Simon Judge
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Le Zeitgeist Trident
Le Zeitgeist Trident 2022, created by winemaker Eric Lanxade, is a representation of the terroir found in the French Pyrenees. Rated 3.7 on Vivino, this wine benefits from the alluvial river plains that contribute to its minerally rich soils. These conditions, coupled with the cooling influence of the Pyrenees, create an ideal environment for the cultivation of Sauvignon Blanc. Colombard and Gros Manseng in this blend. Originating from the IGP Cotes de Gascogne and fashioned in a modern style, the inclusion of Colombard introduces a zest and zing to the palate, Gros Manseng adds layers of complexity and Sauvignon Blanc…
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Young Britons Lead the Surge in Low and No Alcohol Drinks
Harpers is reporting revealing insight into the changing habits of UK drinkers. The latest YouGov poll, conducted in partnership with the Portman Group, has highlighted a significant shift towards low and no alcohol beverages, particularly among the younger generation. The survey, now in its sixth year, shows that nearly half of the 18-24 age group, at 44%, are either occasional or regular consumers of alcohol alternatives. This marks a substantial increase from 31% in the previous year, underscoring a growing trend among young adults. This demographic is now emerging as the most sober age group in the UK, with 39%…
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Turning Winery Wastes into Wealth
There’s new, interesting research from the University of Aveiro, Portugal, into the waste products, wine residues, from creating wine and how they can can be re-used to provide for more sustainable production. Wine residues are a complex mix of grape stalks, pomace (the solid remains of grape pressing), lees and wastewater. They are not just a disposal problem but a source valuable resources. The journey of transforming wine waste into wealth begins with an understanding of its composition. Grape stalks, a significant portion of this waste, are rich in cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin. Traditionally, they were either discarded or used…
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Very Red
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Virgin Wines London Wine Tasting
Virgin Wines is set to host a wine tasting event in London on Saturday, 5th October 2024. The event is scheduled from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm at Lindley Hall, located on Elverton Street in London, SW1P 2QW. This event will be featuring an exclusive range of hand-crafted, boutique wines. In addition to these unique selections, attendees will also have the opportunity to taste some of the top customer favourites, as well as a variety of Champagne and sparkling wines. For those seeking guidance or looking to expand their knowledge of wines, Virgin Wine’s personal wine advisors will be on…
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Sparkling Wines From Three Continents
The 2023 holiday season gave me the opportunity to try a few affordable Champagne and sparkling wines from three different continents: Les Pionniers Non Vintage Champagne Les Pionniers Non Vintage Champagne is a great example of how quality and affordability can come together. Despite the Co-op’s discretion about its origins, it’s an open secret that this champagne is produced by Piper-Heidsieck, a fact underscored by its Silver Award at the International Wine Challenge and a high score of 92 from Decanter, acknowledging Régis Camus of Piper-Heidsieck for its creation. The champagne opens with a toasty, buttery nose, setting the stage…
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Redefining Wine Marketing
Lulie Halstead, a prominent figure in the wine business, recently addressed the New Zealand Winegrowers Business Forum, sharing valuable insights from her 25-year experience in the industry. She highlighted a common mistake in wine marketing: the tendency of marketers to project their own preferences onto consumers, leading to a misalignment between what is offered and what consumers actually seek. Halstead emphasised the importance of true differentiation in the market, noting that quality alone is not a sufficient differentiator, as many producers globally can claim high-quality products. She advised wine companies to focus on understanding their consumers deeply, using cost-effective methods…
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Rioja Tasting
In the midst of a December devoid of trade wine tastings, I found myself inspired to organise a Rioja wine tasting. Consisting of seven family members and friends, all of whom share my enthusiasm for wine, we embarked on a journey through the flavours of Rioja. Accompanied by an array of tasty Spanish tapas, our tasting session featured a curated selection of both white and red Rioja wines. The insights shared here represent a collective blend of our experiences and opinions. For those new to the world of Rioja wines, I recommend starting with my previous article, Understanding Rioja, which…
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Italy Launches Campaign to Educate Britons on Prosecco Label
Italy has initiated a campaign to educate Britons on the correct use of the term ‘Prosecco’. The Italian DOC Consortium launched an advertising campaign in London emphasising that Prosecco is a geographically protected label, reserved for sparkling wines produced in specific Italian regions. The campaign, displayed in over 80 locations in London, aims to reach over 15 million people. The move follows legal victories to protect the Prosecco designation, amidst rising popularity of other sparkling wines in Britain.
