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Simon Judge

  • Discover Greek Wine

    Discover Greek Wine

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    On 16th August 2023 at 7pm, Cellar Magnifique in Woking is hosting a wine discovery event. This month’s focus is on Greek wines, guided by the Events Manager and winemaker, Sam. The wines will be paired with authentic Greek food from the local restaurant, Elia. I’ll be reporting back on this event.

  • Finish

    Finish

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    The wine finish refers to the taste that lingers after tasting a wine. Finish is an important aspect that reveals the depth, complexity and quality of a wine. The finish can vary greatly, being short or long, simple or complex and smooth or harsh. Factors such as the type of grape, the terroir, winemaking techniques, alcohol content, tannins, sweetness and acidity all play a part in shaping the finish. A short finish may indicate a less complex wine, while a long or complex finish often signifies a high-quality, well-balanced wine. Understanding the finish can greatly elevate the wine tasting experience,…

  • The Truth About ‘Contains Sulphites’ on a Bottle of Wine

    The Truth About ‘Contains Sulphites’ on a Bottle of Wine

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    Simon Judge

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    If you’ve ever looked closely at the label of a wine bottle, you might have noticed the words ‘contains sulphites.’ What does this mean and should it concern you? Since 2005, it has been a requirement by law to declare sulphites if the present level is 10 mg/l or higher. This isn’t something new to the winemaking process as mostly wines will contain this small level as sulphur dioxide or its sulphite compounds. Almost all wines have some sulphites added during winemaking or before bottling to protect the wine from oxidation and microbial instability, ensuring that the wine reaches your…

  • Best Supermarket Prosecco of 2023

    Best Supermarket Prosecco of 2023

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    Simon Judge

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    A recent article in the Evening Standard highlights the Best supermarket Prosecco of 2023. According to the Prosecco DOC Consortium, the UK imported 130 million bottles in 2022, reflecting a 3.5% increase from the 2021 volume. However, the Evening Standard’s article contains an inaccuracy, stating that Prosecco is made in the same way as Champagne, which is not the case. The selected Proseccos are: Aldi Castellore Organic ProseccoM&S Conte Priuli Oro ProseccoTesco Finest Prosecco Valdobbiadene DOCGSainsbury’s Conegliano Prosecco, Taste the DifferenceASDA Extra Special Valdobbiadene ProseccoWaitrose ProseccoLa Gioiosa Prosecco Gold (Majestic)Kylie Minogue Prosecco RoséMionetto Orange Label ProseccoFreixenet Prosecco D. O. C.

  • Rosé Wine Tasting

    Rosé Wine Tasting

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    Simon Judge

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    This was a wine tasting with family and a few friends, accompanied by the online ‘Everything’s Coming Up Rosé – Rosé’ workshop hosted by The Wine Society. The wines in the online tasting were The Society’s Saumur Rosé Brut NV, Coteaux d’Aix en Provence Rosé, Château Vignelaure 2022, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, Contesa 2022 and Rosé d’Anjou Gamay-Grolleau, Famille Bougrier 2022. We had some Berne Côtes de Provence Rosé 2020 that needed consuming, so we substituted that for the Coteaux d’Aix en Provence Rosé. I’m not an avid Rosé drinker, but two of the guests are, so the comments here are primarily…

  • Decanter’s London Fine Wine Encounter 2023

    Decanter’s London Fine Wine Encounter 2023

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    Simon Judge

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    Priority booking is open for Decanter’s members’ only London Fine Wine Encounter 2023, set for Saturday, 11th November at The Landmark London. The Landmark London will provide an ideal setting for respected wineries to showcase their offerings. Attendees will be immersed in an all-day Grand Tasting event where they can sample over 1,000 exquisite wines from around the globe, chosen by Decanter’s experienced team. The event also offers the rare opportunity to taste Gold, Platinum and Best in Show wines from this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA). Additionally, experts behind the labels will be available for interaction and discussion.…

  • Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

    Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

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    Simon Judge

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    With a medium body, this wine has flavours of ripe cherries, accompanied by sweet spices and an enticing whisper of smoke. Under Italian wine regulations, a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine must contain at least 85% Montepulciano with Sangiovese permitted to make up to 15% of the remaining blend. The wine is required to be aged for at least 5 months before being released. This wine has been recommended by the Daily Mail and the 2020 vintage has its highest ever rating of 3.9 on Vivino. Mass market Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is often disappointing but this the exception. My wife and I discovered…

  • International Wine & Spirit Competition 2023

    International Wine & Spirit Competition 2023

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    Simon Judge

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    The IWSC, or the International Wine & Spirit Competition, is an annual competition that assesses and awards the highest-quality wines and spirits from around the world. Unfortunately, the IWSC web site isn’t really designed for consumers and instead it serves producers and retailers who put award stickers on their bottles. You can browse the results but it’s time consuming to narrow in on affordable wines to try. As far I can see, there were no own-brand supermarket gold awards for 2023 and these were the silver awards: Aldi Asda Co-Op Lidl

  • Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

    Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

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    Simon Judge

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    The Yealands reserve collection showcases the premium fruit from Yealand’s ‘Seaview’ site in the Awatere Valley. It offers a more pronounced passionfruit and citrus flavour profile compared to the standard Yealands Sauvignon Blanc. I found this to be a great wine, one that I plan to purchase again, though my preference still leans towards the less intense standard Yealands Sauvignon Blanc. While some reviews on Waitrose mention a sharp, mineral taste with an acidic aftertaste, I didn’t experience this myself. Maybe a bad batch? This wine is bottled in New Zealand, unlike the standard Yealands Sauvignon Blanc that is bulk…

  • Brut

    Brut

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    In the sparkling wine industry, the term ‘Brut’ is used to classify the sweetness level of the wine, which is determined by the amount of residual sugar left in the wine after fermentation. Here is a broad classification of the sweetness levels, starting from the driest:

  • Cork Dork

    Cork Dork

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    Simon Judge

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    Journalist and hobbyist drinker, Bianca Bosker, initially knew little about wine until she stumbled upon a world dominated by elite sommeliers obsessed with flavour. Intrigued by their passion and almost supernatural tasting abilities, she embarked on a journey to understand their obsession, exploring whether she could become a “cork dork” herself. Through a mixture of humour, curiosity, and scepticism, Bosker investigates this unique culture by looking into underground tasting groups, high-end New York City restaurants, mass-market wine factories in California, and even employing neuroscience technology. Her quest to understand the importance of wine leads to discoveries that might change the…

  • Barbeque Food and Wine Pairings

    Barbeque Food and Wine Pairings

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    Simon Judge

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    The Wine Society have a free BBQ with wine online event on 22 Aug 2023 7:00 – 08:00 pm. Join Emma Briffett and Ewan Murray from The Society’s Tastings & Events team as they share their guidance on pairing wine with outdoor grill food. They’ll discuss what combinations work well and which ones to avoid. Is it only about robust reds or can more subtle choices shine too? You’re encouraged to prepare your own food for the session, trying out pairings as the conversation unfolds with an opportunity to ask your questions. A recording of the event is available on…

  • Waitrose to Cut Wine Shelf Space

    Waitrose to Cut Wine Shelf Space

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    The Drinks Business is reporting that Waitrose intends to cut down the shelf space dedicated to wine to accommodate an increased selection of alcohol-free products. Blue signage will mark designated areas for non-alcoholic options in 253 stores, increasing the space for these items by 60%. Pierpaolo Petrassi, head of beers, wines, and spirits at Waitrose, noted a tremendous growth in demand for low-alcohol and alcohol-free drinks, expecting the trend to boost sales significantly this year, especially during Christmas. Waitrose has already added 10 new products in this category to its range, including non-alcoholic versions of popular alcoholic brands like Guinness,…

  • Lees

    Lees

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    Simon Judge

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    Wine lees are the solid remnants that settle at the bottom of the fermentation vessel during the winemaking process. They are a mixture of spent yeast cells, grape particles and other organic matter. Some wines, like Champagne, certain Chardonnays and Muscadets, are aged on their lees, a process known as “sur lie” aging. This can add depth, richness, and complexity to the wine. The breakdown of yeast cells in lees releases compounds that can impart biscuity, brioche and toasty notes. Other traditional method sparkling wines, such as Cava from Spain or Crémant from various regions in France, can also exhibit…

