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Simon Judge

  • Italy Launches Campaign to Educate Britons on Prosecco Label

    Italy Launches Campaign to Educate Britons on Prosecco Label

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    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.

  • Pint-Sized Wine Bottles for the UK

    Pint-Sized Wine Bottles for the UK

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    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…

  • Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc

    Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc

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    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…

  • How Pesticide Residues Affect Wine Flavour

    How Pesticide Residues Affect Wine Flavour

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    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…

  • Schott Zwiesel Champagne Flute

    Schott Zwiesel Champagne Flute

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    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,…

  • Wine and Cheese Pairings

    Wine and Cheese Pairings

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    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…

  • Skipper’s Cove Sauvignon Blanc

    Skipper’s Cove Sauvignon Blanc

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    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.…

  • Britain’s Record-Breaking 2023 Grape Harvest

    Britain’s Record-Breaking 2023 Grape Harvest

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    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,…

  • Virgin Wines 2023 Advent Calendar

    Virgin Wines 2023 Advent Calendar

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    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.

  • Borrowdale Shiraz Cabernet

    Borrowdale Shiraz Cabernet

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    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…

  • Unlocking the Secrets of Tannins

    Unlocking the Secrets of Tannins

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    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…

  • Grant Burge Barossa Ink Cabernet Sauvignon

    Grant Burge Barossa Ink Cabernet Sauvignon

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    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…

  • Old Wine

    Old Wine

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  • 16 Little Black Pigs Shiraz

    16 Little Black Pigs Shiraz

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    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

    Global Wine Trends: Consumption and Market Shares

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    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

    Court of Master Sommeliers Abandons ‘Old/New World’ Terms

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    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

    EU Wine Consumption Decline and Export Uncertainties

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    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

    Tu Yo Tres Cabernet Franc

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    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

    Exploring Reductive Aromas in Wine

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    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

    White and Rosé Now More Than Half of Global Consumption

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    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…

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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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