Simon Judge
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Ellis Wines Portfolio Tasting 2024
The Ellis Wines Portfolio tasting, themed ‘A Taste of the Future’, was held at the Royal Opera House in London on 18th March 2024. As a historic importer and wholesaler, Ellis Wines has been curating an exceptional selection of wines from across the globe since 1822, priding itself on being an independent, family-owned business dedicated to serving the UK’s on-trade sector. This includes bars, pubs, restaurants, and hotels, catering to a clientele seeking unique and exquisite wine experiences beyond the ordinary offerings found in supermarkets. This tasting featured over 65 producers showcasing around 400 wines. The event provided an opportunity…
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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 19 March 2024 until 25 March 2024.
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New Post-Brexit Wine Duty Bands Unworkable?
Jack Simpson from The Guardian newspaper reports on the concerns of UK wine industry about post-Brexit tax changes set to increase the complexity of alcohol duty, leading to higher wine prices for consumers. The new system, effective from February 2025, will introduce 30 tax bands for wine, replacing the previous single band. This change, which aligns duty with the alcohol by volume (ABV) of drinks, has been criticised by industry leaders as “ludicrous, expensive, and probably unworkable.” The overhaul was officially announced last August during Rishi Sunak’s tenure as Chancellor, aiming to tax drinks based on ABV rather than type.…
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How the Vivino Community Affects Consumer Wine Choice
A new study Factors influencing wine ratings in an online wine community: The case of Trentino–Alto Adige (PDF) by Giulia Gastaldello, Isabel Schäufele-Elbers, and Günter Schamel explores the dynamics behind consumer ratings of wine on Vivino, a leading online wine community. It examines how various factors, including wine attributes like geographical indications, brand, and a community effect based on the popularity among users, influence these ratings across different price points. The research employs regression models and a hedonic quantile regression on price to analyse data from Vivino concerning wines from the Trentino–Alto Adige region in Italy. The study reveals a…
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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, until 11:59pm on Monday 1 April 2024.
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Aldi Spring Summer 2024 Press Tasting
The Aldi Spring Summer 2024 Press Tasting took place in March 2023, in London. This event presented a diverse selection of 99 wines with options for those seeking low and no-alcohol alternatives, catering to the growing demand for healthier lifestyle choices. Additionally, the event featured some wines with innovative packaging, underlining Aldi’s efforts to stand out in the competitive retail market. This focus on design and sustainability reflects a new trend in the industry towards more environmentally friendly packaging solutions. The wines presented at the tasting fall into three main categories: core lines, seasonal offerings and new introductions set to…
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Wines to Elevate Easter Weekend Celebrations
In Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, Marianna Hunt presents a list of eight wines to enhance an Easter weekend, accompanied by suggested food pairings. These selections span from sparkling rosés to rich reds and dessert wines, suitable for various dishes and preferences.
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Understanding Portuguese Wines
Portugal’s winemaking heritage is not only shaped by the country’s extensive range of climates and terroirs but also by the passionate commitment of its winemakers to both innovation and the preservation of centuries-old practices. In 2020, Portugal solidified its position on the international wine stage as the 10th largest exporter by volume and 11th by value to the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom, along with 20 other markets, forms the core of Portugal’s strategic focus for wine promotion, highlighting the country’s proactive efforts in expanding its wine footprint globally. Portugal has 14 designated wine regions each offering a distinct viticultural…
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Malolactic Fermentation
Malolactic Fermentation (MLF) is a common process in the production of many most wines and a few white wines. During MLF, malic acid present in the wine is converted to lactic acid by lactic acid bacteria, which helps in reducing the wine’s acidity and contributes to a smoother, creamier mouthfeel. For white wines, MLF is well-known for adding buttery, creamy nuances to Chardonnays. Two decades ago, this characteristic was greatly appreciated and became a defining trait of several renowned Californian labels. However, as preferences have shifted away from this style, a significant number of wine enthusiasts and experts have started…
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Australia’s Battle Against Overproduction
The Independent Newspaper is reporting that Australia’s wine industry is facing severe challenges due to a significant oversupply of wine, driven by declining global demand, especially for lower-priced red wines which are a major product of the country. Australia, the world’s fifth largest wine exporter, found itself with over two billion litres of wine in storage by mid-2023, leading to some of the stock spoiling. The crisis has hit hard in areas like Griffith, known for its wine grape cultivation, where millions of vines, some planted by Italian migrants in the 1950s, are being uprooted to combat the overproduction that…
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The Evolving Landscape of Rioja Wines
