Reviews
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Kir-Yianni Assyrtiko
The Kir-Yianni Assyrtiko 2022 from Greece is an example of the increasing popularity and distinctive character of the Assyrtiko grape, traditionally associated with the volcanic terroir of Santorini. However, under the stewardship of Stelios, the son of Yiannis who founded the Kir-Yianni winery, this particular variant is cultivated in the cooler, higher altitude vineyards of Agios Panteleimon in Northwestern Greece. This change in locale from the grape’s island origins to the mainland contributes a unique profile to the wine, thanks to the region’s sandy soil, cold winters and warm summers. The wine presents as a pale yellow hue, inviting the…
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Roche Lacour Crémant de Limoux
This sparkling wine captures the essence of the South of France, specifically from beneath the hills of Limoux. It is made from a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir and 20% Chenin Blanc and is 12.5% ABV. This 2020 vintage heralds the return of Laurent Mingaud, its original winemaker, who brings his expertise back to this celebrated sparkling. One of the key aspects of the Roche Lacour Crémant de Limoux is its production method, which mirrors the meticulous process used for Grande Marque Champagne. This includes fermenting nearly half of the blend in oak, contributing to the wine’s distinctive…
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Feuerheerd’s Anchor Wine Reserva Douro
Barão de Vilar has introduced this 2020 vintage wine that intrigues from the outset, not least due to its unusual packaging. The decision to wrap the bottle in a different paper-over-glass certainly catches the eye, but this novelty might wear thin as it obscures how much wine is left. Made from a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tempranillo grapes, this bottle carries the promise of a deep flavoured and refined flavour profile. With an alcohol content of 14.0% ABV, the wine undergoes fermentation in stainless steel tanks before being aged for 12 months in barrels that once nurtured…
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Sainsbury’s CVNE Rioja Gran Reserva
The 2016 vintage Gran Reserva, produced for Sainsbury’s by CVNE Winery, is a CVNE variant that stands out even among the winery’s diverse Rioja selections available at Sainsbury’s and other retailers. This particular wine is made from a blend of Tempranillo Graciano, and Mazuelo grapes hand-picked from CVNE’s own premier vineyards and is 14% ABV. Having previously enjoyed the CVNE Gran Rioja Reserva from the previous 2015 vintage, which was great yet somewhat lighter in body than anticipated, I found the Sainsbury’s CVNE 2016 vintage to present a more substantial body, straddling the line between medium and full-bodied. The aroma…
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Sainsbury’s Valpolicella Ripasso
The 2020 vintage, made from a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone and Croatina grapes. This wine is described on the bottle as “juicy ripe cherries, rich and complex,” due to the Ripasso technique. However, my experience with this particular bottle was somewhat unexpected. While the wine is ok, Instead of the anticipated concentrated fruit notes, the wine exhibited a more pronounced leather aroma and taste, contributing to a heavier effect. This characteristic suggests a stronger influence of oak than fruit, making it more suitable for pairing with food, red meat, rather than enjoying on its own. This was further confirmed…
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Gran Montana Malbec
The Gran Montana Malbec 2021 is an Argentinian wine from the Familia Zuccardi Winery located in the Uco Valley, created by winemaker Ruben Rufo. This 2021 vintage has had a mixed reception on Vivino with a rating of 3.8, a dip from the winery’s historically higher 4.0 scores. This Malbec reveals bramble fruit aromas, which transition into a taste profile that mirrors its olfactory promise. Its body straddles the line between medium and full, with a medium finish. Similar to the Extra Special Uco Valley Malbec, the Gran Montana is better than most supermarket Malbec. Priced at £10 at Morrisons,…
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Duca di Sasseta Primitivo IGT
This 2022 vintage wine was part of the Lidl Italian and Iberian Wine Tours tasting when it was one of my favourites. I have since purchased it and it’s as good as I remembered and I now know it also works great with (Italian) food. It has also gained a respectable 4.0 score on Vivino. It boasts ripe dark berry fruits, including the deep flavours of blackcurrants and black cherries. Fruity without being too sweet. It surpasses many inexpensive Primitivo wines in quality, edging closer to the richer, more complex style of ‘Primitivo di Manduria‘. This is most likely due…
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Faustino V Reserva
Faustino V Reserva 2018 Rioja is aged for a minimum of 24 months in American oak barrels. The previous vintage was highly regarded by James Suckling, receiving a commendable score of 93, and the wine itself has been adorned with multiple accolades, including a Silver Medal from Mundus Vini, the Bacchus Award, a Gold Medal at the Berliner Wine Trophy and a Silver Medal for the 2010 vintage at the Decanter Asia Wine Awards. It’s medium to full-bodied red, with an aromatic profile that is both complex and intense. The oak aging imparts an immediate smokiness, complemented by notes of…
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Bodacious Red
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…
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Cimarosa Sauvignon Blanc 2022
The Cimarosa Sauvignon Blanc 2022 from Marlborough, New Zealand, stands out in the crowded field of affordable wines, not just for its price point but also for its quality and accolades. Awarded at the Berliner Wine Trophy 2023 and scoring an impressive 90 points from the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), alongside a commendable 3.9 rating on Vivino, this wine has made its mark. Despite a slight caveat regarding its provenance, bulk bottled in Germany with the actual New Zealand Marlborough producer remaining undisclosed, this wine’s character is vibrant and refreshing, starting with a strong passion fruit aroma that…
