Simon Judge
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Wine Atlas Île-de-Beauté Rosé
The Wine Atlas Île-de-Beauté Rosé, 2023 vintage, comes from Corsica and is produced by Vignerons D’Aghione. It features a blend of Niellucciu, Sciacarellu (20%), Syrah (10%) and Grenache (50%), with a 4-month maturation period and an 11% ABV. The wine is a IWC Bronze Medal Winner 2024 and is a new wine in the Asda Wine Atlas range. It has a pale colour that appears darker in the wider-than-normal bottle. On the nose, it offers great floral aromas, which are both inviting and delicate. Despite the bottle’s claim of a delicious citrus palate, the taste is more characterised by redcurrant,…
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WineGB Awards Winners
The eighth WineGB Awards saw a record-breaking number of entries and gold medals, with wines from 33 counties across England and Wales receiving accolades. Over 350 medals were awarded: 177 for sparkling wines and 174 for still wines, with a significant increase in gold medals for still wines compared to 2023. Notable categories included Classic Cuvée Non-Vintage/Multi-Vintage, Classic Cuvée Vintage, and Rosé for sparkling wines, each securing six golds. The top still wines were Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, each with five golds, followed by Bacchus with four. Gold medals were awarded to wines from 10 different grape varieties, including the…
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UK Vineyard Visits Surge
A new WineGB tourism report (PDF) reveals a significant rise in vineyard visits in the UK, with a 55% increase in two years. The report highlights WineGB’s initiatives to support wine tourism and outlines seven policy changes it urges the government to implement to boost growth. The report shows that 300 vineyards and wineries are engaged in wine tourism, attracting 1.5 million visits last year, contributing a quarter of total income. With appropriate changes, visitor numbers could reach 16 million. WineGB is advocating for Cellar Door Relief, fairer taxes, better tourism funding, expedited tourism processes, improved planning, industry training, and…
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Lidl Summer and French Wine Tours
In June 2024, I went to a Lidl wine tasting in London, which showcased wines planned to be introduced during the Summer (mainly Iberian wine) and French Wine Tours, at the end of June 2024 and July 2024 respectively. Additionally, a selection of wines from Lidl’s core range was also being shown. Wine Tours at Lidl have wines displayed in wooden crates, each labelled with ratings. Typically, a wine from the tour is available for up to two months, though popular selections may sell out sooner. The aim of these tours is to frequently refresh the selection, encouraging variety and…
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Decanter World Wine Awards 2024
The Decanter World Wine Awards 2024 results are out, highlighting the best wines from over 18,000 entries across 57 countries. France led with the most top medals, including 12 Best in Show awards. Notable winners include Burgundy and Champagne. Other standout regions are Australia, Spain and Italy. The awards also featured impressive performances from emerging regions like Greece and Japan.
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Celebrate English Wine Week with The Uncommon at Waitrose King’s Cross
The Uncommon, a pioneering English winemaker, is set to take over the Waitrose Bar at its King’s Cross store during English Wine Week from 15th to 23rd June. Their canned English bubbly wines will be featured alongside a series of vibrant activities, including tastings and an English Wine Masterclass led by Phil Norman on June 20th. The event will also offer chances to win exclusive merchandise and a luxurious picnic basket from Coco & Wolf worth £650. Founded in 2018 by Henry Connell and Alex Thraves, The Uncommon has become the UK’s leading producer of English wine in cans, with…
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Premium Rosés
A new article from The Drinks Business highlights twelve luxury rosés, detailing their unique characteristics and appeal to fine wine enthusiasts. The selection spans various regions and styles, emphasising high-quality production and distinctive flavour profiles. These rosés are premium choices for discerning palates, often accompanied by notable packaging and prestigious vineyard reputations. Here is the list of the wines with prices and suppliers: Is there need for premium rosés? I sometimes correspond with Mark Squires, wine writer and previously critic at Robert Parker Wine. He has an interesting question (on Bluesky, visible to logged in users): I’ve always wondered if…
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Wyfold Vineyard Brut 2017
Wyfold Vineyard Brut 2017 is a small release from a small site in Oxfordshire. Coming from Barbara Laithwaite CBE’s cherished two hectares of vineyards on the Chiltern Hills, this English Sparkling reflects her award-winning legacy. With accolades including a recent Gold at WineGB, a Silver Decanter Medal, and Bronze awards from both the International Wine Challenge (IWC) and the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), 3.9 score on Vivino and availability in some Michelin-starred restaurants, Wyfold Vineyard Brut 2017 has a excellent reputation. Released in 2022 after five years of maturation, this sparkling wine uses a blend of 50% Chardonnay,…
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Wine for Anti-Ageing?