  • Sainsbury’s Brut Non Vintage Champagne

    Sainsbury’s Brut Non Vintage Champagne

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    This champagne, crafted by Louis Kremer Champagne House, uses 20% reserve wines in its blend. “Salty, nutty notes are joined by intense green apple fruit on the nose. A green cooking apple character on the palate sits alongside roasted nuts and a lively acid backbone. It has a wonderful vibrancy that makes this a useful aperitif option.”90 out of 100, Decanter Comprising the classic mix of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir grapes, it tastes of fresh peach and has a distinct buttery taste, though not to the extent of, for instance, NV Bollinger or NV Lanson. The long finish…

  • Laithwaites/Sunday Times Wine Club Festival

    Laithwaites/Sunday Times Wine Club Festival

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    Simon Judge

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    This year, I went to the Laithwaites/ Sunday Times Wine Club, Wine Festival held last May 2023 at its new venue, Olympia London, which is undergoing renovation and more like a construction site. There was a long queue and, on entering, the unfortunate smell of fresh paint, not something conducive to tasting wines! The event boasted its largest Festival selection yet with over 350 wines from 100 producers across 17 different countries, each country or region enjoying its own dedicated festival area. In addition to the impressive range of wines, there were stalls offering artisanal foods, English sparkling wine and…

  • Wine Science: The Application of Science in Winemaking

    Wine Science: The Application of Science in Winemaking

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    Simon Judge

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    This book explores the processes, advancements and factors impacting science of winemaking. With the rise of scientific techniques to enhance the consistency and profitability of wines, there has been a global exchange of knowledge, ideas and practices. This book, written by Jamie Goode, is unique in offering an in-depth examination of wine science. Goode adeptly deconstructs the intricate topic of wine science, revealing the principles behind various processes and the debates that surround their usage. The book is split into three parts focusing on the vineyard, the winery and the human relationship with wine. Goode covers the substantial progress in…

  • Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival

    Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival

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    Simon Judge

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    Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival will take place from 16th to 17th September 2023. It will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00. The event will feature a Jazz Breakfast with Lianne Carroll, along with stalls, bands, and demonstrations. Sunday Brunch star CJ Jackson will make a welcome return. The focus of the festival will be on locally-sourced, sustainable seafood and wine. Live music will include performances by The New Blue Shoes, Kinsella, The Heartlands Roots Band, The Old Romantics, The Sam Calver Band, Sarah G and the Other 3, The Greg Caulson Band, Soul Town and…

  • The Art of Wine Serving: Ideal Temperatures for Red and White Wines

    The Art of Wine Serving: Ideal Temperatures for Red and White Wines

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    Simon Judge

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    Something that’s often overlooked, but plays a significant role in your wine-drinking experience, is the temperature at which the wine is served. Serving wine at its ideal temperature can dramatically enhance its quality, revealing its complexity, balance, and true flavour.

  • Palacio Di Vivero Rueda

    Palacio Di Vivero Rueda

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    Simon Judge

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    ASDA Extra Special Rueda, a wine crafted from Verdejo grapes sourced from Spain’s Rueda region, is a hidden gem due to its relative obscurity. This dry, sharp and citrusy wine offers great value for money and a pleasing depth of flavour. Its qualities have been recognised in the IWSC 2022 with a bronze award, and in the IWC and Decanter World Wine Awards in 2023 with silver and bronze medals respectively. “Punchy lemon and lime zest. Multi-dimensional, herbal and saline note. Good mouthfeel. Fresh, lifted and long.” IWC “What incredible value! Fresh, mineral, saline and waxy with some smoky reduction,…

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Majestic | The Wine Society | Tesco | Waitrose | Sainsbury’s | Morrisons | Co-op | Asda | Aldi | Lidl | £7 and Under | Over £20

TipS – Infographics


Buying | Menu Ordering | Labels | Drinking | Storing | Pairing

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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