Simon Judge

  • Do Wine Reviews Matter?

    Do Wine Reviews Matter?

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    There’s recent research (PDF) looking into the impact of peer preferences and expert reviews on consumer behaviour, specifically for products like wine that consumers can sample. Through two experimental studies, the research identified that when consumers taste wines, their own rating significantly influences their willingness to pay (WTP). A one-star increase in their rating can…

  • New UK Wine Reforms Announced

    New UK Wine Reforms Announced

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    The UK government has announced a series of reforms aimed at boosting investment and easing regulatory burdens on the wine industry. Set to take effect in 2024, these changes are part of a broader strategy to modernise the sector and encourage sustainable practices. The reforms were announced are the result of a public consultation. The…

  • The Evolving Advice for UK Wine Buying

    The Evolving Advice for UK Wine Buying

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    The UK’s wine market is undergoing a transformation, influenced by factors like the cost of living crisis, Brexit and new alcohol duty regulations. David Williams, a wine writer for The Guardian newspaper, has some advice for navigating this shifting landscape. David says the new baseline for a good, everyday bottle is £8 rather than £5.99….

  • Wine Nose

    Wine Nose

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    Simon Judge

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  • 25% Off Wine at Sainsbury’s

    25% Off Wine at Sainsbury’s

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    Sainsbury’s has 25% off wine, on £6+ bottles, when buying 6 more bottles, until and including 31 October 2023.

  • Lidl’s Chateaux Noir Returns, Challenging Wine Etiquette and Preconceptions

    Lidl’s Chateaux Noir Returns, Challenging Wine Etiquette and Preconceptions

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    Simon Judge

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    Four years after its sell-out success, Lidl (UK) has once again launched its wine tasting event, Chateaux Noir. This unique experience, designed to democratise wine and challenge traditional wine etiquette, aims to change perceptions this festive season. Recent research indicates that more than a quarter of people still believe that pricier wine labels guarantee better…

  • Specially Selected Toscana Rosso

    Specially Selected Toscana Rosso

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    Simon Judge

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    The Specially Selected Toscana Rosso 2021 is a red, 14% alcohol, wine that’s medium to full-bodied. Its origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery, with the bottle labels being coy about the wine producer. Despite the lack of provenance, there’s a clue of its origin on the back label – a mention of bottled for Buontalenti…

  • 25% Off Wine at Tesco

    25% Off Wine at Tesco

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    Simon Judge

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    Tesco has save 25% off wine with Clubcard when you buy 6+ bottles that are over £5.50, until Mon 30/10/23.

  • The Wine Buying Experience in Specialist Wine Retailers

    The Wine Buying Experience in Specialist Wine Retailers

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    Simon Judge

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    There’s an interesting new whitepaper titled “Wine Decisions: The Wine Buying Experience in Independent Specialist Wine Retailers” based on a research study conducted by KAM in collaboration with Hallgarten & Novum Wines, focusing on consumer behavior within the UK’s independent specialist wine retail sector. This study, involving 1,185 participants, explores the driving factors influencing consumer…

  • Mousiness

    Mousiness

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    Simon Judge

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    Wine mousiness is a fault that arises during the wine making process, mainly due to the presence of undesirable Brettanomyces (‘Brett’) and Lactobacillus. These microorganisms produce certain compounds like tetrahydropyridine that are responsible for the unpleasant odour and taste associated with this fault. It’s called ‘mousiness’ or ‘mouse cage’ due to the characteristic odour and…

  • French Wine Gold Medal Insights

    French Wine Gold Medal Insights

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    Simon Judge

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    The French online magazine TheLocal has an enlightening article (you can only view once before goes to paywall) on French wine gold medals that you might have seen on French wine bottles. In 2022, over 24,000 medals were awarded, originating from various wine competitions (les concours) held throughout France. These competitions require a fee for…

  • Orange Wine is Breaking into the Mainstream

    Orange Wine is Breaking into the Mainstream

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    Simon Judge

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    The Telegraph newspaper is explaining how orange wine is breaking into the mainstream. Once a niche taste favoured by few, orange wines are starting to go mainstream. They sit between red and white wines, although their vinification process sharply deviates from that of rosé. While rosé comes from red grapes handled much like white ones,…

  • Light Strike

    Light Strike

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    Simon Judge

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    Light strike in wine, caused by exposure to sunlight or artificial light, leads to unpleasant aromas and flavours reminiscent of sewage, rotten eggs, wet wool or cooked cabbage. This is due to the generation of compounds such as dimethyl disulphide created when light reacts with riboflavin in the wine, creating off-smelling sulphur compounds. The problem…

  • What is Sustainable Wine?

    What is Sustainable Wine?

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    Sustainable wine covers a range of practices aimed at diminishing the adverse impacts of wine production on the planet while ensuring the long-term viability for the industry. At the core of sustainable wine are organic and biodynamic practices. These are concerned with minimising the negative environmental impact of farming and food production and promoting soil…

  • Wine Buyers Want a Personal Touch for Subscriptions

    Wine Buyers Want a Personal Touch for Subscriptions

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    Simon Judge

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    Recently, the wine subscription market has seen an increase in demand for a more personalised experience. Subscribers are no longer content with fixed selections and want curated choices that match with their unique palate. In a recent edition of the Subscription Commerce Readiness Report, The Loyalty Factor, PYMNTS Intelligence conducted a survey involving over 2,000…

  • Corte Lenguin Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore

    Corte Lenguin Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore

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    Simon Judge

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    I recently had the pleasure of dining at the excellent Mercato Italiano in Bridport, Dorset. It was here that I discovered the Corte Lenguin Valpolicella Ripasso, DOC certified and medium to full-bodied. The blend of Corvina Veronese, Corvinone and Rondinella grapes blends beautifully to create a great flavour. A high rating of 4.0 on Vivino…

  • New Wine

    New Wine

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  • Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Wine: The Bottle Weight Accord

    Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Wine: The Bottle Weight Accord

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    The wine industry is increasingly under scrutiny for its environmental impact, particularly its carbon footprint. A recent report by Dr. Peter Stanbury, prepared for the Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) (pdf), has shed light on the significant but often overlooked aspect of the weight of wine bottles. The report reveals that the single largest source of…

  • Rapid Growth of Vineyards Bolsters England’s Agricultural Sector

    Rapid Growth of Vineyards Bolsters England’s Agricultural Sector

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    Simon Judge

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    Vineyards have emerged as the fastest-growing edible agricultural sector in England, according to recent DEFRA statistics, with grapes now constituting 36% of the country’s soft fruit crop, marking a sector growth rate of 21% over the past year. Wines of Great Britain has reported a significant growth in vine plantings by 74% over five years…

  • Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Tasting

    Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Tasting

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    On Tuesday 10th October I attended the Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Trade & Media tasting. The Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG region lies near Venice, in the foothills of the pre-alps. This small area is known for its steep vineyards, which are primarily tended by hand due to the challenging terrain. These labour-intensive practices have…

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