Articles
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Understanding Supermarket Own Label Wine
Own-label wine has quietly become one of the most interesting parts of the UK supermarket aisle. It no longer simply means a cheap bottle with a supermarket logo on the front. In 2026 it can mean Tesco Finest Champagne, Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Discovery small parcels, Waitrose Loved & Found treasures, Co-op Fairtrade Irresistible bottles, Morrisons The Best producer collaborations, Lidl Wine Tour discoveries, Aldi Specially Selected bargains or Asda’s new Exceptional tier. The best examples are not trying to imitate branded wine so much as to solve the supermarket wine problem: how to deliver recognisable style, reliable quality and…
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Understanding Grower Champagne
Grower champagne is the term for a bottle whose producer is legally identified in Champagne as an RM, or Récoltant-Manipulant. According to Comité Champagne, an RM is a grower who makes and markets own-label Champagne from grapes sourced exclusively from that grower’s own vineyards. That is different from an NM, or Négociant-Manipulant, which is an individual or company that may buy grapes, musts or wines in order to make Champagne under its own label. In other words, “grower champagne” is not a separate appellation from Champagne itself, it is a producer category within the wider AOC Champagne system. Comité Champagne…
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Understanding Rías Baixas
DO Rías Baixas is one of those wine regions whose identity is inseparable from landscape. The name itself comes from Galician and means “lower rías”, with rías being the jagged Atlantic inlets or estuaries that define the south-western coast of Galicia. In the official wine geography, the term is tied to five estuarine systems stretching south from the area below Santiago de Compostela towards Portugal, and that maritime setting is not decorative background but the foundation of the region’s climate, viticulture and taste. Geographically, Rías Baixas sits in Galicia in north-west Spain, mostly in the province of Pontevedra but also…
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Understanding Wine Bottle Closures
Wine bottle closures sit at the awkward junction of tradition and engineering. They have to create a seal, survive transport, tolerate temperature swings, open cleanly at the table, and stay out of the way of the wine’s aroma and flavour for months or decades. At the same time, closures carry powerful cultural meanings. A natural cork can signal tradition and ageworthiness, while a screw cap can signal modernity, convenience, and sometimes, perhaps unfairly, “cheapness”. Understanding closures properly means treating them as a controlled interface between wine and the outside world, where tiny differences in oxygen movement, chemical interaction, and mechanical…
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Understanding Non-Alcoholic Wine
Dry January has become the annual moment when even committed wine drinkers are tempted to experiment, not just because they want to “be good”, but because it gives a time to reset habits, compare options and talk about it socially. Ahead of the previous 2025 Dry January challenge, Alcohol Change UK said 15.5 million people were planning a booze-free January, with saving money and better sleep among the top motivations. That one-month change has turned into a year-round shift. “Sober-curious” socialising has moved from niche to normal. People still want a drink in hand at a dinner party, a date,…
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Understanding Crémant
Crémant stands as a French example of how outstanding sparkling wine can be made outside the Champagne region. The term refers to quality traditional-method sparkling wines that are protected by appellation and produced in specific regions under detailed rules. In France, the Crémant producers’ federation brings together eight AOPs (L’Appellation d’origine protégée): Alsace, Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Die, Jura, Limoux, Loire and Savoie. For Crémant, grapes must be harvested by hand, the amount of juice obtained from pressing must not exceed 100 litres per 150 kilos of grapes, and the wines must undergo at least nine months’ ageing before release, with commercial…
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Understanding Cru Bourgeois du Médoc
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 the citizens, or bourgeoisie, who lived in the “burgh” (bourg) of Bordeaux. These citizens, often wealthy and influential, began acquiring some of the region’s most esteemed lands for viticulture. Over time, the designation of Cru Bourgeois became associated with these holdings as these landowners cultivated…
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Drink Everyday Wines Now or Save for Later? Everyday Wines That Can Age
Most wine on the shelf today isn’t made to last. It’s made to taste bright, juicy and ready the moment you get it home. Whites in particular are rarely designed for cellaring. If you’ve bought a simple Pinot Grigio, an unoaked Chardonnay, a typical supermarket Sauvignon Blanc or a fresh rosé, the safest plan is to drink it within months rather than years. Don’t tuck it away for a special occasion. The wine won’t thank you. The fruit will fade, the zest will soften and you’ll be left wondering what all the fuss was about. That said, some ‘everyday’ styles…
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Understanding Fairtrade Wine
