Simon Judge
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Understanding Italian Wines
Italy’s wine is an intricate tapestry woven from centuries of tradition, regional diversity and a large number of grape varieties. Each of Italy’s 20 regions offers a unique contribution to the country’s vast and varied wine portfolio: In 2022, Italy was the world’s largest wine producer accounting for nearly one-fifth of the global wine supply. However, in 2023, France overtook Italy, producing a slightly higher volume. These are the main wine regions in Italy: Northern Italy Piedmont: Nestled at the foot of the Alps, Piedmont is famed for its noble Nebbiolo grape, which yields the celebrated Barolo and Barbaresco wines.…
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A Mano New Vintages
I first came across A Mano wines at the Liberty Wines trade and press tasting in January 2024. A Mano wines are produced by winemaker Mark Shannon, originally from California and marketing expert Elvezia Sbalchiero. These wines are made from old grape vines, aged between 70 and 100 years, in Puglia. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in open vats using natural yeasts. Mark spends a lot of time in the vineyards to monitor phenolic development that contribute to the taste, colour and mouthfeel of the wines. The vines are small bush types called ‘alberello’, which are non-irrigated and low…
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Hunter’s Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Hunter’s Sauvignon Blanc, the wine that ignited the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc revolution, continues to shine brightly in its latest vintage. This iconic wine, which stole the show at the Sunday Times Wine Club Vintage Festival in 1986, is now meticulously crafted under the expertise of viticulturalist Jane Hunter, OBE, and Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for viticulture, alongside her winemaking nephew. From the renowned Wairau Valley, this Sauvignon Blanc has an ABV of 12.5% and presents the classic, vibrant flavours that have made it a favourite for decades. The 2023 vintage showcases a delightful medley of passion fruit,…
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Wines for Summer
The Guardian newspaper has an article on Wines to Capture the Taste of Summer: Theopetra Estate Xinonmavro Rosé, Meteora, Greece 2022An outstanding Greek rosé with mandarin-orange tingling and ripe stone fruit flavoirs. £21.75 from corkingwines.co.uk. Gerard Bertrand Orange Gold, IGP Pays d’Oc, France 2021Stylish orange wine with gentle tannic bite, spice, and exotic fruit flavours. £19 from ocado.com, hedonism.co.uk.Arrogant Frog Organic Orange 2023 (Jean-Claude Mas)Brightly peachy orange wine. £13.50 from Independent merchants in the UK. Advini’s Gros Manseng Vin Orange, Vin de France 2022Gently apricoty. £8.25 from Asda. Celler del Roure Safrà, Valencia, Spain 2021A light red that drinks like…
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Sommelier Wine Awards Results
After a break due to the pandemic, the Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA) resumed at The Oval in London this year. This unique competition, dedicated to wines for the on trade (hospitality) industry in Britain, provides a specialised platform where the best of suppliers’ offerings can be showcased. The event is judged by professionals within the industry. This year, it was orchestrated by Agile Media in collaboration with Imbibe, with Isa Bal MS of Trivet Restaurant, which has recently earned two Michelin stars, overseeing the event. Judges included a diverse group from across the UK, such as Matteo Furlan from The…
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Embrace the Summer With Rosé Wines
Rosé wine is enjoying a surge in popularity in the UK, according to CGA’s Wine Insight report. The data indicates that a third of consumers in Britain’s hospitality venues now typically opt for rosé, with 21% of them drinking it more frequently than the previous year. This growing enthusiasm has led to a significant 7.4% increase in rosé sales by value over the past year, a rate of growth that is double that of the still wine category overall. The appeal of rosé attracts a diverse group of drinkers. However, it is particularly popular among women, younger people and city…
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Enhanced Recycling to Affect Wine Prices
The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has advised UK wine businesses to include the costs of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations in their financial forecasts. At the London Wine Fair, WSTA’s Director of Policy, Simon Stannard, highlighted the need for businesses to prepare for these regulations, set to come into effect in October 2025. The EPR scheme aims to enhance recycling and reduce packaging waste, requiring UK businesses involved with packaging to register with the government’s Recycling Packaging Database (RPD) by 31 May 2024. Larger companies, with an annual turnover exceeding £1 million and more than 25 tonnes of…
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IWSC Results
The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) has recently announced the results of thousands of entries judged by a team of more than 120 international experts. This panel included over 20 Masters of Wine and nearly a dozen Master Sommeliers. The results are available in an online database. Champagne stood out with a great performance, securing 11 gold medals and highlighting its enduring excellence. France led the way in the country medal tally, amassing nearly 700 medals, of which 27 were gold. Italy and Australia also impressed, ranking among the top three with nearly 550 and almost 340 medals respectively.…
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New Research into Corked Wine
New research provides deeper insights into corked wine. Corked wine is primarily caused by the compound 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (2,4,6-TCA), which imparts a musty, mouldy smell to the wine. This compound is mainly produced through a microbial process and can originate from cork stoppers or the winemaking environment. Cork is the primary source due to potential contamination during the growth of trees or during cork processing, where chlorine-containing agents may be used. Preventative measures include avoiding the use of chlorinated fungicides and pesticides during grape growing and winemaking. Good hygiene practices in vineyards and wineries are essential to minimise microbial contamination. Additionally,…
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Wine is All the Rave
The Drinks Business is reporting that wine raves are becoming a popular way to introduce Generation Z to wine. Instead of traditional wine tastings, these events combine wine with rave-style parties in locations like Hackney studios or warehouses. Initiatives like New Theory and Close Ties host these events, featuring local DJs and offering an immersive experience. The trend has spread to cities like New York and Berlin, with similar events aiming to attract younger audiences who might otherwise prefer beer or cocktails.
