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  • ASDA Extra Special Pinotage

    ASDA Extra Special Pinotage

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    Simon Judge

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    Having recently enjoyed this wine at an Asda press tasting, I decided to purchase a bottle to experience it in a different setting. This wine comes from South Africa. Pinotage originated in 1925 as a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut and was developed by Abraham Izak Perold, the first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University. It’s usually known for its typically deep colour and bold flavour. The 2022 vintage of ASDA Extra Special Pinotage has a lighter colour than is typical. On the nose, there is a hint of blackcurrant but it is pleasantly devoid of the volatile acidity…

  • Jas des Vignes Rosé Méditerranée

    Jas des Vignes Rosé Méditerranée

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    Simon Judge

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    This Provence-style rosé from Ravoire & Fils, a family-owned producer in the IGP Méditerranée region, is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. The main label sits proudly at the top of the bottle, drawing attention to its shapely bottle, a hallmark of Provence-style rosé bottles. The grapes are picked at night to preserve their aromatic integrity. It’s rated highly on Vivino with a commendable score of 3.9. It was commended by IWC in 2023. The Jas des Vignes Rosé 2023 delivers a dry palate that perfectly balances fruit and freshness. The initial taste is dominated by the notes of…

  • Los Tontos Sabios

    Los Tontos Sabios

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    Simon Judge

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    Los Tontos Sabios is a quirky and intriguing red ‘field blend’ crafted from organic grapes. This wine, from the La Mancha region of Spain, is a harmonious mix of native Spanish grape varieties, all grown in the same field and fermented together. The specific grapes are not disclosed, which adds an element of mystery to this 2021 vintage with a 13.5% ABV. Upon first tasting, I found it challenging to categorise, but soon realised the key is to appreciate it for what it is. It is ruby/purplish in colour and islight to medium bodied. It has a strong cherry flavour,…

  • Mucho Mas Sparkling

    Mucho Mas Sparkling

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    Simon Judge

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    My wife picked up Mucho Mas Sparkling when it was on offer, demonstrating her eye for the unusual and unique. This intriguing sparkling wine, usually found on the Prosecco shelf, stands out by being Spanish rather than Italian and isn’t Cava. The Mucho Mas brand, created around 2017 by Félix Solís, one of the world’s largest wine companies, is positioned in the sub-£7 price bracket in the UK market, making it an affordable choice. Made by winemaker Carlos Villarraso, Mucho Mas Sparkling is a blend of Chardonnay and Viura, the latter typically found in White Rioja. This wine features a…

  • Villa Vito Pinot Grigio

    Villa Vito Pinot Grigio

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    Simon Judge

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    I don’t usually buy Pinot Grigio, as most of it is mass-produced, of average quality and has a mediocre taste. However, according to Bibendum, it’s the most popular wine on trade, in hospitality venues. So, when I was recently tasked with selecting some wines for a gathering, I felt compelled to include a Pinot Grigio since it is so well known. Choosing the right Pinot Grigio was a bit of a challenge, but I opted to shop at Majestic this time and selected the Villa Vito Pinot Grigio 2023. Majestic’s buyers tasted more than fifty Pinot Grigio before settling on…

  • Rosemount Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

    Rosemount Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

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    Simon Judge

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    Having initially enjoyed the Rosemount Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 during a press tasting at the Asda Spring Summer Showcase, I decided to purchase a bottle to, spend more time with it and see how it fares in a different setting. To test it further, I paired it with beef and compared it side by side with another value Cabernet Sauvignon I know better. While I still like this wine, I should say it diverges from the typical Cabernet Sauvignon profile. Usually, a Cabernet Sauvignon is characterised by notes of blackcurrant, spice, tobacco, wood and vanilla. However, the Rosemount offers a…

  • Marques de Los Rios Rioja Gran Reserva

    Marques de Los Rios Rioja Gran Reserva

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    Simon Judge

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    I picked this up on a whim mainly because it was on offer and I’m glad I did. Initially, I was slightly concerned because the cashier hit the bottle extremely hard to remove the security tag, seriously damaging the foil. However, my worries went away once I tasted it. This 2014 Rioja, with an ABV of 14%, includes a touch of Graciano added to the Tempranillo, enhancing its complexity. It has the typical Rioja nose but with a pleasant, slightly more, woody character. The dark fruit and plums come through beautifully, complemented by subtle notes of tobacco. It also has…

