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  • Adnams Crémant de Limoux

    Adnams Crémant de Limoux

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    Simon Judge

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    Crémant has gained attention in recent years, due to the growing popularity of Crémant wines as an affordable alternative to Champagne. Produced by Maison Antech, this Crémant is a 70/30 blend of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc with an alcohol content of 12% ABV. The production process follows the traditional method, the same method used to make Champagne. Grapes are handpicked and whole bunch pressed before undergoing secondary fermentation in the bottle, which creates the signature bubbles. Crémant de Limoux is aged on the lees for a minimum of nine months. Maison Antech goes beyond this requirement, extending the lees ageing…

  • El Enemigo Cabernet Franc

    El Enemigo Cabernet Franc

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    Simon Judge

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    From Tesco’s Autumn Winter Tasting, it became clear that Tesco are focusing on adding more premium wine offerings. This shift and market conditions has encouraged some wine producers/importers, who once avoided supplying supermarkets, to reconsider, with Tesco now starting to compete more with retailers like Majestic and independent wine shops. With this in mind, I decided to start reviewing some of these premium selections, beginning with El Enemigo Cabernet Franc that has a high 4.3 on Vivino, 99/100 from James Suckling and 92/100 from Robert Parker. This wine, supplied through C&C Group/Bibendum Wine, is notable for being bottled at source,…

  • Deluxe Pinotage

    Deluxe Pinotage

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    Simon Judge

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    Pinotage wine often flies under the radar, and this particular Deluxe Pinotage from Lidl is especially elusive as it isn’t listed on Lidl’s website. The Pinotage grape was first cultivated in 1925 through the crossbreeding of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut by Abraham Izak Perold, the inaugural Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University. Known for its rich colour and robust flavours, Pinotage is typically associated with South Africa, though it is also grown in countries like New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Switzerland and Israel. Lidl’s Deluxe range is curated to offer a touch of luxury at affordable prices. This particular wine, with an…

  • M&S Collection Amarone della Valpolicella

    M&S Collection Amarone della Valpolicella

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    Simon Judge

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    The M&S Collection series is their premium wine range, designed to elevate their offerings and showcase winemaking craftsmanship. Among these, the Amarone della Valpolicella 2021 is, so far, my favourite in the collection. This wine, produced by Cantine Giacomo Montresor, a winery with roots dating back to 1892, comes in at 14.5% ABV. While on the lower end of the typical Amarone spectrum (14-16% ABV, often exceeding 15%), this balance hints on what’s to come. A blend of 60% Corvina, 20% Corvinone, and 10% Rondinella grapes, it employs the traditional appassimento technique. The grapes are partially dried for up to…

  • Terra Organica Prosecco

    Terra Organica Prosecco

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    Simon Judge

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    Terra Organica Prosecco is an organic and vegan-friendly Prosecco, notable for being the first of its kind to eliminate the traditional foil cap, a decision aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and waste. It is made in small batches by the family-run winery led by winemaker Claudio Galosi. The prosecco features a low alcohol content of 10.5%, making it a lighter, yet still very flavoursome choice. Each purchase of Terra Organica contributes 1% of the sale to non-profit organisations dedicated to protecting the environment, underlining the brand’s commitment to ecological causes. Terra Organica Prosecco has a fine, delicate mousse, a…

  • Marques Del Norte Rioja Gran Reserva

    Marques Del Norte Rioja Gran Reserva

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    Simon Judge

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    After the recent Asda press tasting, I decided to revisit the Marques Del Norte Rioja Gran Reserva to see if my initial impression of it being a great wine still held. With an ABV of 14%, this wine is also a 2024 IWSC Bronze Medal Winner. This Gran Reserva, made entirely from 100% Tempranillo grapes, is richly aromatic. It offers an aroma of black fruits, chocolate and a gentle hint of oak. On the palate, it delivers flavours of cherry, liquorice, vanilla and a little spice. Upon re-tasting, I also found it reminiscent of M&S’s El Duque De Miralta Rioja…

  • Barón De Ley Gran Reserva Rioja

    Barón De Ley Gran Reserva Rioja

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    Simon Judge

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    This wine, 2017 vintage, 14% ABV, is produced exclusively in years deemed exceptional. It is aged for 24 months in a mix of American and French oak, followed by an additional 36 months in the bottle. Its aroma is classically Rioja, evoking the hallmark ripe cherries, vanilla and slight smokey notes you’d expect. On the palate, it is smooth with low to medium tannins, offering a soft and inviting texture. This is actually in contrast to the sister wine Barón de Ley Finca Monasterio 2019 I previously tried, which is much more tannic. The mid to end taste of this…