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Not Enough Wine: Short Measures
According to a study reported by The Guardian, more than two-thirds of beer and wine sold in UK pubs and bars are short-measured, costing the average consumer approximately £115 annually. Trading standards officers, who visited 77 venues and conducted 137 test purchases, found 70% had less drink than declared. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) noted that this was the first national snapshot, highlighting a need for broader research across various consumer goods. Short measures, defined by the Weights and Measures (Intoxicating Liquor) Order 1988, were found in both beer and wine, with 41 drinks (29%) having a deficit of…
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Domaine de Mourchon Loubié Cotes du Rhone Villages Rosé
Domaine de Mourchon, managed by British-born Walter McKinlay alongside talented winemaker Sebastien Magnouac, produces this 2023 vintage, rosé with 13% ABV. The Domaine’s uses low-yield Grenache grapes, ensuring a superior flavour profile. This wine is a pale salmon colour, very dry, but nevertheless well balanced by its aromatic, round and fruity character. On the nose, there’s enticing aromas of strawberries and slight floral notes. The palate follows through with the same strawberry flavours, enhanced by a slight herbal undertone. This wine is not only great on its own but also pairs well with a wide variety of foods. Priced at…
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Wine Demand is Back Up – At Least in the US
An article on Wine Searcher Wine Comes Roaring Back discusses the surprising rebound of the wine industry in the USA after pandemic-induced declines. Recent data shows Millennials are increasingly consuming and spending more on wine than Baby Boomers. Wineries are adapting by appealing to younger demographics with eco-friendly practices and inclusive marketing. Notable growth is seen in sustainable and affordable wines, with strong sales reported across various wineries and retailers. The forecast for 2024 is cautiously optimistic, anticipating continued growth despite potential challenges.
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Wine Merchant Top 100
Wine Merchant magazine has recently announced its annual Top 100 wines. This year marks the first in-person judging since the pandemic, with judges from 38 independent stores across the UK participating in the selection process. The initial selection consisted of over 900 wines, reflecting a diverse range of offerings. Among the trends observed in this year’s awards, sparkling wines received a notably higher number of accolades. Additionally, the inclusion of orange wines and Greek wines highlights an increasing interest in these different wines.
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Tesco Spring/Summer Press Tasting
In May 2024, I had the pleasure of attending Tesco’s Spring/Summer Press Tasting event in London. The selection was curated to cater to the warmer months, with a clear aim to inspire customers at every price point. The event showcased an impressive array of 138 wines, including 23 new additions to the range and numerous fresh vintages. Among this selection, these are the wines I thought stood out and left a lasting impression: Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne Brut NV 12.4% £25This wine is composed of 67% Chardonnay and 33% Pinot Noir. It is produced by Cédric Jacopin, the Chef…
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25% Off Wine at Asda
Asda has 25% off wine, on £5.50 per bottle or more, 6 bottles or more, from 24 May 2024 until 11:59pm on Wednesday 29 May 2024.
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Co-op Spring & Summer Wine Tasting
The Co-op Spring & Summer Wine Tasting was held in May 2024, in London, showcasing 84 wines. With consumers becoming more price-conscious, the Co-op has seen a noticeable shift towards choosing own-label wines over branded ones. In response, Co-op has expanded its own-label wine ranges. There is also a strong demand for rosé wines, which, surprisingly, are popular year-round. To make the wine section less intimidating, the Co-op is re-merchandising by arranging wines by grape type or variety and updating labels to use simpler language. These efforts aim to help customers make easier choices. The Co-op has also started online…
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25% off Wine at Waitrose
Waitrose has 25% off 6 bottles or more of wine and Champagne priced £6 or over from 22 May to 4 June 2024 inclusive.
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25% off Wine at Morrisons
Morrisons 25% discount on 6 or more bottles of wine, £5 or more, until 27 May 2024. Max 2 sets of 6 per customer.
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London Wine Fair
I attended the London Wine Fair in May 2024, a three day trade event featuring 335 exhibitors and over 3,224 products, mainly wines. There were large pavilions for Italy, France, Greece, Georgia, WineGB, and even Japan, but Spain, New Zealand, and Australia were notably absent. However, on the day I attended, there was a pop-up New Zealand tasting. Spain, Australia and New Zealand recently held their own separate trade events, which allowed them to showcase a much larger number of wines. I mainly focused on wines already in the UK market but also explored a few seeking representation, as I…
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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