Simon
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IWSC Results
The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) has recently announced the results of thousands of entries judged by a team of more than 120 international experts. This panel included over 20 Masters of Wine and nearly a dozen Master Sommeliers. The results are available in an online database. Champagne stood out with a great performance,…
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New Research into Corked Wine
New research provides deeper insights into corked wine. Corked wine is primarily caused by the compound 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (2,4,6-TCA), which imparts a musty, mouldy smell to the wine. This compound is mainly produced through a microbial process and can originate from cork stoppers or the winemaking environment. Cork is the primary source due to potential contamination…
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Wine is All the Rave
The Drinks Business is reporting that wine raves are becoming a popular way to introduce Generation Z to wine. Instead of traditional wine tastings, these events combine wine with rave-style parties in locations like Hackney studios or warehouses. Initiatives like New Theory and Close Ties host these events, featuring local DJs and offering an immersive…
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Not Enough Wine: Short Measures
According to a study reported by The Guardian, more than two-thirds of beer and wine sold in UK pubs and bars are short-measured, costing the average consumer approximately £115 annually. Trading standards officers, who visited 77 venues and conducted 137 test purchases, found 70% had less drink than declared. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)…
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Domaine de Mourchon Loubié Cotes du Rhone Villages Rosé
Domaine de Mourchon, managed by British-born Walter McKinlay alongside talented winemaker Sebastien Magnouac, produces this 2023 vintage, rosé with 13% ABV. The Domaine’s uses low-yield Grenache grapes, ensuring a superior flavour profile. This wine is a pale salmon colour, very dry, but nevertheless well balanced by its aromatic, round and fruity character. On the nose,…
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Wine Demand is Back Up – At Least in the US
An article on Wine Searcher Wine Comes Roaring Back discusses the surprising rebound of the wine industry in the USA after pandemic-induced declines. Recent data shows Millennials are increasingly consuming and spending more on wine than Baby Boomers. Wineries are adapting by appealing to younger demographics with eco-friendly practices and inclusive marketing. Notable growth is…
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Wine Merchant Top 100
Wine Merchant magazine has recently announced its annual Top 100 wines. This year marks the first in-person judging since the pandemic, with judges from 38 independent stores across the UK participating in the selection process. The initial selection consisted of over 900 wines, reflecting a diverse range of offerings. Among the trends observed in this…
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Tesco Spring/Summer Press Tasting
In May 2024, I had the pleasure of attending Tesco’s Spring/Summer Press Tasting event in London. The selection was curated to cater to the warmer months, with a clear aim to inspire customers at every price point. The event showcased an impressive array of 138 wines, including 23 new additions to the range and numerous…
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25% Off Wine at Asda
Asda has 25% off wine, on £5.50 per bottle or more, 6 bottles or more, from 24 May 2024 until 11:59pm on Wednesday 29 May 2024.
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Co-op Spring & Summer Wine Tasting
The Co-op Spring & Summer Wine Tasting was held in May 2024, in London, showcasing 84 wines. With consumers becoming more price-conscious, the Co-op has seen a noticeable shift towards choosing own-label wines over branded ones. In response, Co-op has expanded its own-label wine ranges. There is also a strong demand for rosé wines, which,…
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25% off Wine at Waitrose
Waitrose has 25% off 6 bottles or more of wine and Champagne priced £6 or over from 22 May to 4 June 2024 inclusive.
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25% off Wine at Morrisons
Morrisons 25% discount on 6 or more bottles of wine, £5 or more, until 27 May 2024. Max 2 sets of 6 per customer.
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London Wine Fair
I attended the London Wine Fair in May 2024, a three day trade event featuring 335 exhibitors and over 3,224 products, mainly wines. There were large pavilions for Italy, France, Greece, Georgia, WineGB, and even Japan, but Spain, New Zealand, and Australia were notably absent. However, on the day I attended, there was a pop-up…
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25% Off Wine at Tesco
Tesco has save 25% off wine with Clubcard when you buy 6+ bottles that are over £5.50, from 21 May 2024 until 27 May 2024. There’s also an offer, only with Clubcard, from 28 May 2024 until 9 June 2024 of buy 3+, save 25% Clubcard Price. This is on the majority, but not all…
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25% off Wine at Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s has 25% off wine, 6 bottles or more, £6 or more, from 22 May 2024 to 28 May 2024.
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Cabalié
If you spend any time on Instagram browsing wine-related posts, in the UK, you’ll almost certainly come across this wine, often advertised by Laithwaites with an enticing offer to lure you into making your first purchase. But is it any good? This Languedoc-Roussillon red has a respectable 4.1 rating on Vivino and ranks #2 in…
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The Paradoxes of Dealcoholised Wine Production
In the DrinksBusiness, an anonymous wine producer criticises the growing trend of dealcoholised wines, arguing that the process is energy-intensive, costly, and significantly alters the wine’s original qualities, resulting in a product that lacks flavour and structure. The producer contends that the necessary additives to recreate the wine’s taste and stability are unnatural and environmentally…
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Asda Spring Summer Showcase
In May 2024, Asda held a press tasting showcasing a variety of wines, perfect for Spring and Summer days. While the focus was primarily on wines ideal for warmer weather, there were also a few bold reds to complement BBQs. One of the highlights of the event was the re-launch of the Wine Atlas range,…
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M&S Spring Tasting
In May 2024, M&S held their Spring Tasting press event, showcasing over 130 wines. This year saw the launch of some new wine labelling and a fresh focus on competitive pricing. In April, M&S dropped the prices on 100 wines, shifting their strategy towards everyday trusted value with fewer monthly promotions. The selection at the…
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Wines from Spain Tasting
The 36th Annual trade/press tasting of Wines from Spain took place in May 2024, featuring UK importers and Spanish wineries. The event showcased over 245 Spanish wineries and 789 wines. A highlight of the event was the Cava de Guarda Superior Masterclass, led by Master of Wine Peter McCombie. This session explored aged Cava and…
Recent
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Majestic Autumn Winter Tasting
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25% Off Wine at Tesco
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The Grape Unveiling
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Hatch Mansfield Autumn Portfolio Tasting
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Villa Maria Seaspray Sauvignon Blanc
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Virgen del Galir Val do Galir Godello
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Viña Pomal 106 Barricas
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Aldi Autumn Winter Wine Tasting
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Rising Corkage Fees to Upwards of £100
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Label Design Influence on Consumer Attitudes Toward Organic Wine