Simon Judge
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Aldi Autumn Winter Wine Tasting
In September 2024, I attended the Aldi Autumn Winter Press Wine Tasting, where 98 wines were showcased. It was a great opportunity to experience the variety and quality of Aldi’s wine offerings as they continue to establish themselves as a major player in the UK market. In fact, Aldi recently became the third-largest wine retailer, by volume, in the UK. One of the most remarkable statistics shared at the event was that Aldi sold an extra bottle of wine every second compared to the previous year. Aldi has also been working on their bottle labels. They have started to communicate…
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Rising Corkage Fees to Upwards of £100
The BBC has reported that Corkage fees, the charges diners pay for bringing their own wine to restaurants, are rising in London as establishments try to maintain profitability. Traditionally around £12 to £15 per bottle, some venues now charge upwards of £100. This increase is driven by inflation and rising costs, such as energy bills and wages, which have hit the restaurant industry hard, particularly in fine dining. Restaurants charge corkage to cover service costs and compensate for lost alcohol sales, which are typically more profitable than food. Some restaurants, like Dorian in Notting Hill, justify high fees by arguing…
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Label Design Influence on Consumer Attitudes Toward Organic Wine
New research ‘healthy = (un)tasty’ intuition concerning colour in organic wine labels explores how the colour of organic wine labels influences consumer perceptions, focusing on the associations with healthiness, tastiness and purchase intentions. The research investigates the effects of red versus green labels on these consumer attitudes. The study confirms that organic labels generally create a ‘health halo’, where consumers perceive organic products as healthier. This was demonstrated through Implicit Association Tests, revealing that consumers implicitly associate organic wine with both healthiness and tastiness. Green labels were found to be more strongly associated with healthiness, while red labels were linked…
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Three Domaine Bousquet Malbecs
I first came across Domaine Bousquet Malbec at the London Wine Fair, where I singled out Bousquet Gran Malbec, having won a Gold in the Drinks Business Malbec Masters. Here, I explore the winery further, along with its range of sister wines. The Bousquet family, originally from Carcassonne in southern France, have four generations of winemaking expertise. Their passion for high-quality wine led them to Argentina, where they found the Gualtallary Valley in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, situated 4,000 feet in the foothills of the Andes. In 2011, Jean Bousquet handed over the winery to his daughter, Anne, and…
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Should Rosé Wines Be Darker?
New research on The effect of rosé wine colours on expected flavour and tastiness explores how different shades of rosé wine influence consumer perceptions, particularly regarding flavour expectations and tastiness. The study involved an experiment with 601 French rosé wine consumers, focusing on five shades of Rosé de Provence wines. It investigated whether slightly darker rosé wines, like peach and melon shades, elicit more positive consumer responses than paler shades such as nacre, light melon and sand. Consumers generally preferred the slightly darker peach and melon shades over paler shades. These darker shades were associated with higher willingness to pay,…
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Fine Wine Tasting
In September 2024, I attended a Fine Wine Evening at my local Majestic in Woking. It was a consumer tasting event, expertly presented by Andrew from Majestic Woking. Andrew, who is soon to move to Majestic Edinburgh, showcased his knowledge throughout the evening, offering insights into the selection of fine wines. The evening began with a welcome drink of the excellent Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne. Aged for twice the legally required time, this Champagne benefits from extended time on the lees, which imparts a delightful biscuity and toasty flavour, complemented by a slight citrus nuance. It’s no surprise that this…
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Tenuta Di Trinoro Tasting
In early September 2024, I attended a tasting lunch in London hosted by Benjamin Franchetti, the owner of Tenuta di Trinoro, a renowned estate known for its Super-Tuscan wines. The estate was founded by Benjamin’s late father, Andrea Franchetti, who defied expectations by creating a world-class Super-Tuscan from scratch, without any outside help. Although Tenuta di Trinoro fits the definition of a Super-Tuscan, using international grape varieties, aged in barriques and produced in limited quantities, Benjamin prefers not to classify the wines in this category. He values the creative freedom to craft unique wines without restrictions or expectations. Andrea’s legacy…
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WineGB Trade and Press Tasting
The WineGB Trade and Press Tasting, in early September 2024, offered an impressive selection, showcasing over 300 wines from 80 producers. The event featured individual exhibitor stands, regional vineyard association stands and themed tasting tables. English sparkling wine has reached an exceptional level of quality, frequently rivalling and occasionally surpassing some of the finest Champagnes. Although I tasted a some traditional method sparkling wines, my primary interest lay in exploring the wines outside this well-established category. I wanted to see how English sparkling wines are evolving and also to investigate what still wines were on offer, particularly those made with…
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Swig Autumn Portfolio Tasting
Swig is an online retailer founded by Robin Davis, 25 years ago, which has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s best independents. They also supply some of the UK’s top restaurants and independents, and in 2021, Decanter Magazine awarded them Best Midsize Online Retailer. In September 2024, I attended the Swig Autumn Portfolio Tasting at Crypt on the Green. The venue’s naturally cooler temperature was ideal for showcasing red wines at their best, a refreshing change from warmer venues that can sometimes compromise the tasting experience. The event featured 265 wines, with a particularly wide range of Italian…
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Consumer Attitudes and Willingness to Pay for Sustainable Wine
New research (pdf) looks into how age influences consumer attitudes and their willingness to pay for sustainably produced wine. The research is based on a survey of approximately 2,500 wine consumers across seven countries: the United States, South Africa, Netherlands, Italy, France, Chile and Australia. The study finds that younger consumers, those aged 18 to 44, are more inclined to view sustainable wine certification as important compared to older consumers aged 45 and above. This younger group also shows a slightly higher willingness to pay a premium for sustainably produced wines. However, while the willingness to pay among younger consumers…