In the Guardian Newspaper, Fiona Beckett discusses the evolving landscape of Rioja wines, highlighting a shift towards new styles that offer more fruity, less oaky notes in reds and introduce a breed of floral whites. This change comes as a response to declining sales in the UK, despite its historical popularity. Innovations include higher altitude vineyards, diverse grape varieties and alternative aging processes. However, these premium Riojas command higher prices, paralleling prestigious regions like Burgundy and Barolo, potentially alienating budget-conscious consumers. Beckett also mentions affordable options but emphasises they don’t fully represent the current breadth of Rioja wines. Five recommended…
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Aldi Unveils UK’s First Supermarket Own-Brand Paper Wine Bottles
Aldi has announced the launch of the UK’s first supermarket own-brand paper wine bottles, marking a significant step in sustainable packaging. The products, Cambalala South African Shiraz and Cambalala South African Sauvignon Blanc, priced at £7.99 for a 75cl bottle, will be available from 18th March, coinciding with Global Recycling Day. These innovative bottles are made using Frugalpac’s technology, consisting of 94% recycled paperboard with a food-grade pouch for the wine, offering a fully recyclable solution that is five times lighter than traditional glass bottles. This initiative is part of Aldi’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, equivalent to driving…
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Kopke Library Collection Tasting
Kopke, the oldest port wine house, has a rich history dating back to its foundation by German Nicolau Kopkë in 1638. Since establishing its vineyards in the Douro Valley in 1781, Kopke was bought by the Bohane family in London. However, Kopke has been proudly Portuguese since the mid-twentieth century and is now under the stewardship of The Sogevinus Group who also own the wine houses of Burmester, Cálem and Barros. Kopke’s large library of White and Tawny ports is a treasure trove, housing White and Tawny ports that have remained largely untouched for decades. Kopke has embarked on releasing…
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Heightened Alcohol Sensitivity After COVID-19 Recovery
There’s new research that looks into alcohol sensitivity experienced by individuals after recovering from COVID-19, known as Post-acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). It presents case series of patients who, after contracting COVID-19, began experiencing adverse reactions to alcohol that they hadn’t faced before, such as severe hangover symptoms from small amounts of alcohol. This suggests a possible link between COVID-19 recovery and heightened alcohol sensitivity.
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Jeroboams Trade Portfolio Tasting 2024
Jeroboams is a London-based wine merchant, well-regarded for its extensive and exciting selection of wines, Champagnes, specialist cheeses and charcuterie. The company, founded by Peter Rich, started as a cheese and wine club before opening its first shop in South Kensington in 1985, specialising in quality cheeses, oils, vinegars and wines. Over the years, Jeroboams has expanded significantly, opening many shops and well as selling to the trade. Jeroboams held their Trade Portfolio Tasting, in London, on March 6th 2024. This was an opportunity to engage with their winemakers, taste their most recent offerings and explore new wines. There were…
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Gran Montana Malbec
The Gran Montana Malbec 2021 is an Argentinian wine from the Familia Zuccardi Winery located in the Uco Valley, created by winemaker Ruben Rufo. This 2021 vintage has had a mixed reception on Vivino with a rating of 3.8, a dip from the winery’s historically higher 4.0 scores. This Malbec reveals bramble fruit aromas, which transition into a taste profile that mirrors its olfactory promise. Its body straddles the line between medium and full, with a medium finish. Similar to the Extra Special Uco Valley Malbec, the Gran Montana is better than most supermarket Malbec. Priced at £10 at Morrisons,…
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25% off Wine at Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s has 25% off wine, 6 bottles or more, £6 or more, until 10 March 2024.
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25% off Wine at Morrisons
25% discount on 6 or more bottles of wine, £5 or more, until 10 March 2024. Maximum 20 items per customer.
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Red Bordeaux Wine From Supermarkets Under £20
The Scotsman has an article on Best red Bordeaux wine from supermarkets for under £20. The article discusses the author’s evolving appreciation for wine, particularly Bordeaux wines. Initially viewing Bordeaux as exclusive and expensive, the author, Rosalind Erskine, has discovered affordable and quality options available in supermarkets. The journey has highlighted both the traditional appeal of Bordeaux wines and the value found in lesser-known regions and producers, proving that quality does not always come with a high price tag. Here is a summary of the wines mentioned, along with their prices and suppliers. It’s strange two of them are not…
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Italian Wine Exports – Downturn in Both Volume and Value
European Supermarket Magazine is reporting that in 2023, Italian wine exports experienced a downturn in both volume and value across its five principal export markets, decreasing by 4.4% and 7.3% respectively, amounting to €4.45 billion. This decline was particularly marked in the United States, Canada, Japan and the UK, with only Germany witnessing a 7% increase in exports, buoyed by a significant rise in bulk wine orders. The overall decrease is attributed to an oversupply at local distributors in the US, alongside similar declines in other key markets. The sector faced challenges such as rising production costs and falling average…
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Majestic | The Wine Society | Tesco | Waitrose | Sainsbury’s | Morrisons | Co-op | Asda | Aldi | Lidl | £7 and Under | Over £20
Did You Know?
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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