Articles

  • Understanding Provence Rosé

    Understanding Provence Rosé

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    Simon Judge

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    History Provence, located in the sun-drenched south of France, is globally renowned for producing some of the finest rosé wines. Its legacy in winemaking stretches back to 600 BC with the founding of Marseille and the planting of the region’s first vineyard. Over the centuries, wine production in Provence evolved under the influence of monasteries…

  • Understanding Champagne

    Understanding Champagne

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    Simon Judge

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    Champagne, the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine, has captivated connoisseurs for centuries with its effervescence, complexity and prestige. This sparkling wine has evolved from humble beginnings to become a global symbol of celebration and luxury, with a rich history, distinctive production methods and diverse styles that continue to evolve to meet contemporary challenges and tastes….

  • Understanding Bulgarian Wines

    Understanding Bulgarian Wines

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    Simon Judge

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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…

  • Understanding South African Wine

    Understanding South African Wine

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    Simon Judge

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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…

  • Understanding Old Vines

    Understanding Old Vines

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    Simon Judge

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    Old vines have long captivated the imagination of wine enthusiasts and producers alike, often associated with wines of exceptional quality and character. But what exactly constitutes an ‘old vine’ and do these venerable plants truly produce superior wines? This aspect of viticulture is both intriguing and complex, requiring an understanding of the term itself and…

  • Understanding Wines of Alentejo, Portugal

    Understanding Wines of Alentejo, Portugal

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    Simon Judge

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    This region blends age-old practices with modern techniques, producing wines that are highly regarded both in Portugal and across the globe. The geography of Alentejo is marked by rolling plains, varied soil types and a Mediterranean climate. Soils such as schist, clay, granite, marble and limestone provide the perfect foundation for grape cultivation. The predominantly…

  • Understanding Cru Bourgeois du Médoc

    Understanding Cru Bourgeois du Médoc

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    Simon Judge

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    Building upon the my previous article on Understanding Bordeaux Wines, this piece looks into the world of Cru Bourgeois du Médoc, a classification that offers high-quality yet accessible wines from Bordeaux’s Left Bank. The term Cru Bourgeois has historical roots that trace back to the Middle Ages. During this period, the term “bourgeois” referred to…

  • Understanding Pinot Grigio

    Understanding Pinot Grigio

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    Simon Judge

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    Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris, has become one of the world’s most popular grapes for white wines. This versatile grape variety produces wines ranging from light and crisp to rich and full-bodied, appealing to a wide range of consumers. Despite the often disdainful attitude towards it from wine aficionados, Pinot Grigio has established…

  • Understanding Greek Wines

    Understanding Greek Wines

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    Simon Judge

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    Greek wines have a rich history dating back thousands of years, with a diverse array of grape varieties, wine regions and styles that are gaining increasing recognition on the global stage. White wines make up about 60% of total production, while red wines account for about 40%. Greece has a significant number of wineries, ranging…

  • Understanding Pinot Noir

    Understanding Pinot Noir

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    Simon Judge

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    Pinot Noir is a captivating red wine that transcends its reputation as merely a lighter red option. The name ‘Pinot Noir’ derives from the French words for ‘pine’ and ‘black’, referring to the grape’s tightly clustered, pine cone-shaped bunches and dark skin. This noble grape variety thrives primarily in cooler climates, with its spiritual home…

  • Wine and Health

    Wine and Health

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    Simon Judge

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    Recent declines in wine consumption have been linked to growing public health concerns, particularly those raised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) who have increasingly voiced concerns about alcohol consumption, culminating in a statement declaring that there is “no safe level” of alcohol consumption. This message reflects the influence of public health campaigns and some…

  • Understanding Sicilian Wines

    Understanding Sicilian Wines

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    Simon Judge

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    Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is not only known for its rich history and stunning landscapes but also for its vibrant and diverse wine culture. The Controlled Designation of Origin (DOC) for Sicilian wines was established on 22nd November 2011. Wine Regions of Sicily Sicily’s main wine regions can be broadly divided into…

  • Understanding Italian Wines

    Understanding Italian Wines

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    Simon Judge

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    Italy’s wine is an intricate tapestry woven from centuries of tradition, regional diversity and a large number of grape varieties. Each of Italy’s 20 regions offers a unique contribution to the country’s vast and varied wine portfolio: In 2022, Italy was the world’s largest wine producer accounting for nearly one-fifth of the global wine supply….

  • Understanding Spanish Wines

    Understanding Spanish Wines

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    Simon Judge

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    Spain is one of the world’s largest wine producers, consistently ranking within the top three countries, with an annual production that typically exceeds 30 million hectolitres. The country’s vast vineyard area, the largest in the world, allows for a wide range of wine styles, influenced by the varying climates and soils across different regions. The…

  • Understanding Bordeaux Wines

    Understanding Bordeaux Wines

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    Simon Judge

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    Located in the southwest of France, Bordeaux is renowned for its vast vineyards and historically significant châteaux. As the largest French region for quality wine production, Bordeaux’s influence stretches across centuries, shaping the taste and expectations of wine enthusiasts around the world. The Bordeaux wine industry is comprised of approximately 5,000 winemakers and 29 cooperative…

  • Understanding Portuguese Wines

    Understanding Portuguese Wines

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    Simon Judge

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    Portugal’s winemaking heritage is not only shaped by the country’s extensive range of climates and terroirs but also by the passionate commitment of its winemakers to both innovation and the preservation of centuries-old practices. In 2020, Portugal solidified its position on the international wine stage as the 10th largest exporter by volume and 11th by…

  • Understanding Furmint

    Understanding Furmint

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    Simon Judge

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    Furmint is a white Hungarian grape variety that plays a significant role in the production of Tokaji Aszú, one of the world’s oldest sweet wines. However, Furmint is also used to make a variety of other wine styles, each showcasing the grape’s versatility and unique characteristics. Furmint is also grown in Slovenia, Slovakia, Croatia, Austria…

  • Understanding New Zealand Wine

    Understanding New Zealand Wine

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    Simon Judge

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    New Zealand produces only 1% of the world’s wine but has carved a niche for itself. With 731 wineries, over 80% of which export to international markets, New Zealand has firmly established its presence internationally. The UK has become the second-largest market for these wines, following behind the USA. The international breakthrough for New Zealand…

  • Understanding Australian Wine

    Understanding Australian Wine

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    Simon Judge

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    Despite Australia’s immense size, only about 145,000 hectares, about 0.02% of its landmass, is dedicated to vineyards. For comparison, the vineyard area is roughly equivalent to the combined regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy, in France. Australia’s wine regions, numbering over 65 and hosting more than 150 grape varieties, are scattered across various states including New…

  • Global Wine Trends: Consumption and Market Shares

    Global Wine Trends: Consumption and Market Shares

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    Simon Judge

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    Wine Australia’s Market Explorer provides fascinating insights into the global wine market, revealing not just how different countries consume wine, but also the nuances of the market shares. The data paints a picture of the dominance of domestic wines globally, holding a majority market share of 52%. This suggests a prevalent preference for locally produced…

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