Simon Judge
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25% Off Wine at Tesco
Tesco has save 25% off wine with Clubcard when you buy 6+ bottles that are over £5.50 (£7 in Wales), from 12 November 2024 until 2 December 2024. See the Tesco tasting and Picks for tips on what to buy.
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Asda Extra Special Barossa Shiraz
I often revisit wines I’ve enjoyed at press tastings. Spending days with a bottle rather than seconds gives a fuller picture of its character, especially when comparing with similar wines. This applies to the Asda Extra Special Barossa Shiraz 2022 (£9, 14.5%) that caught my attention at a recent Asda press tasting and I promised to explore in more detail. To recap, the Asda Extra Special Barossa Shiraz has already gained a Bronze Medal at the IWSC 2024 and the IWC 2024, along with a Silver Medal from the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2023. Its made from 3% Cabernet…
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How European Consumers Value Wine
A new study investigates how wine consumers in France, Greece and Italy value various ‘credence attributes’, including wine origin, production methods (conventional, organic, or biodynamic), price and geographical indication (GI). The researchers assessed which attributes most strongly influence purchasing decisions. The analysis revealed that consumers highly value the origin of wine, especially local origins, followed by production methods, with organic wines receiving preference. Biodynamic methods, however, showed little impact on consumer choices, indicating a niche interest. The study identified significant cross-country differences. French consumers prioritised organic methods and local wines, while Greek consumers were more inclined toward national products over…
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Cantele Amativo
New from Majestic, this 2022 vintage of Amativo, made by Cantele, is a blend of Puglia’s signature red grapes: Negroamaro and Primitivo. The name “Amativo” merges “AMA” from the amaro in Negroamaro and “TIVO” from Primitivo, symbolising this interesting fusion. This wine has earned an impressive 4.3 rating on Vivino. In the glass, Amativo has a dark, intense colour and a richly layered aroma, evoking notes of raisin, blackcurrant, a festive touch of Christmas pudding and a hint of vanilla. The tasting experience is actually circular, opening with Primitivo’s signature slightly jammy sweetness, which carries through to the middle part…
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UK is Australia’s Largest Wine Market By Volume
Wine Australia has a new report on the period 12 months to 30 September 2024. The report on Australian wine exports highlights a 34% growth in export value to AUD 2.39 billion in the 12 months ending September 2024, reaching its highest levels since 2021. Exports surged particularly due to the lifting of tariffs on Australian wine exports to China, which saw a marked increase. Export volume to other destinations, however, fell slightly by 3%, with notable declines in the United States. For the UK, Australia’s largest market by volume and second by value, exports rebounded with a 3% increase…
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ZONIN Cuvée Zero
ZONIN has a new offering in the increasingly popular area of low- and no-alcohol wines. While many products in this category often taste more like juice than wine, sparkling varieties tend to hold up better due to the appeal of the bubbles. This recent launch from ZONIN, a producer known for premium Prosecco and collaborations such as Kylie Minogue’s excellent Prosecco, caught my attention because it is made from Glera grapes, the same variety used in Prosecco and is promoted as a premium option. ZONIN’s challenge has been to develop a product with wine-like characteristics that can closely replicate sparkling…
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Shoppers Unhappy Over Lower Alcohol Levels in Popular Wines
The Drinks Business is reporting that Tesco shoppers have voiced frustration online over popular wine brands reducing alcohol content, with some accusing producers of quietly lowering alcohol by volume (ABV) levels. Due to rising UK import duties based on alcohol levels, producers are cutting ABVs on budget wines to manage costs. Concha y Toro, for instance, reduced its Isla Negra brand’s ABV from 12% to 10.5%, while Blossom Hill Rosé and Hardys Stamp Shiraz Cabernet also saw cuts. Several Tesco customers expressed disappointment, describing the wines as weaker and less flavourful, with some wishing the original versions were still available,…
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Thoughts on Wine Price vs Value
When you purchase a bottle of wine, you might assume that most of the price goes towards the wine itself. However, the reality is often quite different, particularly for lower-priced and very highly priced wines. Here, I explore the complexities of wine pricing and explain why the relationship between price and quality is not as straightforward as it may seem. In the UK, the pricing structure of inexpensive wines reveals an perhaps unexpected allocation of costs. Consider a £5.99 bottle of wine. Of this amount, £1.00 typically goes to VAT, £2.16 covers UK excise duty, and £0.10 accounts for customs…
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M&S Collection Poggio Tosco Chianti Classico Riserva
M&S Collection Poggio Tosco Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 is an Italian red from Tuscany, made by the Azienda Uggiano winery. This blend is predominantly Sangiovese (80%) with the remaining 20% likely composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo, given the usual composition of Chianti from this winery. It sits in M&S’s ‘Collection’ range, which features top-tier wines from globally renowned regions, catering to a broad audience of both casual and seasoned wine enthusiasts. ‘Classico’ denotes this Chianti’s origin in the Chianti region, between Florence and Siena. This area, spanning about 100 square miles, produces Chianti wines under the DOCG designation, ensuring…
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Top Sainsbury’s Wines to Impress Without Breaking the Bank
Rob Buckhaven from Metro explores the stigma around supermarket wines, noting that people are often hesitant to bring own-brand bottles to social events, fearing judgment, though they’re happy to drink them in private. Rob suggests we care less about others’ perceptions, as supermarket wines are often made by top producers and offer excellent value. Here’s his list of recommended wines from Sainsbury’s: These wines represent exceptional quality for the price, dispelling myths around own-brand supermarket wines.
