its economic role in rural areas, advocating for moderate consumption as part of a balanced lifestyle and upholding the right to enjoy wine responsibly. This campaign comes at a critical moment as increasing health concerns, particularly following the World Health Organisation’s declaration that no alcohol consumption is safe, have led to…

  • Chosen by Majestic ‘Greek White’

    Chosen by Majestic ‘Greek White’

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    I stumbled upon this great wine by chance during an evening out at a local amateur dramatics production, set in Greece, where we were also served Greek food. This 2023 vintage is a custom blend made for Majestic by the Kintonis winery in the Peloponnese, predominantly featuring Malagousia, along with Roditis and Assyrtiko, resulting in a truly vibrant and aromatic experience. Aromatically, it is immediately inviting, offering floral notes of rose petals. As you taste, it bursts with delicate flavours of blossom, lemon, lime, and stone fruits such as peach and pear, making it a perfect match for Greek cuisine.…

  • 25% Off Wine at Sainsbury’s

    25% Off Wine at Sainsbury’s

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    Sainsbury’s has 25% off wine, sparkling and Champagne, 6 bottles or more, £6 or more, from 18 October 2024 to 2 November 2024. See the Sainsbury’s tasting for tips on what to buy.

  • Mayu Carménère Appassimento

    Mayu Carménère Appassimento

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    After thoroughly enjoying the Mayu Pinot Noir at a recent press tasting, I was eager to try their Carménère. This 2020 vintage comes from the Elqui Valley, one of Chile’s most extreme wine regions, situated nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. With around 300 days of sunshine a year, this climate offers ideal conditions for producing bold, distinctive wines. Winemaker Giorgio Flessati, whose Italian heritage deeply influences his approach, has created the world’s first appassimento Carménère. This technique involves allowing 60% of the grapes to dry, concentrating the flavours and producing an intense, unique wine. The aroma of this wine…

  • 25% Off Wine at Asda

    25% Off Wine at Asda

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    Asda has 25% off wine, on £5.50 per bottle or more, 6 bottles or more, from 15 October 2024 until 1 November 2024. See the Autumn/Winter Press tasting for tips on what to buy.

  • Monastrell Masterclass and Tasting

    Monastrell Masterclass and Tasting

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    In October 2024, I attended a Monastrell Masterclass led by Patrick Schmitt MW, followed by a walk-around tasting. The event was sponsored by Monastrell Spain, so all the wines were Spanish, though the masterclass also referenced other countries for context. Monastrell is known as Mourvèdre in France and has lots of different names in other countries. I came in with limited knowledge of Spanish Monastrell, expecting most wines to be highly tannic, similar to many Ribera del Duero wines. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find a wide range of styles, which contradicted my initial assumptions. The masterclass imparted lots…

  • Insights into the UK Wine Market

    Insights into the UK Wine Market

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    Wine Australia has released an insightful report on the UK market, which remains Australia’s number one export market by volume. The report provides a detailed analysis of the current trends and challenges impacting wine consumption in the UK, such as economic shifts, inflation, changes in disposable income and evolving consumer behaviour. The UK economy has experienced volatility, including a recession in 2023 due to high inflation and interest rates. Although inflation has begun to ease, household disposable incomes remain low, negatively impacting consumer spending. As alcohol prices rose, wine consumption declined, with the volume of alcohol consumption in the UK…

  • 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 (£7 in Wales), from 14 October 2024 until 31 October 2024. See the Tesco tasting and Picks for tips on what to buy.

  • Big London Christmas Wine Fest

    Big London Christmas Wine Fest

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    The Big London Christmas Wine Fest is set to take place at Lindley Hall from Friday, 22nd November to Saturday, 23rd November 2024. Hosted by wine experts Oz, Olly, and Tim, the event features a wide selection of over 600 wines from around the world for attendees to taste. Visitors will have the chance to explore various wine styles including red, white, rosé, sparkling, sweet and fortified. In addition to the main walk-around tasting, the event includes three themed masterclasses for those keen to deepen their wine knowledge. There will also be special show offers from exhibitors, making it a…

  • Asda Autumn Winter Wine Showcase

    Asda Autumn Winter Wine Showcase

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    I attended Asda’s Autumn/Winter Wine Showcase which took place in October 2024. The event highlighted Asda’s impressive achievements, with 91% of their own label and private label wines having won awards this year, a total of 350 awards. Asda continues to focus on maintaining high quality by blending their wines at the source whenever possible. There is the upcoming rebranding of their premium products. Look out for the launch of ‘Exceptional by Asda,’ featuring a new rosette logo. The first wine release under this brand is the Exceptional Blanc de Noirs Champagne, with more wines to follow in the run-up…

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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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