  • Ramón Bilbao Rosé 2023

    Ramón Bilbao Rosé 2023

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    Simon Judge

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    Ramón Bilbao, well-known for its presence in both Rioja and Rueda, produces this Ramón Bilbao Rosé 2023. This wine is made with the aim of reviving a classic Rioja Alta wine tradition. Winemaker Rodolfo Bastida has focused on Rioja rosados, specifically ‘clarete’, a style that has been a staple in the restaurants around his hometown of Haro for decades. This rosé is made from a blend of 80% Garnacha and 20% Viura grapes and has an ABV of 12.5%. It has a light amber colour, with a nose that hints of grass and pear. On the palate, these aromas carry…

  • El Duque De Miralta Rioja Reserva

    El Duque De Miralta Rioja Reserva

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    Simon Judge

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    This 2019 Rioja Reserva is made by winemaker César Fernández at El Coto. The Tempranillo grapes are sourced from the three prestigious areas of Rioja, Alavesia, Alta and Oriental, ensuring a rich and diverse flavour profile. The wine is aged for 24 months in American oak barrels, which imparts a distinct and inviting aroma of oak that is very aromatic. I first encountered this wine during the M&S Spring Tasting, and it caught my attention. I often buy wines I have previously enjoyed at tastings to see how they hold up on sale. I am pleased to find that this…

  • Millefiori Appasimento Veneto

    Millefiori Appasimento Veneto

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    Simon Judge

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    From the Veneto region, renowned for its Amarone and Valpolicella wines, the Millefiori Appassimento Veneto is a different blend of Corvina and Merlot grapes. These grapes are selected from low-yielding vineyards in Northern Italy. 60% of the harvest undergoes the traditional appassimento method, where the grapes are dried in well-ventilated lofts. This technique, commonly associated with Amarone and certain styles of Valpolicella, concentrates the grapes’ aromas and flavours, resulting in richer and more complex wine. Produced and bottled by Puglia-based, not Veneto-based, Cantine Paolo Leo, this wine diverges from what is typical by using Merlot to complement the Corvina rather…

  • Mouton Cadet Bordeaux Reds

    Mouton Cadet Bordeaux Reds

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    Simon Judge

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    Mouton Cadet owes its reputation to the passion and enthusiasm of the Rothschild family. They have cultivated a legacy of winemaking over three generations. This review is a side-by-side tasting of two Mouton Cadet wines: the Mouton Cadet Classic Rouge 2021 and the Mouton Cadet Cuvée Heritage 2019. The Mouton Cadet Classic Rouge 2021, made by winemaker Jean-Pierre Charrut, is predominantly Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with an ABV of 12.5%. Visually, this wine presents a slightly browner hue than one might expect for its age. On the nose, it reveals a slight leather aroma.…

  • Kew Gardens Crémant de Loire Rosé Brut

    Kew Gardens Crémant de Loire Rosé Brut

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    Simon Judge

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    This wine, created in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, features a beautifully designed label that captures the essence of nature. The nude cork adds a rustic charm, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. On pouring, the wine reveals a strong mousse and an attractive blush colour. The bottle label promises berry fruit and citrus elegance. When three of us sampled this wine, we noted a slight hint of strawberry, but it was the citrus, grapefruit-like, that dominated the palate. The wine is crisp and dry, with a refreshing acidity. Overall, this wine offers a refreshing experience, making it a…

  • Wine Atlas Île-de-Beauté Rosé

    Wine Atlas Île-de-Beauté Rosé

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    Simon Judge

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    The Wine Atlas Île-de-Beauté Rosé, 2023 vintage, comes from Corsica and is produced by Vignerons D’Aghione. It features a blend of Niellucciu, Sciacarellu (20%), Syrah (10%) and Grenache (50%), with a 4-month maturation period and an 11% ABV. The wine is a IWC Bronze Medal Winner 2024 and is a new wine in the Asda Wine Atlas range. It has a pale colour that appears darker in the wider-than-normal bottle. On the nose, it offers great floral aromas, which are both inviting and delicate. Despite the bottle’s claim of a delicious citrus palate, the taste is more characterised by redcurrant,…

  • Wyfold Vineyard Brut 2017

    Wyfold Vineyard Brut 2017

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    Simon Judge

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    Wyfold Vineyard Brut 2017 is a small release from a small site in Oxfordshire. Coming from Barbara Laithwaite CBE’s cherished two hectares of vineyards on the Chiltern Hills, this English Sparkling reflects her award-winning legacy. With accolades including a recent Gold at WineGB, a Silver Decanter Medal, and Bronze awards from both the International Wine Challenge (IWC) and the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), 3.9 score on Vivino and availability in some Michelin-starred restaurants, Wyfold Vineyard Brut 2017 has a excellent reputation. Released in 2022 after five years of maturation, this sparkling wine uses a blend of 50% Chardonnay,…