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How to Drink Wine
Tom Surgey’s How to Drink Wine is a refreshingly unpretentious guide that demystifies the world of wine. Tom, a well-regarded wine expert, brings a wealth of experience from his years in the industry, from starting as a young enthusiast at The Ivy in London to crafting wine lists for restaurants and representing top wine producers globally. His informal, conversational tone invites readers in, making this book accessible and engaging for beginners, yet still valuable for those with a seasoned palate. At first glance, How to Drink Wine is surprisingly compact, especially for a book written by someone with Tom’s experience.…
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Co-op Irresistible Assyrtiko
Greek wines are enjoying a growing presence in the UK market, with particular popularity around Assyrtiko, a vibrant and flavourful grape variety, with wineries such as Kir-Yianni leading the way. Assyrtiko’s profile is often compared to the boldness of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, though it brings its own distinct blend of mineral, citrus and peach with a lively acidity. The Co-op has introduced a new Assyrtiko under its ‘Irresistible’ range, although a close look at the small-type on the bottle label reveals this wine is actually produced by Kir-Yianni. Having recently sampled Kir-Yianni branded Assyrtiko at a Greek wine tasting…
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M&S Notte Stellata Rossa Primitivo di Manduria
M&S Notte Stellata Rossa Primitivo di Manduria is made from grapes grown in the San Marzano region of Puglia in Italy, with the new 2022 vintage offering a touch more strength at 14.5% ABV. This wine, which previously won a Silver at the International Wine Challenge. It spends six months ageing in a mix of French and American oak barrels, giving it a nuanced oaky depth. Unlike many wines, the back label of the Notte Stellata actually gives a very accurate description, highlighting rich, dark cherry, plum and chocolate notes. While the wine has a higher residual sugar level, it…
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Bel Air Parcellaire Merlot
I couldn’t resist trying this new Bordeaux from the Coop. Made from 100% Merlot, the Bel Air Parcellaire Merlot 2023, from Maison Sichel, is made from their select vineyard plots renowned for producing high-quality wines with a distinctive terroir expression, particularly benefiting from clay soils typical of Bordeaux’s right bank. On the nose, it offers abundant raspberry aromas, leading to a soft, rich palate filled with very ripe cherry and rosehip notes. The mouthfeel is medium yet very round, thanks to the 14.5% alcohol content and the tannins remain light to medium and approachable. With no oak ageing, the wine’s…
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Davy’s Autumn Trade Tasting
In late October 2024, I went to Davy’s Autumn Trade Tasting in London. Davy’s, established in 1870, supplies a range of bars, hotels, restaurants and catering services, as well as private and corporate clients, including universities, colleges and companies. Their offerings are available through several wine shops in London, online and via mail order. The event featured an impressive selection of 240 wines spread across four elegant rooms. It turned out to be a ‘red’ day for me, as nearly all the wines I most liked were reds. Pricing can vary significantly depending on the purchasing context, whether on trade…
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Ancient Wine Contained Cremated Bones
A recent study reports the discovery and analysis of a reddish liquid found in a 2000-year-old Roman mausoleum in Carmona, southern Spain, which appears to be the oldest preserved liquid wine. Found in 2019, the urn (left) containing the liquid also held cremated human remains, which likely explains the preservation of the wine, traditionally used in Roman burial rituals. Researchers used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to identify mineral salts and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) to detect polyphenols, elements characteristic of wine. Analysis showed that the liquid’s composition matched that of white wines typical to the Baetic region,…
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White Wines to Enjoy in Autumn
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,…
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Hacienda Uvanis, Garnacha Old Vines
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…
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WineGB Launches First Sustainability Impact Report
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…
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Taittinger Prestige Rosé
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…
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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