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Varzea do Marão Vinho Verde Rose
The Varzea do Marão Vinho Verde Rosé 2023 is from Quinta da Calçada, a winery in the heart of the Vinho Verde region in Amarante, Portugal. Owned by the da Mota family since 1917, Quinta da Calçada stands as one of the oldest producers in the region, with a heritage of crafting high-quality still and sparkling wines. This rosé is made from the Vinhão grape. The wine has a dry yet slightly fruity profile and a harmonious balance that is both refreshing and engaging. The typical slight fizz of Vinho Verde wines is present, adding a lively texture to the…
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Albacore Longfin Shiraz 2021
The Albacore Longfin Shiraz 2021 is blend made by the Fuse Winemaking Team from grapes from McLaren Vale, Australia. Marketed as the ‘top drawer Aussie Shiraz’ that promises to surpass expectations for enthusiasts of the Albacore Shiraz, this wine certainly set a high bar for itself. It enjoys a high 4.1 rating on Vivino, indicating a general positive consensus. Despite its accolades, the Longfin Shiraz initially offered an experience that left my palate searching for more. It greeted the nose with a lighter aroma than I anticipated, diverging from the often robust and deep fragrance associated with premium Shiraz. On…
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Valdo Prosecco DOC Extra Dry
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…
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Amava Vines Coastal Reserve White Blend
This wine has been created by Nadia Engelbrecht of the Perdeberg Group in South Africa. The Amava Vines Cape white 2020, a blend from the dry-farmed Coastal vineyards of Swartland and Paarl encapsulates the rich heritage in the word ‘Amava’ – a reference to roots tradition, and staying connected to one’s origins. This wine presents a lemon-green hue and a bouquet of pineapple and melon. The palate is a mix of tropical fruit and a spicy freshness. The inclusion of Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Viognier in its blend adds layers of fruity complexity and provides a refreshing medium…
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Extra Special Uco Valley Malbec
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.…
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Greasy Fingers Luscious Red
The 2022 vintage of the new Greasy Fingers range from Pernod Ricard UK is a new addition to a portfolio that includes familiar names such as Campo Viejo, Brancott Estate and Stoneleigh. This wine is shy about its origins and the offering is more about branding – the country, Australia, is written very small on the back. Tailored for the food-loving, younger demographic, a challenging target considering the waning wine enthusiasm younger drinkers, this range aims to slice through the richness of greasy foods, making it a companion for the likes of fries and burgers. The name ‘Greasy Fingers’ is…
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Canyon Springs Old Vine Zinfandel
The Canyon Springs Old Vine Zinfandel 2020 is bottled and cellared by the rather elusive Eagle Rock Vineyards, as I couldn’t find much about them online. However, with a commendable 3.9 score on Vivino, it’s clear this wine is popular among tasters. At first, the wine greets you with an inviting bouquet of red berries. The taste is a mix of fruit and oak accompanied by undertones of blackcurrant, vanilla and chocolate. The Telegraph’s comparison to black wine gums is spot on. Despite its full-bodied nature, this Zinfandel shies away from boldness, favouring a softer approach due to its unusually…
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La Toile Vierge
La Toile Vierge, a French wine, comes in both red and white varieties. Despite being classified under the seemingly modest Vin de France appellation, these wines transcend their classification, proving that sometimes, greater freedom for the winemaker can yield better results. The red variant is based on Grenache and is medium bodied. It is highly aromatic, with a red berry fragrance being particularly notable. The person behind this wine is Iain Munson MW, an accomplished winemaker with a wealth of experience. His journey began with studies in Oenology at Montpellier in 1993, but it wasn’t until 2000 that he ventured…
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Le Zeitgeist Trident
Le Zeitgeist Trident 2022, created by winemaker Eric Lanxade, is a representation of the terroir found in the French Pyrenees. Rated 3.7 on Vivino, this wine benefits from the alluvial river plains that contribute to its minerally rich soils. These conditions, coupled with the cooling influence of the Pyrenees, create an ideal environment for the cultivation of Sauvignon Blanc. Colombard and Gros Manseng in this blend. Originating from the IGP Cotes de Gascogne and fashioned in a modern style, the inclusion of Colombard introduces a zest and zing to the palate, Gros Manseng adds layers of complexity and Sauvignon Blanc…
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Sparkling Wines From Three Continents
The 2023 holiday season gave me the opportunity to try a few affordable Champagne and sparkling wines from three different continents: Les Pionniers Non Vintage Champagne Les Pionniers Non Vintage Champagne is a great example of how quality and affordability can come together. Despite the Co-op’s discretion about its origins, it’s an open secret that this champagne is produced by Piper-Heidsieck, a fact underscored by its Silver Award at the International Wine Challenge and a high score of 92 from Decanter, acknowledging Régis Camus of Piper-Heidsieck for its creation. The champagne opens with a toasty, buttery nose, setting the stage…
Pick Lists
Majestic | The Wine Society | Tesco | Waitrose | Sainsbury’s | Morrisons | Co-op | Asda | Aldi | Lidl | £7 and Under | Over £20
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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