Simon Judge

  • Affordable English Sparkling Wine

    Affordable English Sparkling Wine

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    Hannah Crosbie in The Guardian newspaper explains how many supermarkets now offer their own-label English sparkling wines, which are sourced from producers and bottled under their name. Some disclose the producer, while others keep it confidential to maintain the brand’s prestige. These own-label sparkling are significantly cheaper than regular English sparkling wines, which usually cost…

  • Irresistible Salice Salentino

    Irresistible Salice Salentino

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    Irresistible Salice Salentino is 2020 vintage made from the Negroamaro grape, with an ABV of 13.5%. Produced by Botter, a brand more popular in Belgium, Germany, Holland and France, this wine comes from Masseria Doppio Passo in Puglia, specifically the municipality of Salice Salentino. It’s aged for at least 24 months, including six months in…

  • Domini Veneti ‘La Casetta’ Valpolicella Ripasso

    Domini Veneti ‘La Casetta’ Valpolicella Ripasso

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    Ripasso wines gain their signature depth and texture from the addition of leftover grape skins from Amarone production, but La Casetta goes a step further. Instead of Amarone, it is re-fermented with the skins from Recioto, a rich, sweet dessert wine, which takes the flavour intensity to another level. Being a Classico Superiore, it comes…

  • People’s Choice Wine Awards Results

    People’s Choice Wine Awards Results

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    The results of the People’s Choice Wine Awards are out. These consumer-friendly categories attract wine submissions from all over the world, embracing all packaging formats and price points. Entries come from a wide range of sources, including importers, independent retailers, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and producers. The judging process is a unique blend of expert knowledge…

  • Alcohol Reductions

    Alcohol Reductions

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    When it comes to the duty on UK wine, one factor aside from price that is increasingly coming into the equation is alcohol level. By reducing alcohol, producers can actually bring the price of wine down to below what it was before the recent duty increases. Speaking to importers at tastings, this is an ongoing…

  • Bulgarian Tasting

    Bulgarian Tasting

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    In March 2025, I attended the Bulgarian Tasting and Masterclass in London, which specifically focused on the Thracian Lowlands, one of Bulgaria’s two PGI regions. The Masterclass, led by Dr Jamie Goode, centred on Bulgaria’s indigenous grape varieties. The walkaround tasting featuring over 60 wines. Representatives from The Jolly Merchants, Danube Wines, and Swig importers…

  • Understanding Bulgarian Wines

    Understanding Bulgarian Wines

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    Bulgaria encompasses six thousand years of winemaking tradition, now blending ancient heritage with modern innovation. It cultivates both native varieties and international grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. With over 90% of production exported to markets across Europe, Asia and North America, Bulgaria’s is experiencing a resurgence as a competitive force in the global…

  • 25% Off Wine at Waitrose

    25% Off Wine at Waitrose

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    Simon Judge

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    Waitrose has 25% off 6 bottles or more of wine and Champagne priced between £6 and £100 from 11 March to 18 March 2025 inclusive. See the recent press tasting for tips on what to buy.

  • Fine Wines

    Fine Wines

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    An article from The Times (link might no longer be public by the time you read this) discusses how London has become the fine wine capital of the world, boasting more restaurants serving top-tier wines than any other city. However, while some people indulge in extravagant vintages, the real measure of a fine wine isn’t…

  • Emma Marris Sauvignon Blanc

    Emma Marris Sauvignon Blanc

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    Emma Marris, eldest daughter of Brent Marris, the winemaker behind the best-selling Sauvignon Blanc, The Ned, is now making her own mark in the world of wine. Having spent her life immersed in viticulture, Emma fine-tuned her expertise studying at Roseworthy College near Adelaide, and has since stepped into the role of Production Winemaker. This…

  • Negative Wine Reviews

    Negative Wine Reviews

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    You might wonder why all the wines that I and others review seem to be either satisfactory or excellent, with none described as poor. After all, preventing someone buying a bad wine might be seen as important as choosing a good one. When I began posting wine reviews, it became clear that I needed to…

  • Aldi Spring Summer Tasting 2025

    Aldi Spring Summer Tasting 2025

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    I went to the Aldi Spring Summer Press Tasting in early March 2025 in London. Aldi is now the third-largest wine retailer in the UK by volume, across red, white and rosé wines. This year, they expanded their Unearthed and Specially Selected wine ranges and also had some interesting new additions from Washington State. There…

  • Fairview Barrel-Aged Pinotage

    Fairview Barrel-Aged Pinotage

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    Fairview has been producing Pinotage since the 1970s, with vintner Charles Back continuing the tradition with this wine. This particular vintage, from 2022, has an ABV of 13.5% and has been aged in seasoned oak barrels. The 2020 vintage previously won a bronze medal at the International Wine Challenge. Pinotage was created in 1925 by…

  • Moillard-Thomas Chablis

    Moillard-Thomas Chablis

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    Moillard-Thomas Chablis is produced by one of the region’s oldest wine merchants, known for their long-standing expertise. This 2023 vintage is made in stainless steel vats, unoaked as is typical for non-Premier Cru Chablis. The 2021 vintage of this wine was recognised with an IWC award in 2022, highlighting its quality. This Chablis is 12.5%…

  • Rustenberg Stellenbosch Malbec

    Rustenberg Stellenbosch Malbec

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    This bottle was a gift from someone who came to one of my past wine tastings – thanks, Hugh. It already has a few accolades, including 91 points from James Suckling in 2023, 90 points from the Tim Atkin SA Report and a Gold Medal from the Michelangelo Wine and Spirits Awards . At 14%…

  • Wine, Neuroprotection and Gut Health

    Wine, Neuroprotection and Gut Health

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    More new research (pdf) helps to balance the currently overly-negative narrative of wine and health. Chapter 6 of Nourish Your Mind: A Scientific Approach to Brain Health explores the role of phenolic metabolites from wine and their effects on cognitive and digestive processes. The chapter examines how these compounds, particularly polyphenols, contribute to neuroprotection, gut…

  • SITT Spring Tasting 2025

    SITT Spring Tasting 2025

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    In late February 2025, I attended the Specialist Importers’ Trade Tasting (SITT) in London. With 47 specialist importers showcasing over 700 wines from diverse regions including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Lebanon, Moldova, Spain, Ukraine, the USA, Italy, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, there was an impressive array to explore. The wines are exclusively…

  • Shifts in Global Alcohol Consumption Patterns

    Shifts in Global Alcohol Consumption Patterns

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    The IWSR’s Bevtrac 2024 Wave 2 report highlights a significant shift in global alcohol consumption patterns, with moderation becoming a prevalent trend across all demographics over the past year. While a surge in complete abstinence observed in 2023 appears to have been temporary, consumers, including younger legal drinking age individuals, are now returning to alcohol…

  • Understanding South African Wine

    Understanding South African Wine

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    South African wine, with its rich heritage dating back to the 17th century, has evolved into a dynamic industry renowned for its diverse terroirs and innovative winemaking. The country’s wine regions, clustered primarily in the Western Cape, produce a wide array of styles, from robust reds to crisp whites, underpinned by unique grape varieties such…

  • Wanderlust Trade Portfolio Tasting 2025

    Wanderlust Trade Portfolio Tasting 2025

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    In February 2025, I was invited to the Wanderlust Annual Trade Portfolio Tasting in London. The event showcased around 130 wines, with a particular spotlight on 20 of their passionate and independent producers who were present. Wanderlust imports sustainable wines into the UK, working exclusively with family-owned or independent producers. They focus on organic and…

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