Simon Judge
-
TV Wine Expert Hails Lidl’s £5.99 Cava as ‘Best Bargain of the Year’
In an article by Bristol Live, a wine from Lidl has been spotlighted by Saturday Kitchen’s wine expert as the “Best bargain this year.” It’s the Arestel Cava Semi Seco, a sparkling wine that boasts a price tag of only £5.99. During a recent episode of Saturday Kitchen, aired on BBC One on the morning of February 24, wine expert Olly Smith took to the stage to introduce a pairing for an apple dessert crafted by the London-based Ukrainian chef Olia Hercules. Smith’s selection criteria were specific. He was in search of a fizz that diverged from the typical dry…
-
Duca di Sasseta Primitivo IGT
This 2022 vintage wine was part of the Lidl Italian and Iberian Wine Tours tasting when it was one of my favourites. I have since purchased it and it’s as good as I remembered and I now know it also works great with (Italian) food. It has also gained a respectable 4.0 score on Vivino. It boasts ripe dark berry fruits, including the deep flavours of blackcurrants and black cherries. Fruity without being too sweet. It surpasses many inexpensive Primitivo wines in quality, edging closer to the richer, more complex style of ‘Primitivo di Manduria‘. This is most likely due…
-
Finding Good Value in Wine
An article by David Williams in The Guardian Newspaper explores the intricacies of finding value in wine, noting that there is no simple formula linking price to quality. However, Williams highlights several factors that can affect the cost of wine, such as vineyard practices, equipment and the inherent qualities of the vineyard itself. Despite the challenges, he points out that great value wines can be found across various regions and price points. Here’s a summary of the wines mentioned along with their prices and suppliers: Tesco Finest Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Signargues, Rhône, France 2022: Priced at £8.50, available at Tesco. This…
-
Crisp, Clean, Well-balanced Cavas
The Good Housekeeping Institute conducted a thorough testing of 20 cava bottles from supermarkets and leading brands, serving each chilled and blind to eliminate brand bias. Their search was for crisp, clean, well-balanced Cavas with delightful notes of apple, citrus, and brioche. Here are their top recommendations for 2023, complete with ABV, prices, scores, and suppliers:
-
Through the Looking Glass
The Bibendum Spring Portfolio tasting, held on 27 February 2024, showcased 329 wines from England, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, USA, Canada, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Argentina, Australia, China, New Zealand, and South Africa. Bibendum is mainly targeted at the on-trade sector, which means bars, pubs, restaurants and hotels. The fact that many of the wines were presented by the producers themselves added an extra layer of insight into the stories behind each bottle. I find that hospitality offerings often leave much to be desired, with wines that fail to meet expectations or accurately represent their region or type. Consequently, I sometimes…
-
Furmint and Friends
This tasting was on the 27th February 2024, in London, organised by Wines of Hungary UK in partnership with the newly established Hungarian Wine Marketing Agency. It showcased an impressive array of 29 producers, presenting over 150 wines. The highlight of the event was a masterclass led by Caroline Gilby MW who imparted her extensive knowledge and insights. This masterclass provided attendees with a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the nuances of Hungarian wine. As usual, my focus was primarily on wines that are readily available in the UK market, rather than those seeking distribution, so you can…
-
Understanding Furmint
Furmint is a white Hungarian grape variety that plays a significant role in the production of Tokaji Aszú, one of the world’s oldest sweet wines. However, Furmint is also used to make a variety of other wine styles, each showcasing the grape’s versatility and unique characteristics. Furmint is also grown in Slovenia, Slovakia, Croatia, Austria and Serbia. In 2022, the area dedicated to wine production covered 56,252 hectares, with about 70% of this area planted with white grape varieties. The wine region encompasses 22 distinct areas and has 33 Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certifications, highlighting the diversity and quality…
-
Faustino V Reserva
Faustino V Reserva 2018 Rioja is aged for a minimum of 24 months in American oak barrels. The previous vintage was highly regarded by James Suckling, receiving a commendable score of 93, and the wine itself has been adorned with multiple accolades, including a Silver Medal from Mundus Vini, the Bacchus Award, a Gold Medal at the Berliner Wine Trophy and a Silver Medal for the 2010 vintage at the Decanter Asia Wine Awards. It’s medium to full-bodied red, with an aromatic profile that is both complex and intense. The oak aging imparts an immediate smokiness, complemented by notes of…
-
Wines from Six Great Importers
The Guardian Newspaper has an article discussing the various strategies people use when choosing wine, such as selecting by grape variety, region or label. It emphasises the importance of looking at the importer’s name on the back of the bottle as a quick guide to finding quality wines. Importers are likened to publishers or record labels, with some focusing on sourcing cheap bulk wine, while the best are seen as tastemakers who discover new and exciting wines from lesser-known producers, regions and grape varieties. However, the scale of the importer does not necessarily correlate with quality as both large and…
-
Sparkling Wine Purchase Factors
There’s new study-based research (PDF download) into recent sparkling wine consumers in Ontario, Canada, offering insights into the cues that drive their purchase decisions. Sparkling wine’s global market is experiencing significant growth. This uptrend is notable given the distinct nature of sparkling wine, often purchased for celebrations rather than regular consumption. Research has highlighted the importance of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors in influencing sparkling wine purchases. Consumers prioritise taste, smell, and the price-quality ratio, while also considering the wine’s origin and brand reputation. Interestingly, the significance of these cues can shift based on whether the purchase is for personal…