  • Las dos Caras Ribera Del Duero

    Las dos Caras Ribera Del Duero

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    Simon Judge

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    Las dos Caras Ribera Del Duero, a Tempranillo grape wine, is produced by Bodegas Muriel. This medium to full-bodied wine has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 14%. Despite being a white-label product, it is likely Valdecuriel by Bodegas Muriel. Upon pouring, the wine reveals a deep ruby red colour that you can’t see through, a cherry aroma, setting the stage for a tasting experience that is both familiar and intriguing. On the palate, the predominant flavours are cherry, accompanied by subtle notes of blackcurrant, creating a harmonious blend that is both rich and refreshing. The wine’s very dryness on…

  • Bartolomeo Lorenzi Rosso Veronese 2021

    Bartolomeo Lorenzi Rosso Veronese 2021

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    Simon Judge

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    From the prestigious Amarone specialist cooperative, Cantina di Negrar, celebrated as Italy’s 2019 Winery of the Year, comes the Bartolomeo Lorenzi Rosso Veronese 2021. Made by winemaker Daniele Accordini, this wine elegantly merges grapes from Valpolicella’s Classico region with air-dried Corvina, a hallmark of top-tier Amarone. While the light aroma isn’t the main focal point, the taste is where this wine truly shines. Light to medium-bodied with a 13% ABV, it offers a vibrant burst of fruit flavours. Cherry notes dominate, complemented by subtle hint of cocoa and sweet spice. The tannins are soft, making it exceptionally easy on the…

  • A Mano New Vintages

    A Mano New Vintages

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    Simon Judge

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    I first came across A Mano wines at the Liberty Wines trade and press tasting in January 2024. A Mano wines are produced by winemaker Mark Shannon, originally from California and marketing expert Elvezia Sbalchiero. These wines are made from old grape vines, aged between 70 and 100 years, in Puglia. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in open vats using natural yeasts. Mark spends a lot of time in the vineyards to monitor phenolic development that contribute to the taste, colour and mouthfeel of the wines. The vines are small bush types called ‘alberello’, which are non-irrigated and low…

  • Hunter’s Sauvignon Blanc 2023

    Hunter’s Sauvignon Blanc 2023

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    Simon Judge

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    Hunter’s Sauvignon Blanc, the wine that ignited the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc revolution, continues to shine brightly in its latest vintage. This iconic wine, which stole the show at the Sunday Times Wine Club Vintage Festival in 1986, is now meticulously crafted under the expertise of viticulturalist Jane Hunter, OBE, and Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for viticulture, alongside her winemaking nephew. From the renowned Wairau Valley, this Sauvignon Blanc has an ABV of 12.5% and presents the classic, vibrant flavours that have made it a favourite for decades. The 2023 vintage showcases a delightful medley of passion fruit,…

  • Embrace the Summer With Rosé Wines

    Embrace the Summer With Rosé Wines

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    Simon Judge

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    Rosé wine is enjoying a surge in popularity in the UK, according to CGA’s Wine Insight report. The data indicates that a third of consumers in Britain’s hospitality venues now typically opt for rosé, with 21% of them drinking it more frequently than the previous year. This growing enthusiasm has led to a significant 7.4% increase in rosé sales by value over the past year, a rate of growth that is double that of the still wine category overall. The appeal of rosé attracts a diverse group of drinkers. However, it is particularly popular among women, younger people and city…

  • Domaine de Mourchon Loubié Cotes du Rhone Villages Rosé

    Domaine de Mourchon Loubié Cotes du Rhone Villages Rosé

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    Simon Judge

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    Domaine de Mourchon, managed by British-born Walter McKinlay alongside talented winemaker Sebastien Magnouac, produces this 2023 vintage, rosé with 13% ABV. The Domaine’s uses low-yield Grenache grapes, ensuring a superior flavour profile. This wine is a pale salmon colour, very dry, but nevertheless well balanced by its aromatic, round and fruity character. On the nose, there’s enticing aromas of strawberries and slight floral notes. The palate follows through with the same strawberry flavours, enhanced by a slight herbal undertone. This wine is not only great on its own but also pairs well with a wide variety of foods. Priced at…

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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