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Pint-Sized Wine Bottles for the UK
The BBC has an article describing a forthcoming change in the UK’s regulations regarding the size of wine bottles post-Brexit. The government has announced that still and sparkling wines will be available in pint-sized (568ml) bottles. This change, resulting from the departure from EU laws, is aimed at offering more variety to consumers. Previously, EU regulations required that imperial measurements be displayed alongside metric ones, but they couldn’t be more prominent. This led to the infamous case of the “metric martyrs,” traders who faced legal action for selling goods in imperial units only. The new legislation, to be introduced in…
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Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc
Having been slightly disappointed with Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin in recent years, I approached this new 2023 vintage with hope. Upon tasting, the first thing you notice is its robust passion fruit aroma, a hallmark of classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, which remains pronounced even at refrigeration temperature. The palate is greeted with a harmonious blend of tropical fruits, citrus and a distinct note of passion fruit. Unlike some of its contemporaries, this wine doesn’t overwhelm with complexity. Instead, it offers a clear, focused taste experience. The 2023 vintage has pleasantly surprised me, rekindling the essence of what…
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How Pesticide Residues Affect Wine Flavour
A new study investigates the effect of imidacloprid, a common insecticide, on wine aroma and its transformation during the wine-making process. Imidacloprid is widely used in grape cultivation to control pests, but its residues can significantly impact the quality of wine. The research involved applying imidacloprid to grapes at standard and ten times the standard doses. It was found that a significant portion of the imidacloprid degraded from grape to wine, with only about 5.79% to 8.95% transferring into the wine. However, the degradation of imidacloprid during the wine-making process revealed subsequent metabolites such as 6-chloronicotinic acid, desnitro imidacloprid and…
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Schott Zwiesel Champagne Flute
I’ve recently been looking into champagne and sparkling wine glasses, moving away from the traditional straight flutes that are popular here in the UK. My interest started in wine tastings and masterclasses, where I noticed a preference for tulip-shaped glasses, or even standard white wine glasses, for Prosecco, Cava, English Sparkling and Champagne. I decided to purchase some Schott Zwiesel Vina Crystal Glass Champagne flutes for about £47 for six. These aren’t readily available in the UK, so I had them sent over from Germany. My past experiences with Schott Zwiesel, both wine and water glasses, have always been positive,…
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Wine and Cheese Pairings
Fiona Beckett, writing for National Geographic Traveller, provides an exploration of which wines go best with different cheeses. The traditional pairing of cheese with red wine, particularly during the colder months, is recommended, with a focus on medium-bodied reds known for their soft, smooth tannins. Suggested favourites include mellow Rioja Reservas, Côtes du Rhônes and Malbecs with a year or two of bottle ageing. Beckett advises matching the wine with the region of the cheese’s origin. Classic combinations like goat’s cheese with Sauvignon Blanc and Comté with a Jura Chardonnay or Savagnin are highlighted. Champagne and similar sparkling wines are…
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Skipper’s Cove Sauvignon Blanc
Skipper’s Cove Sauvignon Blanc, a 2022 vintage created winemaker Andrea Maxwell, is an example of her expertise gained from a Viticulture & Oenology degree at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. The decision to harvest this particular parcel earlier than usual has paid dividends, imbuing the wine with vibrant, fresh herbaceous notes, complemented by a pleasant natural acidity that elevates its character. This Sauvignon Blanc, intriguingly coming from South Eastern Australia, deviates from the typical regions known for this varietal. It presents a refreshing surprise for enthusiasts accustomed to the Sauvignon Blancs of New Zealand, France, Chile and South Africa.…
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Britain’s Record-Breaking 2023 Grape Harvest
WineGB has released ‘2023 Harvest Report – the big one‘ (PDF). The report estimates a production of 20-22 million bottles, a very large 50% increase from the previous record year in 2018. This bountiful harvest is attributed to exceptional performance from the top grape varieties – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Bacchus – with the top quarter of vineyards averaging 15.60 tonnes per hectare. The last five years have seen a remarkable growth in vineyard hectarage, now standing at a 75% increase, contributing significantly to this year’s yield. The areas of East Anglia, the South East, and Wessex (Hampshire, Wiltshire,…
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Virgin Wines 2023 Advent Calendar
You might have noticed that I’ve been focusing quite a bit on Virgin Wines reviews lately. This is because I’ve been exploring the wines in the Virgin Wines’ Mixed 2023 Advent calendar. Those that are worth mentioning, include: While the 2023 Advent calendar itself is no longer on sale, many of the wines I’ve reviewed can still be purchased individually. Additionally, several are available in bottle cases, with options including red, white, or a mix of both. Small bottles provide a great way into the Virgin Wines collection.
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Borrowdale Shiraz Cabernet
The Borrowdale Shiraz Cabernet 2021, from Australia and crafted by winemaker David King, presents a interesting blend that marries the distinct characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. This wine, a part of the 2023 Virgin Wines advent calendar and also featured in the mini bottle red case, offers a unique experience that sits comfortably between the two varietals. The fruity notes are prominent, creating dual flavours that are both familiar and intriguing. On the palate, it strikes a good balance, leaning towards a medium body. While this blend is certainly enjoyable for a one-off tasting, it might not entirely satisfy…
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Unlocking the Secrets of Tannins
Tannins in wines, particularly red wines, are compounds that contribute significantly to the taste, colour, and texture of the wine. New research looks into the complex world of these compounds, specifically proanthocyanidins (PAs). Proanthocyanidins are a group of polyphenolic compounds found in many plants, including grapes. The article explains that PAs in red wine are primarily formed from flavan-3-ol monomers, such as catechins and gallocatechins. These monomers can link together in various ways, creating a diverse array of PAs. Interestingly, the study found that the composition of PAs was notably similar across many wine types. This suggests that the sensory…
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Grant Burge Barossa Ink Cabernet Sauvignon
The Barossa Ink Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is made by Grant Burge in Australia. This 2021 vintage, with a blend of Cinsault and Petit Verdot, offers a unique twist to the traditional Cabernet Sauvignon. It has been rated 4.0 on Vivino, reflecting its quality and popularity among wine lovers. The 2020 vintage of this wine was commended by the International Wine Challenge. This has a dark, purple-edged appearance, indicative of its full-bodied nature. On the palate, it presents a mix of blackcurrant, mint and dark chocolate, creating a rich flavour profile. Compared to a traditional Cabernet Sauvignon, it is less tannic…
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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