Simon Judge
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Corte Lenguin Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore
I recently had the pleasure of dining at the excellent Mercato Italiano in Bridport, Dorset. It was here that I discovered the Corte Lenguin Valpolicella Ripasso, DOC certified and medium to full-bodied. The blend of Corvina Veronese, Corvinone and Rondinella grapes blends beautifully to create a great flavour. A high rating of 4.0 on Vivino hints at the wine’s popularity. The ruby red hue prepares the palate for the burst of fruitiness. On the first sip, you get a mix of cherry and blueberry with whispers of spices and liquorice. Elegance is the term that best describes the tannin profile…
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New Wine
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Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Wine: The Bottle Weight Accord
The wine industry is increasingly under scrutiny for its environmental impact, particularly its carbon footprint. A recent report by Dr. Peter Stanbury, prepared for the Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) (pdf), has shed light on the significant but often overlooked aspect of the weight of wine bottles. The report reveals that the single largest source of carbon emissions in the wine industry is the glass bottle. This is attributed to the energy-intensive manufacturing process and the emissions generated during transportation. To address this, the SWR has announced a Bottle Weight Accord which aims to reduce the average weight of a 750ml…
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Rapid Growth of Vineyards Bolsters England’s Agricultural Sector
Vineyards have emerged as the fastest-growing edible agricultural sector in England, according to recent DEFRA statistics, with grapes now constituting 36% of the country’s soft fruit crop, marking a sector growth rate of 21% over the past year. Wines of Great Britain has reported a significant growth in vine plantings by 74% over five years to 4,300 hectares, and projections indicate that plantings might expand to 7,600 hectares by 2032, potentially yielding around 24.7 million bottles. An ambitious sustainability initiative has also been unveiled by WineGB aiming to lessen the industry’s carbon emissions and boost biodiversity across the UK’s vineyards.…
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Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Tasting
On Tuesday 10th October I attended the Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Trade & Media tasting. The Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG region lies near Venice, in the foothills of the pre-alps. This small area is known for its steep vineyards, which are primarily tended by hand due to the challenging terrain. These labour-intensive practices have entrenched a tradition of high-quality production, albeit at a lower output compared to the larger and flatter DOC region. The distinction in quality between DOCG and non-DOCG Prosecco is, in part, a product of the geographical and logistical challenges posed by the hilly Conegliano Valdobbiadene…
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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 Wednesday 25 October 2023.
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What is Appellation Marlborough Wine?
Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) is a certification mark signifying a commitment among some winemakers in Marlborough, New Zealand, to uphold high-quality standards and preserve the unique characteristics of wines produced in this region. Initiated and trademark registered in 2018, AMW primarily aimed to safeguard the authenticity, origin and integrity of Marlborough’s popular Sauvignon Blanc. The drive for AMW’s creation stemmed from concerns among local winemakers regarding the quality of Sauvignon Blanc bottled outside New Zealand, which potentially threatened the reputation of Marlborough wines. By being part of AMW, currently 53 AWM vintners aim to ensure consumers can reliably identify and…
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Crisis Distillation
The Wine Economist is reporting that the concept of crisis distillation is resurfacing in the global wine industry. This practice involves government programmes buying surplus wine to convert it into industrial alcohol, aiming to stabilise wine prices and grower incomes. While it was a common practice in the European Union, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation today is different. The current wine surplus is more due to falling demand than excessive supply. The EU has attempted reforms to make the wine sector more market-driven, but the effectiveness of these measures is still uncertain. Crisis distillation is seen as a…
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Blutengarten Riesling
I have just had the pleasure of trying a wine that I wouldn’t have picked up myself due to its very low price, but my wife did, and I must say it was a great surprise. With a 3.9 score on Vivino, this wine punches above its weight. It’s off-dry, making it versatile enough for a variety of food pairings or enjoyable on its own. The flavour profile features apple, gooseberry and lime. These flavours come together in a harmonious blend that’s both refreshing and complex. It’s the kind of wine that you might expect to pay a premium for,…
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The French Wine Industry’s Battle Against Climate Change
According to an article in Nature, the French wine industry, a major part of French culture and economy, is grappling with the challenges posed by climate change. With its strict appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) system, which sets rigid rules about geography, grape varieties, and production techniques, the industry faces unique challenges. However, French wine-growers are not waiting for legislative changes. Instead, they are proactively seeking innovative solutions to adapt to the new climate realities. Spring buds in vineyards are emerging earlier due to warming March temperatures but frosts are still common in April. To protect the buds, some vineyard owners…