Vogue has an article, Can A Compound Found In Red Wine Help Your Skin? The idea of using anti-ageing products can feel outdated, as there’s a growing preference for focusing on longevity and graceful ageing. Among the popular anti-ageing methods on social media, resveratrol has gained attention for its promising benefits. This natural compound, found in foods like red wine, chocolate, and berries, is said to have anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties. Resveratrol, a flavonoid, is celebrated for its antioxidant capabilities, which combat cellular ageing and improve skin health. It’s found in the skins of grapes, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, peanuts,…
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UK Wine and Spirits Contributes £76 Billion to UK Economy
Drinks Retailing News mentions a recent report commissioned by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) revealing that the UK’s wine and spirits industry contributed over £76 billion to the economy in 2022, a significant increase from £49 billion in 2017. The study, conducted by economic consultancy Cebr, found the industry generated over £22 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) and supported 413,000 jobs in 2022. The UK maintained its position as the world’s second largest importer of wines and the largest exporter of spirits. WSTA chief executive Miles Beale highlighted the industry’s importance and called for government cooperation to…
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French Rosé Market Slows After Boom
Meininger’s is reporting that French rosé sales, which had seen significant growth, are now slowing down. The decline in sales is attributed to reduced purchasing power and adverse weather conditions in early summer 2023. Despite a drop in domestic sales and exports, regions like Provence and Pays d’Oc are focusing on premium segments and innovative production methods. While some areas experience stable or even increasing demand, others, like Bordeaux, face challenges from climate change and overproduction. Producers are adapting by targeting niche markets and developing high-quality, structured rosés.
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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, from 11 June 2024 until 17 June 2024.
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Wines of Sicilia DOC Tasting
On 10th June 2024, there was a trade and press event showcasing around 150 wines from 25 producers from the Wines of Sicilia DOC. It was an excellent opportunity to explore Sicilian wine styles, taste new releases and learn about the different regions of Sicily. While Sicily boasts approximately 70 native grape varieties, Grillo (white) and Nero d’Avola (red) dominated the tasting tables. However, I also discovered a few different wines. I also particularly focussed on those already available in the UK, ensuring the wines I mention are available for purchase. Here are what I thought were the standout wines…
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25% off at Morrisons
Morrisons 25% discount on 6 or more bottles of wine, £5 or more, until 18 June 2024.
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Las dos Caras Ribera Del Duero
Las dos Caras Ribera Del Duero, a Tempranillo grape wine, is produced by Bodegas Muriel. This medium to full-bodied wine has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 14%. Despite being a white-label product, it is likely Valdecuriel by Bodegas Muriel. Upon pouring, the wine reveals a deep ruby red colour that you can’t see through, a cherry aroma, setting the stage for a tasting experience that is both familiar and intriguing. On the palate, the predominant flavours are cherry, accompanied by subtle notes of blackcurrant, creating a harmonious blend that is both rich and refreshing. The wine’s very dryness on…
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The Value of PDO Labels for Spanish Wines
The Spanish wine industry has long experienced tension between innovation and tradition, particularly concerning the DOC system and efforts to modernise. This raises the question, does the DOC system truly have positive impact on wineries and consumers? New research Determining the influence of belonging to a wine protected designation of origin on profitability, by researchers from Department of Economics and Business, University of Lleida, Spain, provides insights for wine buyers interested in Spanish wines. The study examines how membership in a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), including Qualified Designations of Origin and Denominations of Origin, affects the the perceived quality…
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Understanding Sicilian Wines
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is not only known for its rich history and stunning landscapes but also for its vibrant and diverse wine culture. The Controlled Designation of Origin (DOC) for Sicilian wines was established on 22nd November 2011. Wine Regions of Sicily Sicily’s main wine regions can be broadly divided into several key areas, each with its distinct characteristics: EtnaSituated around the slopes of Mount Etna, this region is renowned for its volcanic soils, which impart a unique minerality to the wines. The high altitude and cooler temperatures allow for a longer growing season, producing wines…
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Bartolomeo Lorenzi Rosso Veronese 2021
From the prestigious Amarone specialist cooperative, Cantina di Negrar, celebrated as Italy’s 2019 Winery of the Year, comes the Bartolomeo Lorenzi Rosso Veronese 2021. Made by winemaker Daniele Accordini, this wine elegantly merges grapes from Valpolicella’s Classico region with air-dried Corvina, a hallmark of top-tier Amarone. While the light aroma isn’t the main focal point, the taste is where this wine truly shines. Light to medium-bodied with a 13% ABV, it offers a vibrant burst of fruit flavours. Cherry notes dominate, complemented by subtle hint of cocoa and sweet spice. The tannins are soft, making it exceptionally easy on the…
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Diluting the Integrity of Our Wines?
The VinePair Podcast discusses whether most wine drinkers care about the origin of their wine. The hosts, Adam, Joanna, and Zach, explore if regular consumers focus more on flavour and price than appellations and vintages, especially for wines below a certain price point. They compare this to the fashion industry, where the origin of a high-end product can be crucial, but it may not matter as much for more affordable items. Large American wineries are increasingly purchasing international bulk wines to blend into their bottles. In the UK, planned reforms may allow businesses to enhance imported wine through carbonation and…
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Borsa Vini Italiani
I had the pleasure of attending the Borsa Vini Italiani, a trade event hosted by the Italian Trade Commission, at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London on 4th June 2024. The event featured 41 exhibitors showcasing 197 wines from 13 regions including Piedmont, Lombardy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Tuscany, Marche, Abruzzo, Campania, Apulia, Calabria, Sicily, Sardinia and Umbria. My aim for this visit was to explore mainly atypical Italian wine offerings. This approach led me to discover some unique wines, including rosés made from unexpected red grape varieties, wines from non-native grapes and even Champagne-like wines. However, I couldn’t resist sampling…
Pick Lists
Majestic | The Wine Society | Tesco | Waitrose | Sainsbury’s | Morrisons | Co-op | Asda | Aldi | Lidl | £7 and Under | Over £20
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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