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  • 25% Off Wine at Asda

    25% Off Wine at Asda

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    Asda has 25% off wine, on £5.50 per bottle or more, until 11:59pm on Sunday 25 February 2024.

  • Bodacious Red

    Bodacious Red

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    This a red blend from the Tejo wine region of Portugal formerly known as Ribatejo until its rebranding in 2009, now named after the Tejo River. It’s produced by Falua Sociedade de Vinos. The blend includes Castelão, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Syrah. The wine gained a Bronze Medal at the 2023 IWSC and the Decanter World Wine Awards and it has a respectable 4.1 rating on Vivino. Aesthetically, the bottle immediately captures attention with its striking label graphics, a nod to the wine’s assertive character described as ‘Fierce, gracious and untameable.’ On the nose, the wine greets with an…

  • Valdo Prosecco DOC Extra Dry

    Valdo Prosecco DOC Extra Dry

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    Despite not holding the more prestigious DOCG designation, this wine makes a subtle statement by mentioning Valdobbiadene, it’s origin, on its label — usually only done for Prosecco of the DOCG category. Contrary to what one might expect, ‘Extra Dry’ in this context always refers to a subtly sweet flavour profile. Valdo Prosecco DOC Extra Dry surpasses expectations set by its modest 3.6 score on Vivino. Having in a pale straw yellow hue, it entices with a nose that mixes floral notes with the crisp, fresh scent of apples. The taste is reminiscent of sherbet, offering a fizziness that adds…

  • Extra Special Uco Valley Malbec

    Extra Special Uco Valley Malbec

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    This Argentinian Malbec from the Uco Valley in Mendoza, a 2020 vintage produced by Bodega Norton, Argentina, was awarded a Bronze at the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2023. The wine has aromatic scents of violets and liquorice on the nose and displays a typical Malbec purple hue. Its French oak ageing and 14.5% alcohol content contribute to a well-rounded, smooth and full-bodied profile. Upon tasting, the palate is met with rich blackberry fruit flavours, complemented by a subtle spiciness that enhances its complexity. It’s slightly more tannic and fruitier than some other Malbecs, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.…

  • Grant Burge Barossa Ink Cabernet Sauvignon

    Grant Burge Barossa Ink Cabernet Sauvignon

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    Simon Judge

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    The Barossa Ink Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is made by Grant Burge in Australia. This 2021 vintage, with a blend of Cinsault and Petit Verdot, offers a unique twist to the traditional Cabernet Sauvignon. It has been rated 4.0 on Vivino, reflecting its quality and popularity among wine lovers. The 2020 vintage of this wine was commended by the International Wine Challenge. This has a dark, purple-edged appearance, indicative of its full-bodied nature. On the palate, it presents a mix of blackcurrant, mint and dark chocolate, creating a rich flavour profile. Compared to a traditional Cabernet Sauvignon, it is less tannic…

  • Pepperjack Shiraz

    Pepperjack Shiraz

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    Simon Judge

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    Pepperjack Shiraz 2021 from Barossa, Australia is a robust offering that is reflected in its strong 14.5% ABV. Pepperjack, since its inception in 1998 with Barossa Shiraz, has evolved, originally catering to an exclusive clientele in bars and restaurants before broadening its reach and acclaim. The 2020 vintage received favourable reviews, with James Button of Decanter highlighting its ripe blackcurrant notes and balsamic freshness, leading to a peppery, plummy finish. This new vintage has gone down well, securing a 3.9 rating on Vivino and earning a spot among Vivino’s top 24 South Australian Shiraz wines in the United Kingdom. I…

  • La Vieille Ferme Rosé

    La Vieille Ferme Rosé

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    La Vieille Ferme Rosé is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Shiraz/Syrah. Despite its modest 3.6 rating on Vivino, it comes recommended by the Telegraph newspaper and proved to be a pleasant discovery. The wine has a floral aroma and the taste distinguishes itself with its dryness, a quality that isn’t always associated with rosé wines. The flavour is peachy/nectarine, offering a fresh and fruity experience that works well both as a standalone drink and as an accompaniment to food. This rosé is available at several major supermarkets in the UK, including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, Iceland, Morrisons and Asda. There…

  • Reviving the Riches of Australian Shiraz

    Reviving the Riches of Australian Shiraz

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    Fiona Beckett from the Guardian Newspaper has an article on Australian Shiraz. In the 1990s, her favourite red wine was Australian shiraz, admired for its voluptuous, ripe and smooth qualities. However, tastes evolved and these wines became known as too sweet and jammy. However, recently, at a wine tasting, Fiona was impressed with the quality and reasonable pricing of mid-priced Shiraz noting their superiority over Malbecs in the same price range. The abundance of Shiraz in Australia, a result of an oversupplied market since China imposed import duties in 2020, has benefited the markets such as the UK, Australia’s top…

  • 25% Off Wine at Asda

    25% Off Wine at Asda

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    Simon Judge

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    Asda has 25% off wine, on £5.50 per bottle or more, until 11:59pm on 13 December 2023.

