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Simon Judge

  • Wine Nose

    Wine Nose

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    Simon Judge

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  • 25% Off Wine at Sainsbury’s

    25% Off Wine at Sainsbury’s

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    Sainsbury’s has 25% off wine, on £6+ bottles, when buying 6 more bottles, until and including 31 October 2023.

  • Lidl’s Chateaux Noir Returns, Challenging Wine Etiquette and Preconceptions

    Lidl’s Chateaux Noir Returns, Challenging Wine Etiquette and Preconceptions

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    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…

  • Specially Selected Toscana Rosso

    Specially Selected Toscana Rosso

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    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,…

  • 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, until Mon 30/10/23.

  • The Wine Buying Experience in Specialist Wine Retailers

    The Wine Buying Experience in Specialist Wine Retailers

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    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…

  • Mousiness

    Mousiness

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    Simon Judge

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    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…

  • French Wine Gold Medal Insights

    French Wine Gold Medal Insights

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    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…

  • Orange Wine is Breaking into the Mainstream

    Orange Wine is Breaking into the Mainstream

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    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…

  • Light Strike

    Light Strike

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    Simon Judge

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    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…

  • What is Sustainable Wine?

    What is Sustainable Wine?

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    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…

  • Wine Buyers Want a Personal Touch for Subscriptions

    Wine Buyers Want a Personal Touch for Subscriptions

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    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…

  • Corte Lenguin Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore

    Corte Lenguin Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore

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    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…

  • New Wine

    New Wine

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  • Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Wine: The Bottle Weight Accord

    Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Wine: The Bottle Weight Accord

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    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…

  • Rapid Growth of Vineyards Bolsters England’s Agricultural Sector

    Rapid Growth of Vineyards Bolsters England’s Agricultural Sector

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    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.…

  • Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Tasting

    Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Tasting

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    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…

  • 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 Wednesday 25 October 2023.

  • What is Appellation Marlborough Wine?

    What is Appellation Marlborough Wine?

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    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…

  • Crisis Distillation

    Crisis Distillation

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    Simon Judge

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    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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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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