Simon Judge

  • Noble Rot

    Noble Rot

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    Simon Judge

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    Noble rot, also known as ‘Botrytis cinerea’, is a beneficial fungus that affects wine grapes. Under specific conditions, this fungus can lead to the production of some of the world’s best sweet wines. When the fungus attacks the grape, it causes the grape to shrivel, concentrating the sugars and flavours. This results in a very…

  • 2023 Wine Production Expected to be Smallest for Sixty Years

    2023 Wine Production Expected to be Smallest for Sixty Years

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    Simon Judge

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    The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) has reported that the world wine production for 2023 is expected to be the smallest in over six decades due to severe climatic events affecting yields across the globe. The European Union anticipates a lower output, with Italy and Spain experiencing significant declines due to adverse weather…

  • Fine Wine

    Fine Wine

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    Simon Judge

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    Fine wine is a ambiguous term, often used the world of high-quality wines that stand out due to their exceptional taste, aroma and potential to age gracefully. These wines, typically crafted in limited batches, come from well-known vineyards and are the acquired by collectors, enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Major wine-producing regions, like Bordeaux in France, Tuscany…

  • Wine On The Wall

    Wine On The Wall

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    Simon Judge

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  • New Marketing Campaign for Diablo Brand

    New Marketing Campaign for Diablo Brand

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    Simon Judge

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    Drinks Retailing has recently revealed that Concha y Toro, the large Chilean wine producer, is rolling out a fresh marketing campaign for its Diablo wine brand. The brand, which has seen a significant popularity, is now estimated to be worth a large £15 million in retail sales. One of the highlights of this campaign is…

  • Masso Antico Negroamaro

    Masso Antico Negroamaro

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    Simon Judge

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    The Masso Antico Negroamaro from Salento, Puglia, comes with a reputation that sets high expectations. Awarded a gold medal at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge 2021 and rated 4.1 on Vivino, not to mention its IWSC bronze, this organic wine certainly has a lot to live up to. Upon uncorking, the first thing that…

  • How Interior Design Can Enhance the Enjoyment of Wine

    How Interior Design Can Enhance the Enjoyment of Wine

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    Simon Judge

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    Campo Viejo has recently unveiled a study that looks into the relationship between interior spaces and the enjoyment of the wine served within them. The study’s findings suggest that the design and ambiance of a space can significantly influence our sensory experiences, particularly when it comes to experiencing wine. The experiment, though small in scale,…

  • Feliz Rioja, November 2023

    Feliz Rioja, November 2023

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    Simon Judge

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    This November, the UK will have Feliz Rioja, a month-long event set to highlight the prominence of the Rioja wine-producing region across various outlets in the UK. Independent retailers, restaurants and wine bars throughout the country have registered their participation. With over 100 outlets involved, the event aims to provide a comprehensive exposure to Rioja…

  • Flooding in South Africa Could Disrupt Your Favourite Wines

    Flooding in South Africa Could Disrupt Your Favourite Wines

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    Simon Judge

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    The South African wine industry is facing a new set of challenges that could potentially disrupt the supply and quality of wines from the region. According to a recent article on Wine Spectator, South African winemakers are grappling with flooding, which has caused significant damage to vineyards and infrastructure. This comes on top of the…

  • 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 £6 or over from 1 November to 7 November inclusive.

  • Tesco’s Finest Wine Labels Get a Makeover

    Tesco’s Finest Wine Labels Get a Makeover

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    Simon Judge

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    Drinks Retailing is reporting that Tesco has started to update the labels of its Finest range of wines. The move aims to enrich the customer experience by using the labels to tell the story behind each wine. This initiative is part of Tesco’s broader strategy to enhance its Finest packaging and offer consumers a more…

  • Time to Wine Down

    Time to Wine Down

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    Simon Judge

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  • The Growth and Challenges of the Prosecco DOC Industry

    The Growth and Challenges of the Prosecco DOC Industry

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    Simon Judge

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    A new research paper “Dominant business models and sustainable long-term growth, A System Dynamics-based analysis of the Prosecco wine industry” (pdf) investigates the strong growth of the Prosecco (DOC) industry and its implications for long-term sustainability. The industry’s great rise can be attributed to a variety of factors. Regulatory changes in 2009 significantly expanded the…

  • Triade Rosso IGT Puglia

    Triade Rosso IGT Puglia

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    Simon Judge

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    Triade Rosso is a interesting red wine from Puglia in Italy. This blend combines three grape varieties: Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Nero di Troia. The result is a wine that is deep red in colour, offering a different type of complexity. On the nose, the wine greets you with a bouquet of blueberries, dark cherries, cinnamon…

  • Good Housekeeping’s German Rieslings

    Good Housekeeping’s German Rieslings

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    The Good Housekeeping Institute’s annual Wine Awards panel, consisting of 10 WSET-accredited experts, sampled various bottles to identify the Best German Rieslings, for 2023. German Riesling wines are renowned for their sophisticated flavours, intricate depth, and invigorating zest. These wines offer a spectrum of tastes, from exceedingly dry to delightfully sweet, and usually feature a…

  • Varietal Wine

    Varietal Wine

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    Simon Judge

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    Varietal wine is made mainly from a single grape variety and its label usually indicates this. It aims to showcase the unique characteristics of that specific grape. On the other hand, many wines are blends for several reasons. Blending can add complexity by combining the attributes of different grape varieties. It also allows for more…

  • Specially Selected Rioja Rosado

    Specially Selected Rioja Rosado

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    Aldi’s Specially Selected Rioja Rosado 2022 has a DOC certification. While it’s advertised as being pink, I think the wine has a more golden hue. My wife, who picked this wine from Aldi, likens its taste to that of rosehip cordial. It’s a dry wine with a hint of fruitiness, making it ok on its…

  • Hiding Behind the Glass

    Hiding Behind the Glass

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    Simon Judge

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  • French Winemakers Destroy Spanish Wine

    French Winemakers Destroy Spanish Wine

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    The Telegraph newspaper has reported that, in a striking move against what they see as unfair competition, around 500 French wine makers from Narbonne and Perpignan stopped lorries importing Spanish wines at the border town of Boulou. They emptied thousands of gallons of rosé and smashed 10,000 bottles of Spanish sparkling wine on the roads….

  • New record: Most wine glasses balanced on the head

    New record: Most wine glasses balanced on the head

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    Simon Judge

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    62-year-old Aristotelis Valaoritis from Cyprus has broken the Guinness World Record for balancing the most wine glasses on the head. Glass dancing, a popular spectacle at Cypriot weddings and special occasions, involves the performer moving around while balancing glasses on their head. Valaoritis, a security advisor by profession, has been a long-time practitioner of this…

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