Simon Judge
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The Best of Rioja 2024
Tim Atkin MW hosted a wine tasting event on 13 February 2024 that featured over 300 wines from leading bodegas, many of which came to London specifically to showcase their wines. This event marked a first in either London or Rioja, with such an extensive collection of wines being presented for tasting. Tim dedicates three weeks each year to visiting the vineyards and producers and the wines included in this event were chosen based on Tim’s latest Rioja Report. The following producers where pouring wines: 220 Cántaras, Abel Mendoza, Alegre y Valgañon, Arizcuren, Artuke, Benjamin de Rothschild/Vega Sicilia, Berta Valgañón,…
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Bodacious Red
This a red blend from the Tejo wine region of Portugal formerly known as Ribatejo until its rebranding in 2009, now named after the Tejo River. It’s produced by Falua Sociedade de Vinos. The blend includes Castelão, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Syrah. The wine gained a Bronze Medal at the 2023 IWSC and the Decanter World Wine Awards and it has a respectable 4.1 rating on Vivino. Aesthetically, the bottle immediately captures attention with its striking label graphics, a nod to the wine’s assertive character described as ‘Fierce, gracious and untameable.’ On the nose, the wine greets with an…
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Cimarosa Sauvignon Blanc 2022
The Cimarosa Sauvignon Blanc 2022 from Marlborough, New Zealand, stands out in the crowded field of affordable wines, not just for its price point but also for its quality and accolades. Awarded at the Berliner Wine Trophy 2023 and scoring an impressive 90 points from the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), alongside a commendable 3.9 rating on Vivino, this wine has made its mark. Despite a slight caveat regarding its provenance, bulk bottled in Germany with the actual New Zealand Marlborough producer remaining undisclosed, this wine’s character is vibrant and refreshing, starting with a strong passion fruit aroma that…
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Wines for Comfort Food
In her article in Delicious Magazine on the best wines for comfort food, Susy Atkins recommends a selection of wines to complement hearty dishes. Suzy highlights wines that pair well with classics such as chilli, fish pie and roast chicken, offering a variety of options from different regions and at different price points. The Baron Amarillo Rioja Joven NV from Spain, priced at only £4.69 and available at Aldi, is noted for its soft spice, plum, and strawberry notes, making it suitable for red meat casseroles or rich bean chilli. The Loved and Found Touriga Nacional 2021 from the Algarve,…
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Educators vs Seducers
There’s a thought provoking article at Meininger’s International that argues against the notion that increasing wine knowledge is the key to addressing the industry’s challenges. Instead, it emphasises the importance of sparking interest through fascination and seduction, rather than focusing solely on education. The piece illustrates this point with anecdotes about people in the wine industry who have achieved success without comprehensive knowledge of all wine regions or varieties. It suggests that passion and the ability to intrigue others about wine are more impactful than formal education in enhancing appreciation and expanding the wine community.
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25% off Wine at Morrisons
25% discount on 6 or more bottles of wine, £5 or more. Until 14 February 2024.
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How Label Colour Shapes Wine Buying Decisions
New research looks into the psychological impact of wine label colour on consumers, examining how black and white versus colour labels affect the perceived value and appeal of red and white wines. It highlights that black and white labels significantly elevate the perceived quality and exclusivity of red wines, thereby increasing consumer interest and willingness to purchase. This effect is attributed to the labels’ ability to convey sophistication and trigger deeper cognitive engagement with the product. Conversely, the study observes that this effect is less pronounced for white wines, suggesting that the influence of label colour is contingent upon the…
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Lidl Italian and Iberian Wine Tours
In February 2024, I attended a Lidl wine tasting which showcased wines planned to be introduced during the Italian and Iberian wine tours in February and March 2024, respectively. Additionally, a selection of wines from Lidl’s existing collection was also being shown. Wine tours at Lidl are the wines displayed in wooden crates, each accompanied by scores. A specific wine from a tour is typically available for up to two months, although it may sell out sooner if it proves popular. The concept behind these tours is to refresh the selection periodically, ensuring variety and encouraging customers to return and…
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New Zealand London Trade Tasting 2024
The New Zealand London Trade Tasting on 6 February 2024 included of a walkaround tasting and a masterclass ‘New Zealand Road Trip’ by Oz Clarke. At this tasting I mainly tried Sauvignon Blanc but I also tasted a few Chardonnay, Albariño, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Syrah wine and even a red blend. Please see my article Understanding New Zealand Wines for an introduction. Not all New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs manage to recapture the distinctive qualities I remember of their early 1990s examples, such as Montana, before the era of mass production began. I like a Sauvignon Blanc that presents a…
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Premox
Premox, or premature oxidation, is an issue that can affect wine, particularly white wines, most notably those from the Burgundy region of France. It refers to a condition where a wine ages prematurely, resulting in it losing freshness and exhibiting oxidised characteristics much earlier than expected. This problem is not limited to but is most commonly associated with white Burgundy, especially the Chardonnay grape variety. The signs of premature oxidation in wine include a darker colour than is typical for the wine’s age, along with flavours and aromas that are more muted or evolved than expected. Instead of fresh, vibrant…
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Varzea do Marão Vinho Verde Rose
The Varzea do Marão Vinho Verde Rosé 2023 is from Quinta da Calçada, a winery in the heart of the Vinho Verde region in Amarante, Portugal. Owned by the da Mota family since 1917, Quinta da Calçada stands as one of the oldest producers in the region, with a heritage of crafting high-quality still and sparkling wines. This rosé is made from the Vinhão grape. The wine has a dry yet slightly fruity profile and a harmonious balance that is both refreshing and engaging. The typical slight fizz of Vinho Verde wines is present, adding a lively texture to the…
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Albacore Longfin Shiraz 2021
The Albacore Longfin Shiraz 2021 is blend made by the Fuse Winemaking Team from grapes from McLaren Vale, Australia. Marketed as the ‘top drawer Aussie Shiraz’ that promises to surpass expectations for enthusiasts of the Albacore Shiraz, this wine certainly set a high bar for itself. It enjoys a high 4.1 rating on Vivino, indicating a general positive consensus. Despite its accolades, the Longfin Shiraz initially offered an experience that left my palate searching for more. It greeted the nose with a lighter aroma than I anticipated, diverging from the often robust and deep fragrance associated with premium Shiraz. On…
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Wine Glass Reaches Unexpected £9,750
The Leamington Observer is reporting how an unassuming wine glass from the Queen Anne period, circa 1710, was auctioned for £9,750, significantly surpassing its estimated value of £500-£800. This wine glass, identified by Kinghams Auctioneers’ glass specialist in Moreton-in-Marsh, attracted substantial interest from collectors and connoisseurs. Measuring 18cm in height, it features a conical bowl with a single air drop to the lower stem. Update: Interestingly, this is very similar to the wine glass that appears on the UK’s Antique’s Roadshow.