  • Masso Antico Negroamaro

    Masso Antico Negroamaro

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    Simon Judge

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    The Masso Antico Negroamaro from Salento, Puglia, comes with a reputation that sets high expectations. Awarded a gold medal at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge 2021 and rated 4.1 on Vivino, not to mention its IWSC bronze, this organic wine certainly has a lot to live up to. Upon uncorking, the first thing that strikes you is the colour—a youthful and thin hue that suggests a relatively young vintage, although the bottle doesn’t specify the year. The bouquet is advertised as intense, but I found it less so, lacking the robustness one might expect from a Negroamaro, a grape…

  • Portuguese Wines to Try

    Portuguese Wines to Try

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    An article by Nicky Rampley-Clarke in the Evening Standard looks into the diverse world of Portuguese wines which come from 55 different regions and almost 200 indigenous grape varieties. The most well-known regions include Douro, Minho, and Dão, each offering unique flavours and characteristics. Portuguese wines are generally made from indigenous grapes, giving them a distinct, full-bodied and fruit-filled flavour. They are also under-appreciated so offer great value for money. The recommended wines are:

  • Ravenswood Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel

    Ravenswood Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel

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    Ravenswood, once a revered producer closely linked with the renowned winemaker and owner, Joel Peterson, has seen a series of transitions. Initially acquired by Constellation for $149 million, it was later bundled with other brands and sold to the large wine conglomerate, Gallo, in 2021 for $1.7 billion. It’s essential to note that while the brand transitioned, the vineyard did not. This means that this wine’s lineage has changed and the great reviews prior to this are not reflective of the current product. The origin of the grapes is now somewhat ambiguous, but it’s highly unlikely they come from the…

  • Espartero Reserva Rioja

    Espartero Reserva Rioja

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    This 2017 Reserva, from Bodegas Riovinsa, previously won a bronze medal from the International Wine Challenge, where it was described as having notes of herbs, tea leaves and red cherries. It was also a Bronze Winner at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards. Since its establishment in 1926, the winery has been operated by three successive generations of the Murua family. This wine is made mainly from Tempranillo grapes and undergoes a three-year aging process, with at least 12 months spent in oak barrels and an additional six months in the bottle. I found this wine to be dry, medium…

  • A Gradual UK Duty Rate Rise

    A Gradual UK Duty Rate Rise

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    If you’ve been visiting the wine shops over the past month, you may have noticed something peculiar. Despite the recent duty hike, not all wine prices have gone up. In some instances, like at Asda, prices initially remained stable, with a few wines experiencing a, greater than duty change, surge much more recently. Meanwhile, The Wine Society has managed to keep its prices unchanged. So, what’s going on? A recent commentary by the chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) in The Drinks Business sheds light on this situation. According to the WSTA, many retailers and wholesalers…

  • Montagne Saint Emilion

    Montagne Saint Emilion

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    Simon Judge

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    Montagne Saint Emilion, produced by Armand Chaperon, has garnered attention with its impressive awards, including the IWSC Bronze Medal, IWC Bronze Medal and Decanter World Wine Awards Bronze in 2023. With such high expectations, it’s easy to see why I was keen to give it a try. The wine was even compared to the much-admired Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a comparison that’s particularly enticing given its more budget-friendly price point. A review on Asda’s website suggested that the difference between the two is so subtle that it’s hard to distinguish. However, my experience with the 2020 vintage was far from what I anticipated.…

  • ASDA Extra Special Carménère

    ASDA Extra Special Carménère

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    Simon Judge

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    Carménère, originally cultivated in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, France, is part of the Cabernet family. It derives its name from the French term for crimson, “carmin”. Despite its French origins, it’s not frequently found in France today, with Chile boasting the world’s largest plantations of this grape variety. The 2020 vintage of ASDA Extra Special Carménère received a commendable score of 91 points out of 100 from the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), who praised its rich concentration of fruit flavours, nuanced spice and oak accents and distinct savoury and smoky notes. This particular vintage also has a…

  • ASDA Extra Special Soave Classico

    ASDA Extra Special Soave Classico

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    This nutty, white wine is from Italy’s Veneto region. Soave is renowned for its delicate smoothness and freshness and it is made primarily with Garganega grapes forming a minimum of 70% of the blend. There are two Soave classifications – Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG). The DOC region, larger and flatter in terrain, is known for producing usually unoaked Soave, notable for its dry, zingy palate with hints of citrus and almond. The more prestigious DOCG classification usually has a lower yield which produces a higher quality wine. DOCG Soave exhibits increased…

  • Dr L Riesling

    Dr L Riesling

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    Simon Judge

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    Originating from the Mosel region of Germany, this fruity Riesling has a refreshingly crisp flavour despite its low alcohol content of 8.5%. The honey-like sweetness is balanced by the acidity that together provide a lengthy finish. This medium-to-sweet wine ranks amongst the top 25 German Rieslings in the UK on Vivino, with an impressive score of 3.9. The wine pairs excellently with spicy dishes. It’s bottled by the producer, as opposed to Asda. Originally priced at £7, it has decreased to £6.50 for some time now. Available at Asda, it becomes a real bargain when there’s a 25% off offer.

  • Palacio Di Vivero Rueda

    Palacio Di Vivero Rueda

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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,…

  • Diablo Black Cabernet Sauvignon

    Diablo Black Cabernet Sauvignon

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    Originating from Maule, Chile and made by wine maker Héctor Urzúa Pistas, this wine offers a blend of black wood, tobacco and a hint of vanilla. It’s a rich, dark, silky smooth and pleasurable drink that fulfils the marketing descriptions. It’s produced by Concha Y Toro, the well-known mass producer of wine. However, don’t let this fact sway your judgement. Diablo Black represents their premium offering, justifying its slightly increased cost. This wine consistently receives high ratings securing a 4.0 out of 5 on Vivino, The 2018 vintage was ranked amongst the top 4% of all wines globally according to…

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Did You Know?

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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