Articles

Understanding Valpolicella and Amarone

Amarone, Articles, Italy, Valpolicella

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By

Simon Judge

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22 November 2023

Valpolicella is a wine-producing region in Italy combining traditional techniques with the variable geography of the Verona province. Located between the Lessini Mountains and Lake Garda, Valpolicella’s landscape has a varying terrain – mountainous areas, hilly vineyards and fertile valley floors. In 2020, this region boasted a large €600 million turnover, with a significant 70%…
Understanding Ribera del Duero

Articles, Ribera del Duero, Spain

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By

Simon Judge

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14 November 2023

Ribera del Duero, a wine region in Spain, is mainly known for its red wines. Situated along the Duero River in the northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula, Ribera del Duero benefits from a unique climate, higher altitude and a rich winemaking heritage. The region gained its Denominación de Origen (DO) status in 1982. The…
What is Sustainable Wine?

Articles, Climate Change, Sustainable, WineGB

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By

Simon Judge

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14 October 2023

Sustainable wine covers a range of practices aimed at diminishing the adverse impacts of wine production on the planet while ensuring the long-term viability for the industry. At the core of sustainable wine are organic and biodynamic practices. These are concerned with minimising the negative environmental impact of farming and food production and promoting soil…
What is Appellation Marlborough Wine?

Articles, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc

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By

Simon Judge

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9 October 2023

Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) is a certification mark signifying a commitment among some winemakers in Marlborough, New Zealand, to uphold high-quality standards and preserve the unique characteristics of wines produced in this region. Initiated and trademark registered in 2018, AMW primarily aimed to safeguard the authenticity, origin and integrity of Marlborough’s popular Sauvignon Blanc. The…
Italy’s Wine Classifications

Articles, DOC, DOCG, IGT, Italy

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By

Simon Judge

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4 October 2023

The top of Italian wine classification is the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG). Wines under this category have undergone the most stringent regulations. They come from precisely delineated regions and have passed a meticulous taste examination and chemical tests. The regulations encompass aspects ranging from grape varieties and wine production methods to specific…
Who are WineGB?

Articles, WineGB

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By

Simon Judge

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20 September 2023

The UK wine production industry has seen a remarkable surge in recent years, and at the forefront of this burgeoning sector is Wines of Great Britain Limited, commonly known as WineGB. Established on 1st September 2017, WineGB emerged from the merger of two key industry bodies: the United Kingdom Vineyards Association (UKVA) and English Wine…
Understanding and Using Wine Ratings

Articles

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By

Simon Judge

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18 September 2023

The world of wine can be a complex and sometimes intimidating space with countless varieties, regions, and producers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This is where wine ratings come into play. They offer a guide to help navigate the vast landscape. However, it’s important to understand wine ratings to know why it’s possible you might…
What is Vegan Wine?

Articles, Vegan

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By

Simon Judge

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13 September 2023

Vegan wine is wine that is made without using any animal products during the winemaking process. While it might seem surprising that wine could contain animal products, traditional winemaking often involves the use of substances like gelatin, egg whites or fish bladder proteins (isinglass) to clarify and stabilise the wine. These substances help to remove…
How Long To Keep Wines

Ageing, Articles

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By

Simon Judge

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7 September 2023

Contrary to popular belief, not all wines get better with age. While some wines do indeed mature well, many are meant to be enjoyed in their youth. Only a small 1% of wines are designed to be stored for extended periods. The vast majority are best drunk when they’re fresh, lively and bursting with their…
Understanding Biodynamic Wine

Articles, Biodynamic

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By

Simon Judge

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31 August 2023

Biodynamic vineyards view farming holistically, seeing the farm as a closed ecosystem where everything is interconnected. It goes beyond organic, emphasising the connection between the farmer, the vine, the earth and even celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and stars. This might sound unconventional, but since its inception in the 1920s by Austrian scientist Rudolph…
What is Organic Wine?

Articles, Organic

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By

Simon Judge

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25 August 2023

As consumers become more conscious of what they consume and its impact on the environment, organic wine has become more popular. But what exactly sets organic wine apart from its regular counterpart? And is it truly better for you? The Difference Between Organic Wine and Regular Wine The primary difference between organic and regular wine…
The Truth About ‘Contains Sulphites’ on a Bottle of Wine

Articles

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By

Simon Judge

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12 August 2023

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

Articles

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By

Simon Judge

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6 August 2023

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.
Bulk Packaging and Local Bottling

Articles, Headaches

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By

Simon Judge

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1 August 2023

A hidden part of the UK wine industry to consumers, is the process of bulk packaging, transporting and local UK bottling of wine which represents about 40% of imported wine. This reduces transportation costs and the environmental impact but also carries implications for the provenance and authenticity of the wine. If you look at the…

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