Simon Judge
-
Old Wine
-
16 Little Black Pigs Shiraz
16 Little Black Pigs Shiraz 2022, created by winemaker Steve Grimley from McLaren Vale in Australia, is a wine that has earned some accolades, including the LWA 2022 Gold and the Customer Poll 2019 People’s Choice award. It also has a rating of 3.8 on Vivino which reflects its popularity. This Shiraz starts with cherry notes. It strikes a balance between boldness and subtlety, making it an approachable choice for a wide range of palates. The oak, toffee and coffee undertones add depth and complexity, while the red fruit elements bring a refreshing vibrancy. A key characteristic of this wine…
-
Global Wine Trends: Consumption and Market Shares
Wine Australia’s Market Explorer provides fascinating insights into the global wine market, revealing not just how different countries consume wine, but also the nuances of the market shares. The data paints a picture of the dominance of domestic wines globally, holding a majority market share of 52%. This suggests a prevalent preference for locally produced wines over imported ones. When it comes to exported wines, France leads, boasting a value significantly higher than other countries. It’s followed by Italy, Spain, Chile and then Australia. Interestingly, my home country, the United Kingdom emerges as the top market for Australian wine imports,…
-
Court of Master Sommeliers Abandons ‘Old/New World’ Terms
Forbes is reporting that The Court of Master Sommeliers has announced that it will no longer use the terms ‘Old World’ and ‘New World’ in its published materials or examination assessments from 2024. This decision reflects the Court’s commitment to historical accuracy, reducing cultural bias, and acknowledging the growing difficulty in distinguishing between Old and New World wines. The change also aligns with the evolving global wine production landscape, where traditional distinctions between European (Old World) and other (New World) wines are becoming less clear due to factors like climate change and the global spread of winemaking techniques from ‘new’…
-
EU Wine Consumption Decline and Export Uncertainties
A new report from the EU, ‘EU Agricultural Outlook 2023 – 2035’ discusses the ongoing decline in EU wine consumption, a trend attributed to increased health awareness, changing preferences among younger consumers and competition from other beverages. This decline, particularly notable in red wines, varies across EU countries due to cultural and social factors. The consumption is expected to decrease by about 1% annually until 2035. The demand for non-alcoholic, low-alcohol, white, rosé and sparkling wines is anticipated to rise, partially offsetting the overall decline. EU wine production is projected to decrease in response to the falling consumption, with domestic…
-
Tu Yo Tres Cabernet Franc
The Tu Yo Tres Cabernet Franc 2022 is a result of the expertise and passion of winemaker Carlos Torres Silva. With over four decades of experience, Silva, a former key figure at Concha y Toro, has truly outdone himself with this Chilean gem. From the sun-drenched vineyards of the Curico Valley, nestled along the picturesque Rio Claro river, this wine is a product of a challenging yet rewarding year. The 2022 harvest, shaped by drought and soaring temperatures, resulted in a lower yield. However, this scarcity has heightened the quality of the wine, surpassing its predecessors in depth and character.…
-
Exploring Reductive Aromas in Wine
A recent article from SevenFifty Daily, written by Alex Russan, looks intothe complex topic of reductive aromas in wine, a subject that has polarised opinions in the wine industry. Reduction, chemically the opposite of oxidation, refers to the presence of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) in wine, often resulting from limited oxygen exposure. These compounds, which include hydrogen sulphide and mercaptans, can impart a range of aromas from unpleasant (like rotten eggs) to desirable (such as earthiness or truffles). The article explores how these aromas are influenced by various factors in viticulture and vinification. For instance, yeast metabolism during fermentation plays…
-
White and Rosé Now More Than Half of Global Consumption
A new article in Decanter, written by Rudy Ruitenberg, discusses the growing global consumption of white and rosé wines, which now accounts for more than half of the total wine consumption. This shift has been observed since 2010, with a notable increase in the demand for sparkling wine. The decline in red wine consumption, which has not shown a similar recovery since its peak in 2007, contrasts with the rise in white and rosé wines. Over the past two decades, the popularity of white wine has surged, primarily driven by the sparkling wine markets in the United States, Germany and…
-
Man Dressed as a Pirate Destroys 5,000 Gallons of White Wine
The Daily Mail newspaper is reporting, a man dressed as a pirate broke into Sparkman Cellars, a family-run winery in Woodinville, Washington, on the eve of Thanksgiving. This individual caused significant damage by destroying 5,000 gallons of artisan hand-crafted white wine, valued at approximately $600,000. The incident was captured on CCTV, showing the man nonchalantly entering the cellar late at night and later exiting with an umbrella, heading towards a wooded area. The Sparkman family, who opened their winery in 2004, expressed that this act was a severe blow to their small family business, especially timed to cause maximum damage…
-
The Wine Board Game
“The Wine Board Game” is an engaging board game, made for wine enthusiasts and those curious about the world of wines. This game is an excellent blend of wine trivia and a dash of luck, making it an ideal choice for a dinner party or an evening with friends. The game is recommended for players aged 18 and above, which is fitting given its wine-centric theme. You can play with 2 to 6 people. The contents of the game are well thought out and include the game board, instructions, a variety of wine-themed questions, wine cards, corked cards and playing…
-
World in a Wine Glass
“World in a Wine Glass: The Insider’s Guide to Artisanal, Sustainable, Extraordinary Wines to Drink Now” by Ray Isle is a different journey through the world of wine, offering a fresh and insightful perspective that goes beyond the conventional wine guide. Ray Isle, with his extensive experience as the executive wine editor for Food & Wine and wine and spirits editor for Travel + Leisure, brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique voice to the subject. The book is a departure from the usual focus on mass-produced and corporate-owned wines. Instead, Isle turns the spotlight on artisanal wines that…
-
How Many Grapes in a Bottle of Wine?
