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Simon Judge

  • Espartero Reserva Rioja

    Espartero Reserva Rioja

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    This 2017 Reserva, from Bodegas Riovinsa, previously won a bronze medal from the International Wine Challenge, where it was described as having notes of herbs, tea leaves and red cherries. It was also a Bronze Winner at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards. Since its establishment in 1926, the winery has been operated by three successive generations of the Murua family. This wine is made mainly from Tempranillo grapes and undergoes a three-year aging process, with at least 12 months spent in oak barrels and an additional six months in the bottle. I found this wine to be dry, medium…

  • Chilled Red Wines Are Reshaping Trends

    Chilled Red Wines Are Reshaping Trends

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    The UK recently experienced one of its wettest Julys on record and this has had a surprising impact on wine sales. Waitrose, a prominent supermarket chain, has reported a significant increase in red wine purchases, particularly those that can be enjoyed chilled. The trend has even found its way onto social media platforms like TikTok, where the hashtag #RedWine is gaining momentum. Across the pond, America’s top sommeliers are noticing a similar trend but for different reasons. They are encouraging wine drinkers to explore chilled red wines, not just for the summer but as a year-round option. The focus is…

  • Understanding Biodynamic Wine

    Understanding Biodynamic Wine

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    Biodynamic vineyards view farming holistically, seeing the farm as a closed ecosystem where everything is interconnected. It goes beyond organic, emphasising the connection between the farmer, the vine, the earth and even celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and stars. This might sound unconventional, but since its inception in the 1920s by Austrian scientist Rudolph Steiner it has gained significant traction worldwide. While all biodynamic wines are organic, the reverse isn’t true. Biodynamic wines adhere to a specific lunar calendar, which dictates the ideal days for various vineyard activities from planting to harvesting. Biodynamic winemaking avoids chemicals and other manufactured…

  • Passo del Cardinale Primitivo di Manduria

    Passo del Cardinale Primitivo di Manduria

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    I recently had the pleasure of trying a Primitivo that has been given an award by Gambero Rosso magazine, a global authority on Italian food, wine and travel. With a rating of 4.1 on Vivino and an impressive 4.3 for its latest 2022 vintage, this wine piqued my interest. Upon tasting, I found it to be medium to full-bodied, maintaining a good balance with Black Forest-fruit flavours and a subtle note of vanilla. It’s not as intense as, for example, La Masseria Del Borgo, but rather more akin to a classic Primitivo. In my opinion, it’s more suitable to be…

  • Love The Wine You’re With

    Love The Wine You’re With

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  • A Gradual UK Duty Rate Rise

    A Gradual UK Duty Rate Rise

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    If you’ve been visiting the wine shops over the past month, you may have noticed something peculiar. Despite the recent duty hike, not all wine prices have gone up. In some instances, like at Asda, prices initially remained stable, with a few wines experiencing a, greater than duty change, surge much more recently. Meanwhile, The Wine Society has managed to keep its prices unchanged. So, what’s going on? A recent commentary by the chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) in The Drinks Business sheds light on this situation. According to the WSTA, many retailers and wholesalers…

  • Montagne Saint Emilion

    Montagne Saint Emilion

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    Montagne Saint Emilion, produced by Armand Chaperon, has garnered attention with its impressive awards, including the IWSC Bronze Medal, IWC Bronze Medal and Decanter World Wine Awards Bronze in 2023. With such high expectations, it’s easy to see why I was keen to give it a try. The wine was even compared to the much-admired Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a comparison that’s particularly enticing given its more budget-friendly price point. A review on Asda’s website suggested that the difference between the two is so subtle that it’s hard to distinguish. However, my experience with the 2020 vintage was far from what I anticipated.…

  • Woman Survives Five Days Stranded in Australian Bush by Drinking Wine

    Woman Survives Five Days Stranded in Australian Bush by Drinking Wine

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    In a remarkable tale of survival, Lillian Ip, a 48-year-old woman, endured five days stranded in the dense bushland of Victoria, Australia. Setting off on holiday, Ip took a wrong turn and found herself at a dead end. While attempting to turn her car around, she became stuck in mud. With no mobile coverage to call for help, she was left to fend for herself. Ip, who doesn’t usually drink, had only a bottle of wine and some sweets with her. She had intended to gift the wine and used it as her last resort to survive. She also used…

  • Appassimento

    Appassimento

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    An Italian winemaking technique where grapes are partially dried before fermentation. This process concentrates the sugars and flavours in the grapes, resulting in wines that are richer, more robust and often higher in alcohol content. The technique is most commonly associated with Italy, particularly for wines like Amarone and some styles of Valpolicella. The length of the Appassimento process can vary. The drying phase alone can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the desired style of wine, the grape variety, and the conditions in which the grapes are dried. Some Amarone wines, for example, involve drying…

  • Bosman Nero

    Bosman Nero

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    In 2021, South Africa introduced Bosman Nero, its first Nero d’Avola, a collaboration with actor and filmmaker Thapelo Mokoena, who is a shareholder in the project. Created by winemaker Corlea Fourie, this wine is made from Nero d’Avola, a vine chosen for thriving in sun-rich, water-scarce African soil. With a commendable 3.9 score on Vivino and a place among the Top 19 South African Red wines in the United Kingdom, it’s a wine that liked by many. Decanter’s score of 89 adds to its reputation. My wife, always looking for something different, picked up this medium bodied Nero d’Avola produced…

