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Simon Judge

  • Reviving the Riches of Australian Shiraz

    Reviving the Riches of Australian Shiraz

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    Fiona Beckett from the Guardian Newspaper has an article on Australian Shiraz. In the 1990s, her favourite red wine was Australian shiraz, admired for its voluptuous, ripe and smooth qualities. However, tastes evolved and these wines became known as too sweet and jammy. However, recently, at a wine tasting, Fiona was impressed with the quality and reasonable pricing of mid-priced Shiraz noting their superiority over Malbecs in the same price range. The abundance of Shiraz in Australia, a result of an oversupplied market since China imposed import duties in 2020, has benefited the markets such as the UK, Australia’s top…

  • Top 100 Winners

    Top 100 Winners

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    The Wine Merchant Magazine runs an annual competition where a selected panel of independent merchants blind-taste their way through more than 1,000 wines. The result is a great list of wines (also available as a magazine supplement) which arguably is the best of the best. Here are the value wines from the list: Best Value Red Trophy: Zuccardi Los Olivos Malbec, Mendoza 2020 (£12.90, Hatch Mansfield)Best Value White Trophy: Wildeberg Wild House Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2022 (£8.99, Boutinot)Best Value Sparkling Trophy: Global Wines Portugal Cabriz Espumante Brut 2017 (£16.50 Marta Vine) These wines are stocked by many independent specialist…

  • Wine in Grapes

    Wine in Grapes

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  • From Wine Lees to Jelly Sweets

    From Wine Lees to Jelly Sweets

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    Researchers in Turkey have discovered an innovative and sustainable use for winery waste, specifically wine lees, which are residues left over after the fermentation process in winemaking. This waste material, primarily comprising dead yeast cells, has been found to be a promising natural colouring agent for gelatine-based sweets, offering both cost-effectiveness and health benefits. This discovery, outlined in a study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, highlights the potential of wine lees as a low-cost alternative to synthetic food colourants commonly used in the confectionery industry. The study revealed that wine lees not only improved…

  • 25% Off Wine at Asda

    25% Off Wine at Asda

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    Asda has 25% off wine, on £5.50 per bottle or more, until 11:59pm on 13 December 2023.

  • The End of an Era: Oddbins Closes Its Physical Stores

    The End of an Era: Oddbins Closes Its Physical Stores

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    Harpers is reporting that the renowned wine retailer Oddbins has taken a significant turn by closing the physical aspect of its business, signalling the end of an era for a brand that was once a staple on UK high streets. Oddbins, known for its diverse and quality wine offerings, faced challenges in regaining its pre-pandemic trading levels, struggling with reduced footfall and changing customer buying habits. The company, established in 1963, reached its peak with 278 stores across the UK, famed for its unique and intriguing wine selections. However, the last decade has seen a series of financial difficulties, leading…

  • White Castle Vineyard Triumphs at 2023 Welsh Wine Awards

    White Castle Vineyard Triumphs at 2023 Welsh Wine Awards

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    The Welsh wine industry celebrated the 2023 Welsh Wine Awards, held at the Llanerch Vineyard Hotel in Hensol on 6 November, 2023. The awards, marking their most successful year yet, were organised by the Welsh Vineyards Association (WVA) . In a year that also commemorates WVA’s tenth anniversary, the competition saw a record-breaking entry of 50 wines from 12 different Welsh vineyards. The wines encompassed a diverse range, including white and rosé sparkling wines, followed by still wines in the rosé, white, and red categories. A panel of expert judges sampled each entry, organising the tasting into five distinct flights.…

  • Top 100 Tasting with Tim Atkin MW

    Top 100 Tasting with Tim Atkin MW

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    On the 14th of November 2023, I went to a trade and press wine tasting event ‘Top 100 Tasting with Tim Atkin MW’ focussing on Ribera del Duero. The event was a curated selection of wines from Tim Atkin’s recent visit to the region. Ribera del Duero is renowned for its deep colours, complex aromas, robust structure and primarily utilises the Tempranillo grape. However, it’s not uncommon to find blends incorporating Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec, adding to the wines’ complexity. You can learn more in my article on Understanding Ribera del Duero. Despite the ‘Top 100’ title, there…

  • Understanding Ribera del Duero

    Understanding Ribera del Duero

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    Ribera del Duero, a wine region in Spain, is mainly known for its red wines. Situated along the Duero River in the northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula, Ribera del Duero benefits from a unique climate, higher altitude and a rich winemaking heritage. The region gained its Denominación de Origen (DO) status in 1982. The region’s winemaking is centred around the Tempranillo grape, locally known as Tinta del País or Tinto Fino. This grape imparts deep colour, complex aromas and ageing potential to the wines. Sometimes, Tempranillo is blended with Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec to enhance complexity. Ribera…

