Simon Judge
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Wine Patch
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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…
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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:
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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.
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Navigating the Rise of Alcohol in Wine
A new article Balancing act: Managing High Alcohol in Wine by Andy Neather discusses the growing concern in the wine industry regarding rising alcohol levels in wine, attributed to climate change and evolving consumer preferences for riper, more powerful wines. It specifically notes the trend of increasing alcohol content in wines from traditional regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux and the northern parts of Spain, with recent vintages showing significantly higher percentages than were common in the past. The article explains the scientific basis for this increase, higher average temperatures lead to higher sugar levels in grapes, resulting in higher potential alcohol…
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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…
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
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