  • Three Finger Jack Old Vine Zinfandel

    Three Finger Jack Old Vine Zinfandel

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    Simon Judge

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    This wine, from California, takes its name from the notorious gunslinger Three Finger Jack, a figure from California’s Gold Rush era of the 1800s. Made as an homage to his bold spirit, the wine is aged in a combination of French and American oak, enhancing its depth and complexity. This 2020 vintage offers inviting aromas of raisins, black fruits, smoke and leather. This wine is smooth and luxurious, with a velvety texture that coats the tongue, undoubtedly influenced by its high 15% ABV. Flavours of ripe blackberries dominate, complemented by a smoky undertone that lingers. This full-bodied Zinfandel is fruit-forward…

  • North Canterbury Pinot Noir

    North Canterbury Pinot Noir

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    Simon Judge

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    This Pinot Noir from North Canterbury, New Zealand, was my top pick of a recent Asda press tasting, where over 100 wines were sampled and where many others agreed it was a highlight. Its quality has been recognised with a Bronze Medal at both the IWSC 2024 and IWC 2023. I had to take a more in-depth look. Its light brown hue is unusual for a 2020 vintage, immediately catching the eye. The cigar-like aroma and savoury spice notes hint at complexity and depth, inviting further exploration. On tasting, delicate hints of violets and herbs weave through an intriguing, deep,…

  • Viña Pomal Rioja Gran Reserva

    Viña Pomal Rioja Gran Reserva

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    Simon Judge

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    Majestic’s new exclusive (at least in the UK) Viña Pomal Rioja Gran Reserva is made by Bodegas Bilbaínas the longest-established bottling winery in Rioja. With a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano, all grapes are from Bodegas Bilbaínas’ own vineyards. This is the 2015 vintage and this wine is only produced in exceptional years. The wine matures in Bordeaux-style American oak barrels and undergoes an aging process exceeding five years. Viña Pomal Rioja Gran Reserva has earned awards, winning accolades including the Great Gold Bacchus, a 94-point rating from James Suckling, a Master Medal from The Drinks Business Rioja…

  • Champagne Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée

    Champagne Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée

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    Simon Judge

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    Maison Bruno Paillard is one of Champagne’s few remaining independent, family-owned Houses. They take pride in their ‘Perpetual Reserve’, an impressive collection of reserve wines dating back to 1985, blended with the latest vintage to produce their signature Multi Vintage Champagnes. This blend features 45% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, and 22% Pinot Meunier, all from the first pressing and sourced from more than 30 of the best crus in the region. Up to 50% of the blend comes from reserve wines while 20% of the blend undergoes fermentation in barrel, lending richness and depth. After three years of maturation on…

  • Asda Extra Special Barossa Shiraz

    Asda Extra Special Barossa Shiraz

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    Simon Judge

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    I often revisit wines I’ve enjoyed at press tastings. Spending days with a bottle rather than seconds gives a fuller picture of its character, especially when comparing with similar wines. This applies to the Asda Extra Special Barossa Shiraz 2022 (£9, 14.5%) that caught my attention at a recent Asda press tasting and I promised to explore in more detail. To recap, the Asda Extra Special Barossa Shiraz has already gained a Bronze Medal at the IWSC 2024 and the IWC 2024, along with a Silver Medal from the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2023. Its made from 3% Cabernet…

  • Cantele Amativo

    Cantele Amativo

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    Simon Judge

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    New from Majestic, this 2022 vintage of Amativo, made by Cantele, is a blend of Puglia’s signature red grapes: Negroamaro and Primitivo. The name “Amativo” merges “AMA” from the amaro in Negroamaro and “TIVO” from Primitivo, symbolising this interesting fusion. This wine has earned an impressive 4.3 rating on Vivino. In the glass, Amativo has a dark, intense colour and a richly layered aroma, evoking notes of raisin, blackcurrant, a festive touch of Christmas pudding and a hint of vanilla. The tasting experience is actually circular, opening with Primitivo’s signature slightly jammy sweetness, which carries through to the middle part…

  • ZONIN Cuvée Zero

    ZONIN Cuvée Zero

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    Simon Judge

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    ZONIN has a new offering in the increasingly popular area of low- and no-alcohol wines. While many products in this category often taste more like juice than wine, sparkling varieties tend to hold up better due to the appeal of the bubbles. This recent launch from ZONIN, a producer known for premium Prosecco and collaborations such as Kylie Minogue’s excellent Prosecco, caught my attention because it is made from Glera grapes, the same variety used in Prosecco and is promoted as a premium option. ZONIN’s challenge has been to develop a product with wine-like characteristics that can closely replicate sparkling…