-
The Rise of Beaujolais and the Decline of Merlot
Decanter Magazine is reporting there’s been a notable shift in wine preferences in the UK, particularly in the red wine market. Merlot, once a popular choice, has seen a significant decrease in sales within bars and restaurants, spurred by a demand for lighter red wines. On the flip side, Beaujolais is experiencing a surge in popularity, with sales of Gamay grapes increasing by 35% since 2019 in upscale venues. This shift is attributed to a preference for lighter red wines and the search for value. Other varieties such as Nebbiolo, Corvina and Barbera are also gaining popularity, alongside a growth…
-
UK Bulk Wine Bottlers Embrace Cork for Sustainability
The Drinks Business is reporting that two leading UK bulk wine bottlers are making a move back to traditional cork stoppers. This change comes amidst growing demand among wine brands for more sustainable packaging solutions. This trend is largely driven by cork’s sustainable credentials, which are becoming more valued by both consumers and wine brands. The decision by Encirc Beverages and Broadland Drinks to install new corking lines at their UK facilities is a result of rising demand for cork-sealed wines. Encirc is responding to a top wine brand’s request to switch from screwcaps to cork for its bulk-shipped wines…
-
Calls for UK Budget Alcohol Relief to Boost Business and Curb Inflation
The Independent Newspaper is reporting that the alcohol industry is calling for cut to punishing duty rates. The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has voiced concerns over the detrimental effects of last year’s significant increases in alcohol duty, highlighting the negative repercussions on UK businesses and the broader economy. These increases, described as the largest in nearly half a century, added 20% to the excise duty on the majority of wines and over 10% on full-strength spirits available in the UK market. The industry witnessed a decline in sales volumes for wine and spirits, with spirits sales dropping by…
-
Real Wine Fair
The Real Wine Fair is at London’s Tobacco Dock on Sunday, April 28th 2024, open to both consumers and trade, and continue into Monday, April 29th 2024, exclusively for trade visitors. This year’s fair promises an impressive showcase of 180 producers who are at the forefront of organic, biodynamic and low-intervention winemaking. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to sample a selection of 900 natural wines. In addition to the wine tasting, the fair will also feature street food stalls, providing a variety of culinary delights to complement the wine sampling. A pop-up Real Wine Shop will offer guests the…
-
Intruder Spills Wine worth €2.5m at Spanish Winery
The BBC is reporting a Spanish winery, Cepa 21, experienced significant losses exceeding €2.5 million (£2.1 million) when an unidentified individual emptied 60,000 litres of wine by opening tanks in the early hours of Sunday. This act of vandalism targeted two of the winery’s premium wines, Horcajo and Malabrigo. The complexity of the tanks’ security mechanisms suggests the perpetrator had knowledge of the winery’s operations. The intruder was clearly familiar with both the winery and its security measures. The winery, situated in Castrillo de Duero, a village in north-western Spain, now faces a considerable financial and material setback. Police investigations…
-
Complexity
The term ‘complexity’ is often used to describe a wine’s multifaceted character. A complex wine offers a range of flavours, aromas and sensations that unfold in layers as you taste it. Unlike a simple wine, which might be pleasant but one-dimensional, a complex wine keeps your palate engaged by constantly revealing new aspects of its profile. Complexity can arise from various factors, including the grape variety, the terroir where the grapes are grown and the methods used in winemaking. For example, the fermentation process, the type of barrel used for ageing and even the length of time the wine is…
-
Wine Patch
-
Global Warming and the Wine Industry
In a new study, Adapting and Thriving: Global Warming and the Wine Industry, researchers from Israel Universities look into the issue of global warming’s impact on the wine industry and propose a suite of innovative agricultural practices to combat these challenges. As the planet warms, the wine industry faces shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns that can affect grape ripeness, quality, and ultimately and the taste of wine. The research says that through innovation in farming practices and technological advancements, the industry has a viable pathway to not only survive but also to thrive in this new environmental shift. More…
-
Tasty Low-alcohol Wines
The Financial Times Newspaper has an article on Low-alcohol Wines that Offer Great Taste Without the Headache (might be behind paywall by the time you read this). Wines with alcohol by volume (ABV) between 3.5% and 9% and those naturally low in alcohol like some German Rieslings, are gaining popularity for their ability to combine taste with moderation. Among the highlighted wines are:
-
25% Off Wine at Asda
Asda has 25% off wine, on £5.50 per bottle or more, until 11:59pm on Sunday 25 February 2024.
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
IMAGE WALL
Tools
Recent
Tags
25% Off Wine Aldi Amarone Argentina Articles Asda Australia Award Awards25 Bibendum Bizarre Blog Books Bordeaux Bulgaria Bulk Bottling Cabernet Sauvignon Carménère Cava Champagne Chardonnay Chile Climate Change Coop Crémant Decanter Duty English Wine EPR Fairtrade Food France Furmint Germany Glossary Greece Health Hungary Italy IWSC Jeroboams Laithwaites Legislation Liberty Wines Lidl Low Alcohol M&S Majestic Malbec Merch Merlot Morrisons Natural News New Zealand Non-Alcoholic Ocado Old Vine Organic Past Tastings Pick List Pinotage Pinot Noir Port Portugal Primitivo Prosecco Regulations Reviews Ribera del Duero Riesling Rioja Ripasso Rose Sainsbury's Saperavi Sauvignon Blanc Shiraz Sicily South Africa Spain Sparkling Supermarkets Sustainable Tax Terroir Tesco The Wine Society Unrepresented USA Valpolicella Virgin Wines Waitrose Wanderlust Welsh Wine What to Buy Wine Art WineGB WIne Glasses Zinfandel