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Simon Judge

  • Blutengarten Riesling

    Blutengarten Riesling

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    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,…

  • The French Wine Industry’s Battle Against Climate Change

    The French Wine Industry’s Battle Against Climate Change

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    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…

  • You Look Like I Need Wine

    You Look Like I Need Wine

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  • Italy’s Wine Classifications

    Italy’s Wine Classifications

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    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…

  • Blind Tasting

    Blind Tasting

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    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,…

  • New Free Rioja Wine Academy Course

    New Free Rioja Wine Academy Course

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    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…

  • Portuguese Wines to Try

    Portuguese Wines to Try

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    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:

  • Bottle Shock

    Bottle Shock

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    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…

  • Fantini Italian Wine Tasting

    Fantini Italian Wine Tasting

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    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:…

  • Cornucopia of Taste

    Cornucopia of Taste

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  • Beware of Decoy Effects When Buying Wine

    Beware of Decoy Effects When Buying Wine

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    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…

  • Reductive

    Reductive

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    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…

  • Spain’s Historic Low Wine Harvest

    Spain’s Historic Low Wine Harvest

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    Spain’s wine industry is grappling with its smallest harvest ever recorded, largely due to a series of extreme weather events. The 2023 grape harvest has been severely impacted by droughts, hail storms and heat waves, affecting vineyards across the country. Spain is expected to produce only 34.25 million hectolitres of grapes this year, representing a 16.6% decline compared to 2022. The situation is particularly dire in hot, dry regions like Catalonia, the Canary Islands and Castile-La Mancha. Catalonia’s Penedès region, known for its Cava production, is experiencing an unprecedented drought, with vines shriveling up due to lack of rain. The…

  • Hatch Mansfield Autumn Tasting

    Hatch Mansfield Autumn Tasting

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    Hatch Mansfield are an agency specialising in wines made by independent, family owned winemakers. The Autumn tasting on 26th September 2023 included wines from Champagne Taittinger, Louis Jadot, Terroirs et Talents, Joseph Mellot, M.CHAPOUTIER, C.V.N.E., Gaja, Esporão, Errazuriz, Arboleda, Seña & Viñedo, Caliterra, Zuccardi, Robert Oatley, Cherubino, Villa Maria, Esk Valley, Kleine Zalze & Visio Vintners, Domaine Carneros & Résonance and Wild Steps & The Wine on Tap Co. There was a very large number of wines so I went with a shortlist of mainly those that were accessible, financially and physically, because many are only available in one or…

  • 25% off Wine at Waitrose

    25% off Wine at Waitrose

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    Waitrose has 25% off 6 bottles or more of wine and Champagne priced £6 or over from 27 September to 3 October inclusive.

  • Indulge

    Indulge

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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 From 27th September 2023 until and including 4th October 2023.

  • Scots to Be Forced to Pay at Least £6 a Bottle

    Scots to Be Forced to Pay at Least £6 a Bottle

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    The Telegraph is reporting that The Scottish National Party (SNP) has announced plans to increase the minimum price for a bottle of wine to £6. The decision comes in the wake of a surge in alcohol-related deaths and harm in Scotland, which have reached their highest levels in 14 years. The SNP’s drugs and alcohol policy minister stated that this rise in alcohol-related issues is the primary reason behind the price hike. The announcement has sparked debate, especially considering the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. It’s questionable whether the price increase will actually lead to a decrease in alcohol-related deaths and harm…

  • 25% off Wine at Asda

    25% off Wine at Asda

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    Asda has 25% off before until 11:59pm on Sunday 1/10/2023.

  • Champagne Masterclass with Nicolas Jaeger

    Champagne Masterclass with Nicolas Jaeger

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    On 11th December 2023, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, there’s an online Champagne masterclass for Wine Society Members. This session features Alfred Gratien’s chef de cave, Nicolas Jaeger, who will be joined by the Wine Society’s Champagne buyer Sarah Knowles MW and Ewan Murray from the Tastings Team. Together, they will discuss the various Champagne styles and its production methods, especially focusing on Gratien’s approach. The class aims to enlighten attendees about the differences between NV and Vintage, Blanc de Blancs and prestige cuvée. Additionally, Nicolas will share some insights and details about the wines he produces, which are also…

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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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