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Cork vs Screw Cap
There’s a great new in-depth article at Food and Wine on Screw Caps vs Corks. The debate between corks and screw caps in the wine industry revolves around tradition, functionality and consumer perception. Corks, traditionally used in wine bottles, are praised for their ability to help wines age and develop complexity due to their porous nature. However, corks can deteriorate over time, leading to oxidation and there’s the potential of cork taint, affecting up to 5% of wines. Screw caps, introduced in 1959, have gained popularity due to their consistency and ability to prevent contamination. They are particularly suited for…
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Babylonstoren Sprankel
The Babylonstoren Sprankel 2018, from the Western Cape, offers an intriguing alternative to traditional Champagne. It’s part of the growing selection of Cap Classique wines from South Africa with over 260 producers and more than 400 different cuvées. South Africa now produces an impressive 11 million bottles annually and the Sprankel is a great example of why South African sparkling wines are gaining international recognition. Made using the traditional Méthode Cap Classique, which mirrors the techniques used for Champagne, the Sprankel is made only from Chardonnay grapes. It benefits from over four years of ageing, allowing it to develop a…
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Italian Wine Tasting
In July and August 2024, when press tastings were sparse, I decided to host a few wine tastings at home. For this third tasting of the Summer, I invited PR agencies, importers and retailers to submit Italian wines. I also included a few wines recommended by participants from previous tastings, as well as a blind tasting to challenge expectations. Nine family members and friends, all sharing my enthusiasm for wine, joined me in tasting eleven different wines. The wines were paired with delicious Italian pizza and pasta from Squisito Italian, complemented by fresh salads and homemade tiramisu, allowing us to…
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Whites Mellowed by Age
There’s new research on how bottle aging affects the sensory characteristics and quality perception of various dry white wines, specifically those made from Alvarinho, Arinto, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Bianco grape varieties. A panel of experienced tasters and students assessed the wines using dark glasses to prevent colour bias, focusing on various sensory attributes such as quality, balance, complexity and evolutionary state. The study included basic physical–chemical analysis, browning measurements, elemental composition and a partial volatile fraction analysis. The research revealed that while white wines are not typically aged, certain varieties display an unexpected aging potential. The sensory evaluation showed…
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Caliterra Tributo ‘Single Vineyard’ Carmenère
Caliterra Tributo ‘Single Vineyard’ Carmenère 2020 is a wine that caught my attention during a Hatch Mansfield tasting, and it has been a pleasure to explore it further following subsequent purchase. Produced by Caliterra Winery, a brand owned by the Mondavi/Errazuriz partnership, this wine is a fusion of modern winemaking techniques with Chile’s rich heritage. This 2020 vintage, 13.5% ABV, from the Colchagua Valley is a blend of 90% Carmenère, 8% Shiraz, and 2% Malbec, made by winemaker Rodrigo Zamorano. The grapes are handpicked and fermented using natural yeasts, resulting in a wine that is both authentic and expressive. On…
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Pairings for Beef
Jancis Robinson writes in the Financial Times Newspaper (might have moved behind paywall by the time you read this) on finding the perfect wine pairings for beef, exploring a diverse array of wines from around the globe. Wines include: Tasting notes can also be found on the Purple Pages of JancisRobinson.com.
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By-product of Winemaking Shows Promise in Treating Diabetic Eye Disease
There’s new research that highlights the potential of using grape pomace, a byproduct of winemaking, as a source of beneficial compounds for eye health. The study examined the effectiveness of a nutraceutical formulation called Maltodextrinated Grape Pomace Extract (MaGPE) in treating diabetic retinopathy, a common complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness. The study involved a 6-month clinical trial with 99 patients who had mild to moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The patients were divided into two groups: one received the MaGPE supplement, and the other received a placebo. The study found that the MaGPE group showed significant improvements in…
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Brit-Nat: A New Wave for the UK Wine Industry?
The Buyer Magazine has an article on how Brit-Nat, a category of British pét-nat, might disrupt the UK wine industry. Pét-nat is an emerging style in English and Welsh winemaking that contrasts sharply with traditional English sparkling wine. Whereas traditional English sparkling represents the established norms, Brit-Nat embodies a countercultural ethos with its non-conformist, artisanal approach. This appeals particularly to younger consumers who value authenticity and unique stories behind the products they buy. Tim Wildman MW highlights the growing interest in pét-nat, driven by its appealing price point and the individuality of the wines and their makers. These wines are…
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Kingscote Sparkling
Unusually, this review of English Kingscote Sparkling begins with its price. Originally sold at £18 in Tesco, it recently became discounted to £12 and then available for a mere £9 during a special 25% off offer. But how does an Sparkling English wine, typically retailing at £20 or much more, end up at such a low price? The answer lies in the labelling and the winemaking process. This wine is labelled as “Sparkling Wine of England” rather than “English Sparkling Wine” The difference? Kingscote is made using the Charmat method, where the second fermentation occurs quickly in a large tank…
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Diablo Deep Carmenere
Diablo Deep Carmenere is a new wine from Chile’s Rapel Valley and as a big fan of Carmenere, I was tempted enough to give it a try, especially since their Diablo Black Cabernet Sauvignon is among my picks. However, I’ve always found Diablo Red too sweet, so I approached this one with a sense of intrigue. At 13.5% ABV, this 2023 vintage pours a deep purplish-red. On the nose, there’s a hint of familiarity with Diablo Black, with a leather-like aroma that perhaps suggests a shared winemaking technique. However, this is quickly overtaken by a strong caramel scent, which is…
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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