  • Independent Wine Retailers Resilient Amidst Market Challenges

    Independent Wine Retailers Resilient Amidst Market Challenges

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    In recent years, the narrative surrounding independent wine retailers in the UK has been dominated by a sense of impending doom, fuelled by the aggressive competition from supermarkets with their convenience of next-day delivery. However, the latest figures from The Wine Merchant paint a surprisingly different picture, one of resilience and steadiness in a turbulent market. As of the end of October, The Wine Merchant’s records show a stable landscape with 1,018 shops, operated by 774 individual entities. This is in striking contrast to the common belief that these independents are in decline due to the growing dominance of supermarket…

  • 25% off Wine at Morrisons

    25% off Wine at Morrisons

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    A rare 25% discount on 6 or more bottles of wine, £5 or more. Until 21 November 2023.

  • 25% Off Wine at Tesco

    25% Off Wine at Tesco

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    Tesco has save 25% off wine with Clubcard when you buy 6+ bottles that are over £5.50, from 13 November 23 until 3 December 2023.

  • 25% off Wine at Sainsbury’s

    25% off Wine at Sainsbury’s

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    Sainsbury’s has 25% off wine, 6 bottles or more, £5 or more, from 13 November 2023 until and including 12 December 2023.

  • Mimo Moutinho Lisboa Red

    Mimo Moutinho Lisboa Red

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    The 2021 Mimo Moutinho Lisboa Red from Aldi is made from the Touriga Nacional grape. Following the footsteps of its predecessor, the 2019 vintage, which Decanter praised for its ‘juicy brambles, liquorice and smoky tarry notes’, this wine maintains a high standard, scoring a respectable 3.8 on Vivino. On tasting, there’s red fruits. The wine is well-balanced, medium-bodied, with a taste very similar to that of the popular and ubiquitous Porta 6, perhaps intentionally so. When tasted back to back with the Porta 6, the Aldi version is slightly smoother despite having less alcohol at 13% rather than 13.5% for…

  • Wine in Wine

    Wine in Wine

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  • Produttori Primitivo di Manduria Riserva

    Produttori Primitivo di Manduria Riserva

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    The 2019 vintage from Manduria’s Consorzio Produttori Vini showcases the deep-rooted history of the winery, founded in 1932. This year is proudly indicated on the label. This full-bodied wine, with its robust 14.5% alcohol content, is also suitable for vegans. The wine has been carefully aged in oak barrels for at least nine months, a process that has imparted a complexity and structure. The nose is rich with dark berry fruit, where blackberry and fig notes are predominant, followed by an undercurrent of liquorice. The high alcohol content is well-integrated, providing silky tannins that contribute to a good length and…

  • Noble Rot

    Noble Rot

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    Noble rot, also known as ‘Botrytis cinerea’, is a beneficial fungus that affects wine grapes. Under specific conditions, this fungus can lead to the production of some of the world’s best sweet wines. When the fungus attacks the grape, it causes the grape to shrivel, concentrating the sugars and flavours. This results in a very sweet and complex wine. Some well-known wines produced from grapes affected by noble rot include Sauternes from France and Tokaji from Hungary. Not all occurrences of Botrytis Cinerea are beneficial. In conditions where the grapes remain wet for extended periods, the fungus can lead to…

  • 2023 Wine Production Expected to be Smallest for Sixty Years

    2023 Wine Production Expected to be Smallest for Sixty Years

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    The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) has reported that the world wine production for 2023 is expected to be the smallest in over six decades due to severe climatic events affecting yields across the globe. The European Union anticipates a lower output, with Italy and Spain experiencing significant declines due to adverse weather leading to diseases and drought. France, conversely, is set to become the leading producer this year, slightly exceeding its five-year average. In contrast, the United States predicts a rise in wine production, surpassing both 2022 figures and recent averages. The Southern Hemisphere has been particularly…

  • Fine Wine

    Fine Wine

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    Fine wine is a ambiguous term, often used the world of high-quality wines that stand out due to their exceptional taste, aroma and potential to age gracefully. These wines, typically crafted in limited batches, come from well-known vineyards and are the acquired by collectors, enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Major wine-producing regions, like Bordeaux in France, Tuscany in Italy or the Napa Valley in the US are often the origin of these exceptional wines. Ageing is a crucial factor when it comes to fine wines. With time, they unveil deeper complexities in flavour and aroma, enhancing the drinker’s experience. This potential to…

  • Wine On The Wall

    Wine On The Wall

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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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