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You Look Like I Need Wine
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Italy’s Wine Classifications
The top of Italian wine classification is the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG). Wines under this category have undergone the most stringent regulations. They come from precisely delineated regions and have passed a meticulous taste examination and chemical tests. The regulations encompass aspects ranging from grape varieties and wine production methods to specific ageing requirements. Below DOCG in terms of rigidity is the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC). Wines under this classification still signify high quality and originate from designated regions. They must conform to a set of stipulations concerning grape varieties, yield caps, wine production techniques and…
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Blind Tasting
Blind tasting refers to the practice of tasting wines without knowing their identity. The bottles are usually covered or the labels are hidden, so tasters have no information about the grape variety, region, producer, or vintage. This method is often employed to prevent any preconceived notions or biases from influencing the taster’s judgement. Blind tasting is considered a rigorous way to evaluate the quality and characteristics of a wine. It’s commonly used in wine competitions, educational settings and even among friends as a fun activity. The idea is to focus solely on the wine’s aroma, flavour, texture, and overall impression,…
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New Free Rioja Wine Academy Course
The Rioja Wine Academy, backed by the Rioja DOCa Control Board, has launched a free introductory online course called Rioja Enthusiast. This course is the academy’s first aimed at consumers and wine lovers with no prior knowledge of wine. The course covers the fundamentals of Rioja wine in just four hours, including topics like reading labels and pairing wines. It’s divided into four chapters, and there’s no deadline for completion. Successful completion of the course will earn students an official certification. The academy hopes this course will serve as a stepping stone for further specialised training and aims to make…
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Portuguese Wines to Try
An article by Nicky Rampley-Clarke in the Evening Standard looks into the diverse world of Portuguese wines which come from 55 different regions and almost 200 indigenous grape varieties. The most well-known regions include Douro, Minho, and Dão, each offering unique flavours and characteristics. Portuguese wines are generally made from indigenous grapes, giving them a distinct, full-bodied and fruit-filled flavour. They are also under-appreciated so offer great value for money. The recommended wines are:
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Bottle Shock
Bottle shock is a temporary condition that can occur in wine when it has been shaken or subjected to drastic temperature changes. This can happen during shipping, handling or even after bottling. The agitation can disrupt the wine’s molecular structure, leading to a loss of flavour, aroma and overall quality. The symptoms of bottle shock can include muted or disjointed flavours, diminished aroma and sometimes an off taste. The good news is that bottle shock is usually reversible. Allowing the wine to rest undisturbed for a period, typically one or two weeks, can help it recover its original characteristics. It’s…
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Fantini Italian Wine Tasting
On the 29th September I had the pleasure of attending an Italian wine tasting at Morrish & Banham‘s shop in Bridport, Dorset. It was hosted by Illaria Zenaro of Fantini in Italy who are represented in the UK by Liberty Wines. Fantini are unusual for an Italian producer in that the majority, 95%, of their wines are exported from Italy rather than for their domestic market. The tasting was also unusual in that I found that all the wines were very memorable in their own ways and I would happily drink any of them again. Here are my notes: Whites:…
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Cornucopia of Taste
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Beware of Decoy Effects When Buying Wine
New research titled Decoy Effects in a Massive Real-World Shopping Dataset focuses on the impact of ‘decoy’ options on consumer choices, specifically in the context of wine purchases in the UK. The study examined a large dataset of 3.6 million wine purchases made by 755,158 unique customers over a one-month period. In the situation where a consumer is torn between choosing a high-price, high-quality wine and a low-price, low-quality wine, the presence of a decoy option could tip the scales. According to the study, the introduction of an even more inferior decoy wine that is both more expensive and of…
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Reductive
A reductive wine is usually a faulty wine that has been exposed to too little oxygen during its production or storage. This lack of oxygen can lead to the development of undesirable aromas and flavours. In reductive wines, you might detect sulphur-like smells, which can range from struck match and rubber to rotten eggs or even sewage. These aromas are generally considered off-putting and can detract from the wine’s overall quality. The term ‘reductive’ can also describe a specific aroma or flavour profile in a wine. These aromas can often dissipate with aeration, revealing the wine’s true character. Some people…
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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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