Simon Judge
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Specially Selected Rioja Rosado
Aldi’s Specially Selected Rioja Rosado 2022 has a DOC certification. While it’s advertised as being pink, I think the wine has a more golden hue. My wife, who picked this wine from Aldi, likens its taste to that of rosehip cordial. It’s a dry wine with a hint of fruitiness, making it ok on its own but I think it’s better when paired with food. The 2021 vintage of this wine was handpicked by Olly Smith. Priced at £5.49 at the time of writing this review, down from £6.49, it offers good value, especially considering the 2021 vintage was priced…
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Hiding Behind the Glass
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French Winemakers Destroy Spanish Wine
The Telegraph newspaper has reported that, in a striking move against what they see as unfair competition, around 500 French wine makers from Narbonne and Perpignan stopped lorries importing Spanish wines at the border town of Boulou. They emptied thousands of gallons of rosé and smashed 10,000 bottles of Spanish sparkling wine on the roads. The protest was against the low prices of foreign wines, which they believe undercuts their own products. Frédéric Rouanet, president of a wine growers’ union, announced this as the beginning of an ‘economic war’ against cheap imports. The situation has been described by the wine…
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New record: Most wine glasses balanced on the head
62-year-old Aristotelis Valaoritis from Cyprus has broken the Guinness World Record for balancing the most wine glasses on the head. Glass dancing, a popular spectacle at Cypriot weddings and special occasions, involves the performer moving around while balancing glasses on their head. Valaoritis, a security advisor by profession, has been a long-time practitioner of this art form, entertaining crowds in restaurants since 1995. Valaoritis managed to balance 319 empty wine glasses on his head, breaking the previous record of 270 set by Ntinos Kkanti, also from Cyprus, in 2022 The video on X, formerly Twitter, records this feat and the…
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Super Tuscan
A Super Tuscan wine refers to red wines produced in Tuscany, Italy, that don’t adhere to the traditional wine-making rules of the region. In the 1970s, some Tuscan wine producers began to feel constrained by the strict wine-making regulations of the region. These rules dictated which grape varieties could be used, the methods of production and even the ageing process. To experiment and innovate beyond these regulations, a few producers started crafting wines using non-traditional grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Though these wines couldn’t be labelled with prestigious denominations like Chianti or Brunello di Montalcino because they…
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Do Wine Reviews Matter?
There’s recent research (PDF) looking into the impact of peer preferences and expert reviews on consumer behaviour, specifically for products like wine that consumers can sample. Through two experimental studies, the research identified that when consumers taste wines, their own rating significantly influences their willingness to pay (WTP). A one-star increase in their rating can lead to an approximate $3 increase in WTP. Even after tasting, peer and expert ratings continue to play a role, with a one-star rise resulting in a $1.96 and $1.15 increase in WTP respectively. Interestingly, the study observed little difference in the weighting consumers give…
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New UK Wine Reforms Announced
The UK government has announced a series of reforms aimed at boosting investment and easing regulatory burdens on the wine industry. Set to take effect in 2024, these changes are part of a broader strategy to modernise the sector and encourage sustainable practices. The reforms were announced are the result of a public consultation. The existing regulations governing the wine industry have long been considered cumbersome and restrictive. Feedback from industry stakeholders highlighted that the current 400-page rulebook has been stifling innovation and preventing the introduction of more efficient and sustainable practices. The reforms are designed to remove these constraints…
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The Evolving Advice for UK Wine Buying
The UK’s wine market is undergoing a transformation, influenced by factors like the cost of living crisis, Brexit and new alcohol duty regulations. David Williams, a wine writer for The Guardian newspaper, has some advice for navigating this shifting landscape. David says the new baseline for a good, everyday bottle is £8 rather than £5.99. The range that offers the best value for your money has also changed. While it used to be between £8 and £12, the new sweet spot is £12 to £15. In this price range, you’re not just covering the costs of duty, VAT and logistics…
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Wine Nose
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25% Off Wine at Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s has 25% off wine, on £6+ bottles, when buying 6 more bottles, until and including 31 October 2023.
