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  • Montecastro Reserva Ribera del Duero

    Montecastro Reserva Ribera del Duero

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    Simon Judge

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    Montecastro Reserva Ribera del Duero 2020 is made from 95% Tempranillo and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, with oak ageing in the mix. It has a high Vivino score of 4.1, Parker gives it 93 points, and Tim Atkin also scores it 93. I had the decanter ready, fully expecting this to be tannic and heavily oaked, as so many Ribera del Duero wines can be, but this one took me by surprise. It wasn’t like that at all. There’s oak there, certainly, along with a strawberry aroma. On tasting, it comes across as robust, dry, mouth-coating and very fruity. It feels…

  • Cepa Lebrel Crianza

    Cepa Lebrel Crianza

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    Simon Judge

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    I first came across and recommended this wine at a Lidl press tasting and wanted to try it again in a less rushed setting. The striking thing at that time was how great it was for just £5.79. It is 100% Tempranillo, from the 2022 vintage, with a punchy 15% ABV. Cepa Lebrel is Lidl’s white label brand and the name is used across a range of producers. Even so, there is some real provenance here. The actual producer is Bodegas Isidro Milagro. A big part of the low price comes from the fact that the producer is owned by…

  • Kew Gardens Albillo

    Kew Gardens Albillo

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    Simon Judge

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    Kew Gardens Albillo is by Raices Albillo from Spain’s Castilla y Leon wine region, made from the rare Albillo grape, often referred to as white Tempranillo. This is the 2024 vintage, sitting at 12.3%. In the glass it has a very light colour, almost clear. The aroma brings ripe pear and a floral lift, vibrant and bright, much like the bottle label itself. On the way through there is a strong pear character, with a slight Muscadet-like leesy feel at the centre from six months of lees ageing, then a zesty lime citrus finish with a touch of salinity. It…

  • The Best of Rioja 2026

    The Best of Rioja 2026

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    Simon Judge

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    In March 2026, I went to Tim Atkin’s The Best of Rioja, a tasting showcasing more than 300 wines from 39 producers. It was particularly timely, coming just as Rioja had celebrated 100 years as Spain’s oldest DOC. Many of the wines were poured by the producers themselves, which made it possible to talk to them directly, giving real insight into the people and stories behind the wines. The producers present were among those featured in Tim Atkin’s Rioja Report, where he classifies bodegas and cooperatives and awards scores to their wines. While the tasting provided recommended prices for most…

  • Understanding Rías Baixas

    Understanding Rías Baixas

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    Simon Judge

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    DO Rías Baixas is one of those wine regions whose identity is inseparable from landscape. The name itself comes from Galician and means “lower rías”, with rías being the jagged Atlantic inlets or estuaries that define the south-western coast of Galicia. In the official wine geography, the term is tied to five estuarine systems stretching south from the area below Santiago de Compostela towards Portugal, and that maritime setting is not decorative background but the foundation of the region’s climate, viticulture and taste. Geographically, Rías Baixas sits in Galicia in north-west Spain, mostly in the province of Pontevedra but also…

  • Taste Spain London 2026

    Taste Spain London 2026

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    Simon Judge

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    In February 2026, I attended a new event organised by the Economic and Commercial Office of Spain in London. Taste Spain brought together Spanish food and wine in a lively showcase. The Spanish Deli featured cheeses, cured meats, olive oils, vinegars and other foods, while The Spanish Cellar focused on wine. The event included Spanish wine exporters seeking UK distribution and also gave established UK importers the opportunity to present their Spanish wine portfolios. As I usually cover Red Rioja and Ribera del Duero at their respective tastings later in the year, I mainly focused on other styles on this…

  • Salvio Ribera de Duero

    Salvio Ribera de Duero

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    Simon Judge

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    This wine is produced by Dominio de Elbio, a new Ribera del Duero project from well-known winemaker David Gonzalez, recognised for his work across Bodegas Chivite, Viña Salceda and Gran Feudo within the Perelada stable. He was included in the Master Winemaker Top 100 2025, and brings meticulous attention to detail in the winery, with a clear focus on precision viticulture. The vineyard is located in the renowned magic triangle of La Horra, Anguix and Roa in the Ribera del Duero region of Spain. The wine is predominantly Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), complemented by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and aged for…