  • Wine Escape Murder Mystery

    Wine Escape Murder Mystery

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    Maidstone, Kent is set to host an immersive dining experience that blends the excitement of escape room games. This special event, organised by Wine Escape, is scheduled for September 30, 2023 and promises to transport guests to the opulent era of the 1920s at the Hawker Wine Estate. The setting for this thrilling evening is The Village Hotel on Forstal Road. Attendees are invited to an exclusive party by the affluent Von James family. However, the atmosphere quickly turns tense due to a whirlwind of vengeance, lies and deception. To make it out of Hawker alive, participants must collaborate, stay…

  • Wine Tasters’ Sensory Response to Flower Arrangements

    Wine Tasters’ Sensory Response to Flower Arrangements

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    Dr Heber Rodrigues led a study from the UK Centre for Excellence on Wine Education, Training and Research at Plumpton College in East Sussex. The research, published in the International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science, explored the intertwined history of flower and wine arrangements. The study aimed to understand how the colour composition of flower arrangements affects people’s perceptions of their delicacy or robustness. It also examined how these perceptions influence judgments of wines. In an online test, 41 participants assessed eight flower arrangements based on colour composition. Results indicated that arrangements with high value, low saturation, and cool…

  • What is Organic Wine?

    What is Organic Wine?

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    As consumers become more conscious of what they consume and its impact on the environment, organic wine has become more popular. But what exactly sets organic wine apart from its regular counterpart? And is it truly better for you? The Difference Between Organic Wine and Regular Wine The primary difference between organic and regular wine lies in the cultivation of the grapes and the winemaking process. Organic wine is produced using grapes that are grown without the aid of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides. Organic viticulture emphasises the use of natural methods to maintain soil health and combat pests. This…

  • Unprecedented Declines in Chilean Wine Exports Including to UK

    Unprecedented Declines in Chilean Wine Exports Including to UK

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    Chile has experienced a significant drop in wine exports during the first half of 2023. The decline amounted to 20 million boxes and 584 million dollars, marking a 24% decrease in both volume and value compared to the same timeframe in 2022. All ten of Chile’s primary wine-consuming markets have seen a decline in wine exports. China, which remains the top destination in terms of value, witnessed a 40% reduction in volume and a 37% decrease in value. Other markets that saw substantial reductions include the UK, Japan, Canada, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea and Mexico. Chile ranks as…

  • Morandé ‘One to One’ Gewürztraminer

    Morandé ‘One to One’ Gewürztraminer

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    Morandé was the first winery in the Chile Casablanca Valley and were the first to receive sustainable certification in Chile. Their One to One Gewürztraminer is different in that each bottle originates from a single vine, thus explaining the product’s name. The word ‘Gewürz’ means ‘spice’ in German, reflecting the wine’s unique flavour profile, which is aromatic and strongly flavoured as with notes of lychee, rose petal and ginger. Gewürztraminer’s pronounced character can be polarising, with some wine drinkers loving its distinctive aromatic intensity and others finding it too overpowering. Gewürztraminer wine pairs well with Chinese and Thai spicy dishes.…

  • UK Wine Regulation to Change

    UK Wine Regulation to Change

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    The UK government recently closed its Smarter Regulation: Wine Reforms Consultation on 21st July 2023. The consultation aimed to simplify the existing 400-page rulebook governing wine production and trade in Great Britain. The current regulations are seen as overly complex and hindering innovation, including practices that could reduce carbon emissions. The proposed reforms aim to stimulate investment in vineyards, wine import and bottling operations. The aim is to broaden consumer choice reducing prices, encourage bulk movements of wine to Great Britain for bottling, supporting glass recycling targets, reduce the rulebook’s size while retaining necessary standards, including policy objectives like frictionless…

  • 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 £5 or over until 29/8/23.

  • Minerality

    Minerality

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    Minerality is a term used to describe a set of characteristics in wine that are reminiscent of flavours, aromas, or sensations that evoke wet stones, flint, chalk or other mineral-like qualities. The source of taste of minerality in wine is a complex and debated subject. Some believe it comes directly from the minerals in the soil where the grapes are grown. However, scientific research has not found a direct link between soil minerals and the taste of those minerals in wine. Instead, minerality is likely a combination of several factors. The climate and geographical location, the way a wine is…

  • Majestic’s Organic Wine Sales Up 22%

    Majestic’s Organic Wine Sales Up 22%

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    Harpers is reporting that Majestic has experienced a 22% increase in organic wine sales in the first five months of its financial year compared to the same period last year. This growth is attributed to a shift in consumer preferences towards wines with positive environmental credentials. In response to the rising demand, Majestic has expanded its core organic range from 50 to 67 wines, aiming to meet the needs of retail customers and on-trade partners looking for planet-friendly products. The company predicts that sales of its organic wines will double over the next three years. Leading the organic sales is…

  • 25% off at Sainsbury’s

    25% off at Sainsbury’s

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    Sainsbury’s has 25% off until 27/08/2023.

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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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