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Lidl’s Chateaux Noir Returns, Challenging Wine Etiquette and Preconceptions
Four years after its sell-out success, Lidl (UK) has once again launched its wine tasting event, Chateaux Noir. This unique experience, designed to democratise wine and challenge traditional wine etiquette, aims to change perceptions this festive season. Recent research indicates that more than a quarter of people still believe that pricier wine labels guarantee better quality. In fact, 27% of participants admitted to buying high-end labels under the assumption of superior quality. Additionally, one in three individuals perceives wine etiquette as ‘snobbish’. Chateaux Noir aims to debunk these notions. Launched nationwide, this event pits Lidl against renowned drinks brands, intending…
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Specially Selected Toscana Rosso
The Specially Selected Toscana Rosso 2021 is a red, 14% alcohol, wine that’s medium to full-bodied. Its origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery, with the bottle labels being coy about the wine producer. Despite the lack of provenance, there’s a clue of its origin on the back label – a mention of bottled for Buontalenti Srl, which matches the collaborative effort of small growers and expert winemakers mentioned on the front label. The blend, though again not explicitly stated, is likely a classic Super Tuscan trio: Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. There’s a resemblance to Terre del Buontalenti from Majestic,…
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25% Off Wine at Tesco
Tesco has save 25% off wine with Clubcard when you buy 6+ bottles that are over £5.50, until Mon 30/10/23.
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The Wine Buying Experience in Specialist Wine Retailers
There’s an interesting new whitepaper titled “Wine Decisions: The Wine Buying Experience in Independent Specialist Wine Retailers” based on a research study conducted by KAM in collaboration with Hallgarten & Novum Wines, focusing on consumer behavior within the UK’s independent specialist wine retail sector. This study, involving 1,185 participants, explores the driving factors influencing consumer preferences and purchase decisions amidst economic challenges like rising inflation. The research reveals that despite financial tightening, value for money remains a crucial aspect for consumers while purchasing wine, but not strictly in terms of price. Consumers are attracted to specialist wine retailers due to…
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Mousiness
Wine mousiness is a fault that arises during the wine making process, mainly due to the presence of undesirable Brettanomyces (‘Brett’) and Lactobacillus. These microorganisms produce certain compounds like tetrahydropyridine that are responsible for the unpleasant odour and taste associated with this fault. It’s called ‘mousiness’ or ‘mouse cage’ due to the characteristic odour and flavour which can be likened to mouse fur or a mouse cage, though it can also manifest as a taste reminiscent of stale tortillas or cornflakes, particularly in the aftertaste. This fault is more often encountered in un-sulphured and natural wines as the absence of…
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French Wine Gold Medal Insights
The French online magazine TheLocal has an enlightening article (you can only view once before goes to paywall) on French wine gold medals that you might have seen on French wine bottles. In 2022, over 24,000 medals were awarded, originating from various wine competitions (les concours) held throughout France. These competitions require a fee for participation and wines are tasted blind by a panel of judges, typically four, who evaluate and score them. However, these medals do not guarantee quality. They indicate a group of judges found the wine superior to its peers in that particular competition. These medals are…
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Orange Wine is Breaking into the Mainstream
The Telegraph newspaper is explaining how orange wine is breaking into the mainstream. Once a niche taste favoured by few, orange wines are starting to go mainstream. They sit between red and white wines, although their vinification process sharply deviates from that of rosé. While rosé comes from red grapes handled much like white ones, orange wine is created from white grapes, but treated like red during vinification. The extended interaction between the juice and the skins, gives the wine with its characteristic amber hue, a noticeable viscosity and a unique texture. The tannins and flavours, extracted from the skin…
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Light Strike
Light strike in wine, caused by exposure to sunlight or artificial light, leads to unpleasant aromas and flavours reminiscent of sewage, rotten eggs, wet wool or cooked cabbage. This is due to the generation of compounds such as dimethyl disulphide created when light reacts with riboflavin in the wine, creating off-smelling sulphur compounds. The problem is most pronounced in white, sparkling and rosé wines. While some consumers and some in the wine trade are aware of this issue, many people remain oblivious. Green and amber glass bottles offer more protection compared to clear glass and it’s best to store wine…
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What is Sustainable Wine?
Sustainable wine covers a range of practices aimed at diminishing the adverse impacts of wine production on the planet while ensuring the long-term viability for the industry. At the core of sustainable wine are organic and biodynamic practices. These are concerned with minimising the negative environmental impact of farming and food production and promoting soil health. The global relevance of sustainable practices in the wine industry is gaining momentum, addressing the challenges posed by the environmental impacts of agricultural processes. Certifications like the Demeter Biodynamic certification are being obtained by numerous wineries, together with demonstrating a commitment towards biodiversity, solar…
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Wine Buyers Want a Personal Touch for Subscriptions
Recently, the wine subscription market has seen an increase in demand for a more personalised experience. Subscribers are no longer content with fixed selections and want curated choices that match with their unique palate. In a recent edition of the Subscription Commerce Readiness Report, The Loyalty Factor, PYMNTS Intelligence conducted a survey involving over 2,000 U.S. consumers with retail product subscriptions to grasp the factors influencing merchant choice and fostering enduring relationships. Subscribers are particularly keen on personalising the wines in their subscription box, a sentiment that seems stronger in this category than in others. They express a desire to…
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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