  • M&S Collection Poggio Tosco Chianti Classico Riserva

    M&S Collection Poggio Tosco Chianti Classico Riserva

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    Simon Judge

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    M&S Collection Poggio Tosco Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 is an Italian red from Tuscany, made by the Azienda Uggiano winery. This blend is predominantly Sangiovese (80%) with the remaining 20% likely composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo, given the usual composition of Chianti from this winery. It sits in M&S’s ‘Collection’ range, which features top-tier wines from globally renowned regions, catering to a broad audience of both casual and seasoned wine enthusiasts. ‘Classico’ denotes this Chianti’s origin in the Chianti region, between Florence and Siena. This area, spanning about 100 square miles, produces Chianti wines under the DOCG designation, ensuring…

  • Co-op Irresistible Assyrtiko

    Co-op Irresistible Assyrtiko

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    Simon Judge

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    Greek wines are enjoying a growing presence in the UK market, with particular popularity around Assyrtiko, a vibrant and flavourful grape variety, with wineries such as Kir-Yianni leading the way. Assyrtiko’s profile is often compared to the boldness of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, though it brings its own distinct blend of mineral, citrus and peach with a lively acidity. The Co-op has introduced a new Assyrtiko under its ‘Irresistible’ range, although a close look at the small-type on the bottle label reveals this wine is actually produced by Kir-Yianni. Having recently sampled Kir-Yianni branded Assyrtiko at a Greek wine tasting…

  • M&S Notte Stellata Rossa Primitivo di Manduria

    M&S Notte Stellata Rossa Primitivo di Manduria

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    Simon Judge

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    M&S Notte Stellata Rossa Primitivo di Manduria is made from grapes grown in the San Marzano region of Puglia in Italy, with the new 2022 vintage offering a touch more strength at 14.5% ABV. This wine, which previously won a Silver at the International Wine Challenge. It spends six months ageing in a mix of French and American oak barrels, giving it a nuanced oaky depth. Unlike many wines, the back label of the Notte Stellata actually gives a very accurate description, highlighting rich, dark cherry, plum and chocolate notes. While the wine has a higher residual sugar level, it…

  • Bel Air Parcellaire Merlot

    Bel Air Parcellaire Merlot

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    Simon Judge

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    I couldn’t resist trying this new Bordeaux from the Coop. Made from 100% Merlot, the Bel Air Parcellaire Merlot 2023, from Maison Sichel, is made from their select vineyard plots renowned for producing high-quality wines with a distinctive terroir expression, particularly benefiting from clay soils typical of Bordeaux’s right bank. On the nose, it offers abundant raspberry aromas, leading to a soft, rich palate filled with very ripe cherry and rosehip notes. The mouthfeel is medium yet very round, thanks to the 14.5% alcohol content and the tannins remain light to medium and approachable. With no oak ageing, the wine’s…

  • Hacienda Uvanis, Garnacha Old Vines

    Hacienda Uvanis, Garnacha Old Vines

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    Simon Judge

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    I often buy wines that have caught my eye during press tastings and I first spotted this one at a Lidl press tasting early in 2024. It has been sitting around for a while, being overlooked as newer wines arrived. However, I decided to open it on a whim and was amazed by how good it turned out to be. This Garnacha comes from Navarra, Spain, with a 14% ABV and from the 2021 vintage. It’s light to medium-bodied with a very light colour. The wine is dry and impressively fragrant, offering raspberry and cherry notes. These aromas evolve into…

  • Taittinger Prestige Rosé

    Taittinger Prestige Rosé

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    Simon Judge

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    This Champagne, primarily from the 2019 vintage, is a blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 25% Meunier, with an ABV of 12.5%. This wine has gained high praise, winning accolades from critics such as James Suckling, Wine Spectator, Decanter and Robert Parker. It has also earned a Gold Medal at the Concours des Vins and recognition from the Revue des Vins de France. The champagne’s striking salmon hue comes from the addition of 15% still red wine made from the finest Pinot Noirs of Montagne de Reims and Les Riceys. The colour is slightly deeper than your typical…

Pick Lists


Majestic | The Wine Society | Tesco | Waitrose | Sainsbury’s | Morrisons | Co-op | Asda | Aldi | Lidl | £7 and Under | Over £20

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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