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Understanding New Zealand Wine
New Zealand produces only 1% of the world’s wine but has carved a niche for itself. With 731 wineries, over 80% of which export to international markets, New Zealand has firmly established its presence internationally. The UK has become the second-largest market for these wines, following behind the USA. The international breakthrough for New Zealand wine came in the 1980s with the introduction of Marlborough’s Sauvignon Blanc. Today, New Zealand boasts ten main wine-growing regions, each within 130 kilometres (80 miles) of the sea. This proximity to the ocean plays a crucial role in defining the distinct character of New…
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Wines From Major Wine Outlets
In his article for the Guardian Newspaper, David Williams discusses the evolving landscape of wine retail in the UK, especially highlighting the performance of major wine outlets like Majestic, Naked Wines, Virgin Wines and The Wine Society. He notes that during and after the pandemic, these retailers faced various challenges including the inflation and cost-of-living crisis. Despite these, Majestic reported a successful Christmas in 2023, with an increase in sales and interest in fine wines. The following wines were recommended: MajesticBodegas Volver Tarima Monastrell from Alicante, Spain, 2022 vintage, priced at £9.99 or £8.99 in a mixed six.Invicible Número Dois…
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Australia Trade Tasting 2024
On 30th January 2024, the Australia Trade Tasting event showcased an impressive array of over 700 wines from 200 producers. Australia has a strong position in the UK off-trade (not consumed on premises) market, where it leads as the number one country of origin, having nearly double the market share of its closest competitor, Italy. For more background read my article on Understanding Australian Wine. The focus of my exploration was for wines that are already distributed in the UK, with an emphasis on affordability, though I also included more premium options for comparison. A key question I had in…
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Italian Wine Tasting and Masterclass
On the 29th of January, I had the pleasure of attending an event celebrating and promoting the 10th anniversary of The Essential Guide to Italian Wine, at Brown’s Hotel in London. A highlight of this tasting was the presence of one of Italy’s most well-known wine connoisseurs, Daniele Cernilli, also known as DoctorWine. The event featured a walk around tasting, offering the opportunity to experience a selection of wines from Italy’s leading regions. I also attended a masterclass, jointly conducted by Daniele Cernilli and Luigi Buonanno, who is the Head of Sales at Berkmann Wine Cellars. This masterclass focused on…
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Winetraders Italian Portfolio Tasting 2024
On 29 January 2024, Winetraders hosted their Italian Portfolio Tasting in London. Winetraders is an importer, retailer and distributor specialising in single estate wines with their range spanning across Italy, Spain, Germany, Australia and South America. What sets Winetraders apart is their exceptionally rigorous selection process, a meticulous approach ensuring that each wine in their portfolio not only demonstrates the unique characteristics of its origin but also offers unbeatable value. Here are the wines that I tried in no particular order: Here are the wines I liked the most with my notes/reasons. The prices are only indicative and vary across…
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Valdo Prosecco DOC Extra Dry
Despite not holding the more prestigious DOCG designation, this wine makes a subtle statement by mentioning Valdobbiadene, it’s origin, on its label — usually only done for Prosecco of the DOCG category. Contrary to what one might expect, ‘Extra Dry’ in this context always refers to a subtly sweet flavour profile. Valdo Prosecco DOC Extra Dry surpasses expectations set by its modest 3.6 score on Vivino. Having in a pale straw yellow hue, it entices with a nose that mixes floral notes with the crisp, fresh scent of apples. The taste is reminiscent of sherbet, offering a fizziness that adds…
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Adapting Winemaking Due to Climate Change
Wine Searcher has an informative article titled Short and Sweet: The New Vintage Paradigm, exploring the challenges and adaptations facing the wine industry in the wake of climate change. As the globe warms, winemakers are have to cope with a significant shift in their traditional practices due to a compressed growing season for grapes. The acceleration of the vintage is a worldwide phenomenon, with winemakers witnessing a considerable shortening of the growing season. In Bordeaux, the growing season has reduced from 100-110 days to approximately 90 days. This trend is echoed in regions like Burgundy, the Rhône Valley and Italy’s…
Pick Lists
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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