Fairtrade wine carries the FAIRTRADE Mark licensed by the Fairtrade Foundation in the the UK, an arm of Fairtrade International. That mark tells you the grapes were grown and traded to Fairtrade Standards, with protections on price and workers’ rights and with an extra, ring-fenced community payment called the Fairtrade Premium. In wine this matters because vineyards often rely on seasonal labour and thin margins, and without protections both small growers and hired workers can struggle to make a decent living. For wine, Fairtrade certification has two parts. First, there are social standards for either small-producer co-operatives or larger estates…
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Fast Track Guide to What Makes Wine Taste the Way It Does
At a high level, what you taste in a wine comes from three places: the grapes and their fermentation (primary aromas and flavours), the choices made after fermentation (secondary, such as oak, malolactic and lees) and the effects of maturation and age (tertiary). Thinking in these three layers helps you separate where specific notes and textures originate. The growing environment is fundamental because it governs how grapes ripen, which sets the baseline for sugar, acidity, tannin, alcohol and the spectrum of fruit and non-fruit flavours. Vines need heat, sunlight, water, nutrients and carbon dioxide to complete their annual cycle and…
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Understanding Micro-oxygenation (MOX)
If you are keen to better understand how winemaking influences what ultimately ends up in your glass, you can gain some insights from exploring the topic of micro-oxygenation, or MOX, a carefully controlled technique used in red winemaking to manage oxygen exposure with precision. MOX is not about simply letting air into the wine but involves controlled, minute additions of oxygen to achieve specific effects on wine’s taste, structure and longevity. The main purpose of micro-oxygenation is to improve the texture and stability of red wines, especially those with high tannins. It can soften astringency and preserve colour by encouraging…
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Understanding Provence Rosé
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 from the 5th to 12th centuries and was later shaped by the rise of major Provençal winegrowing families in the early 20th century. A significant shift occurred in the 1970s, when quality became a priority in rosé production, ushering in a new era that redefined…
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Understanding Champagne
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. The Historical Evolution of Champagne The story of Champagne begins in the 5th century, possibly earlier, when Romans established vineyards in northeastern France. Initially, the wines produced in this region were still wines, pale, pinkish liquids made primarily from Pinot Noir grapes, bearing little resemblance…
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Understanding Bulgarian Wines
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 wine industry. Bulgaria’s Wine Regions and the PGI Framework Bulgaria’s wine regulatory landscape transformed significantly upon joining the European Union in 2007, adopting the EU’s Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) frameworks. The country now recognises two expansive PGIs, Thracian Lowlands…
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Understanding South African Wine
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 as Pinotage. History and Regions South Africa’s winemaking tradition began in 1652 when Dutch settlers planted the first vineyards near Cape Town. Today, the Western Cape remains the epicentre of production, encompassing over 30 wine-growing regions. The Coastal Region, stretching from Cape Town northward along…
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Understanding Old Vines
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 the impact of vine age on wine quality. What is an Old Vine? The term ‘old vine’, or ‘vieilles vignes’ in French, is commonly used on wine labels to indicate that the wine is produced from grapes grown on notably old vines. However, there is…
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Understanding Wines of Alentejo, Portugal
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 hot and dry climate, with a strong continental influence, further enhances the conditions for growing high-quality grapes. Alentejo is subdivided into eight distinct sub-regions: Borba, Évora, Granja-Amareleja, Moura, Portalegre, Redondo, Reguengos, and Vidigueira. Each of these sub-regions contributes to the region’s wine diversity. Portalegre, with…
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Understanding Pinot Grigio
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 itself as one of most commercially important and widely popular grape varieties, offering great taste at a relatively low cost. The US imports 37% of World production and the UK is second place at 27%. Its success is particularly notable in the United Kingdom, where…
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Understanding Greek Wines
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 from small family-owned operations to larger commercial producers. There are more than 1200 wineries and 180,000 growers spread across the country’s various wine regions. Greek wine exports to the UK have been growing in recent years, as British consumers become more interested in exploring diverse…
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Understanding Pinot Noir
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 in Burgundy, France, though it has found success in regions like Oregon, New Zealand and parts of Germany, Chile and Italy. Viticulturally, Pinot Noir presents numerous challenges. Its thin skin makes it susceptible to various diseases and pests, while its early budding leaves it vulnerable…
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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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