An article from Food and Wine, titled “You’ll Be Surprised by How Many Grapes it Takes to Make One Bottle of Wine,” explains the varying quantities of grapes required to produce different types of wine. On average, 1.25 to 1.50 kilograms of grapes, which can be anywhere from 600 to 800 or even thousands of grapes, are needed to make a standard-size bottle of still wine. This number varies significantly based on factors like grape variety, wine style and winemaking techniques. For still wines, the pressing techniques in the winery play a crucial role in determining the number of grapes…
-
Love Champagne
-
The Watchmaker Tourbillion Malbec
The Watchmaker Tourbillion Malbec demonstrates the expertise of winemaker, Stephen Huse. With a prestigious background that includes stints at renowned Bordeaux wineries such as Châteaux Margaux and Mouton-Rothschild, as well as the acclaimed Harlan Estate in the USA, Huse brings a wealth of experience to this Argentinian offering. Originating from Mendoza, this Malbec is a blend of grapes from three distinct parcels: one near the town, another on the valley floor, and a third from the coveted slopes of Mount Tupungato. This careful selection of terroirs contributes to the wine’s unique character. It has been rated a respectable 3.9 on…
-
Researchers Have Taught AI to Understand Wine Tasting
There has been a significant advancement in artificial intelligence (AI) related to wine tasting. Researchers at the University of Copenhagen’s Pioneer Centre for AI, along with collaborators from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and Caltech, have successfully trained an algorithm to predict individual wine preferences based on human taste perceptions. The study explains how this was achieved through wine-tasting events where participants ranked wines based on their taste similarities. The data from these events was combined with extensive wine label and user review information provided by the wine app Vivino. This includes 897,000 images of wine labels and 824,000…
-
Wines for Your Christmas Table
On 15th December 2023, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, the Wine Society is hosted a free online event. Hosted by Emma Briffett and Catherine Housden, this festive session guided attendees on the best wines to pair with Christmas meals, from the rich Christmas pudding to the Boxing Day ham and even sprouts. The session aimed to provide solutions to festive food and wine matching dilemmas. The Wine Society presented a range of wines and dishes for demonstration, inviting participants to join in with their chosen selections. A YouTube recording is available to members and non-members.
-
Specially Selected Valpolicella Ripasso Superoire
The Specially Selected Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore from Aldi uses the traditional Ripasso technique for an added richness and depth, a characteristic feature of the process where the wine undergoes a second fermentation. It’s created predominantly from 75% Corvina, complemented by 20% Corvinone and 5% Rondinella. I tried the 2021 vintage. Olly Smith noted the 2019 vintage had flavours of cloves, sweet cherry and an almond-like flourish. The 2021 iteration mirrors these flavour profiles, maintaining a similar taste. However, it does not entirely match the stature of any of the more premium wines I tasted in Amarone Calling. This version, though…
-
Understanding Rioja
The Rioja region of Spain stretches from Tormantos to Alfaro and represents a tapestry of diverse climates, terrains and winemaking traditions. The 100 km expanse between these western and eastern limits encompasses the Atlantic and Mediterranean climates, fostering a unique environment for viticulture. The name ‘Rioja’ comes from the River Oja (Rio Oja in Spanish), which flows through the region. The region’s vineyards are beautifully arranged on hillside terraces, reaching altitudes of up to 900m. The Rioja wine region is a mosaic of 571 wineries distributed across 144 municipalities in three different Autonomous Communities: La Rioja, the Basque Country, and…
-
Finding Good Value
Victoria Moore, a wine correspondent from the Telegraph Newspaper, discusses the impact of inflation on wine prices in her recent article (article might be behind paywall by the time you read this). She notes that British shoppers are typically thrifty when buying wine, often seeking the best deals, particularly in supermarkets. Moore acknowledges the challenge in assessing the value of wine due to three main factors: general inflation, the increased cost of materials like glass and a significant duty rise on wine. It is suggested that to maintain the same quality of wine as 18 months ago, consumers should expect…
-
Innovations and Trends in Modern Food and Wine Pairing
A new study titled “Exploring the Sensory Synergy of Gastronomy: A Comprehensive Review of Contemporary Trends and Practices in Food and Wine Pairing” provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving landscape of gastronomy, with a focus on the art of food and wine pairing in contemporary culinary practices. The study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, analysing data from culinary experts, sommeliers and gastronomic literature, as well as consumer preferences and industry trends. Key findings include a significant shift from traditional pairing paradigms to more innovative and experimental approaches. This shift is influenced by molecular gastronomy, cultural fusions, personal preferences…
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
IMAGE WALL
Tools
Recent
Tags
25% Off Wine Aldi Amarone Argentina Articles Asda Australia Award Awards25 Bizarre Blog Books Bordeaux Bulgaria Bulk Bottling Cabernet Sauvignon Carménère Cava Champagne Chardonnay Chile Climate Change Coop Crémant Decanter Duty English Wine EPR Events Fairtrade Food France 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 Photography 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