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Simon Judge

  • French Rosé Market Slows After Boom

    French Rosé Market Slows After Boom

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    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.

  • 25% Off Wine at Tesco

    25% Off Wine at Tesco

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    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.

  • Wines of Sicilia DOC Tasting

    Wines of Sicilia DOC Tasting

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    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…

  • 25% off at Morrisons

    25% off at Morrisons

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    Morrisons 25% discount on 6 or more bottles of wine, £5 or more, until 18 June 2024.

  • Las dos Caras Ribera Del Duero

    Las dos Caras Ribera Del Duero

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    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…

  • The Value of PDO Labels for Spanish Wines

    The Value of PDO Labels for Spanish Wines

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    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…

  • Understanding Sicilian Wines

    Understanding Sicilian Wines

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    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…

  • Bartolomeo Lorenzi Rosso Veronese 2021

    Bartolomeo Lorenzi Rosso Veronese 2021

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    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…

  • Diluting the Integrity of Our Wines?

    Diluting the Integrity of Our Wines?

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    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…

  • Borsa Vini Italiani

    Borsa Vini Italiani

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    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…

  • Understanding Italian Wines

    Understanding Italian Wines

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    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.…

  • A Mano New Vintages

    A Mano New Vintages

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    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…

  • Hunter’s Sauvignon Blanc 2023

    Hunter’s Sauvignon Blanc 2023

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    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,…

  • Wines for Summer

    Wines for Summer

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    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…

  • Sommelier Wine Awards Results

    Sommelier Wine Awards Results

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    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…

  • Embrace the Summer With Rosé Wines

    Embrace the Summer With Rosé Wines

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    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…

  • Enhanced Recycling to Affect Wine Prices

    Enhanced Recycling to Affect Wine Prices

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    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…

  • IWSC Results

    IWSC Results

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    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.…

  • New Research into Corked Wine

    New Research into Corked Wine

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    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,…

  • Wine is All the Rave

    Wine is All the Rave

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    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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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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