  • Bodeguero Rioja Blanco

    Bodeguero Rioja Blanco

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    Simon Judge

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    This wine from producer Ciadores de Rioja comes from a family-run bodega located just six kilometres from Logroño, right in the heart of the Rioja appellation. It’s estate bottled, not bulk bottled as many wines at this level tend to be, a requirement for all wines from Rioja at present. Made from Viura grapes, the 2024 vintage sits at 12% ABV. It opens with a lovely aroma of melon and apple, while the taste brings a refreshing mix of citrus and apple with a clean, fresh acidity. It pairs effortlessly with food, roast chicken worked brilliantly in my case. While…

  • Ochoa Calendas Tempranillo

    Ochoa Calendas Tempranillo

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    Simon Judge

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    I came across this wine while dining at South Hill Park. The Spanish Tempranillo caught my eye on the menu and I was intrigued to see it wasn’t labelled as a Rioja. I wondered whether it might be from Ribera del Duero instead. While I waited for it to arrive, I did a quick Internet search and discovered it came from Navarra. The Ochoa family has been making wine since 1845. Today, the sixth generation is at the helm, with Javier Ochoa having passed the reins to his two daughters, Adriana and Beatriz. Their 145 acres of vineyards and olive…

  • Top 10 + 1 From The Rioja Masters

    Top 10 + 1 From The Rioja Masters

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    Simon Judge

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    The The Drinks Business highlights the top-scoring Gran Reserva Riojas from the 2025 Rioja Masters, the UK’s largest Rioja-only blind tasting, held in London and judged by a panel including three Masters of Wine. The event showcased the very best expressions of Gran Reserva, a category known for its long ageing and classic style, with wines ranging from under £20 to £200. Ten red Gran Reservas and one white were selected for their outstanding quality, demonstrating the breadth and depth of what the Rioja region can offer. The reds displayed a range of styles, from traditional, elegant wines with dried…

  • Magec Piedra Fluida

    Magec Piedra Fluida

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    Simon Judge

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    This is a return to a wine I first encountered during The Wine Society’s Autumn Press Tasting. A blend of Tenerife’s red Listán Negro and white Listán Blanco, this 2023 release comes with a story shaped by adversity. The devastating fires that swept across the island in August 2023 were the worst seen in four decades. In response, the winery made the unusual decision to bottle only a small portion of their red harvest, selecting the best of what could be salvaged from each vineyard. What has emerged is a unique cuvée, drawing together fruit that would typically be reserved…

  • Mar de Frades Albariño Brut Nature NV

    Mar de Frades Albariño Brut Nature NV

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    Simon Judge

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    Mar de Frades Albariño Brut Nature NV is a very different wine from the Rías Baixas DO. It is produced by the highly regarded Mar de Frades, established in 1987. Winemaker Paula Fandiño leads the way with this distinctive bottle-fermented sparkling wine, the first of its kind in the region using the traditional method. Made entirely from Albariño grapes, the fruit is picked early, ensuring lower sugar levels and preserving a delicate balance without tipping into excessive richness or sweetness. The wine is blended across two to three vintages to maintain a consistent character. No sugar is added during the…

  • Rectoral de Amandi Mencía

    Rectoral de Amandi Mencía

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    Simon Judge

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    This is a find from the Ribeira Sacra region in Galicia, in the north-west of Spain. I picked up a bottle during a visit to Spain, drawn in by its distinct look and relative obscurity, at least in the UK. What caught my eye immediately was its label, which features a bold pink tone. This choice wasn’t just about standing out on a shelf. It carries symbolic weight, matching the colour of the vestments worn by Cardinals in Rome. This creates a direct link to the heritage of the winery itself, which stands within a 17th-century rectory building. The wine…

  • Sibarita in Vigo, Spain

    Sibarita in Vigo, Spain

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    Simon Judge

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    In late October 2025, my wife and I found ourselves in Vigo, Spain, looking for a glass of Albariño to pass the time while we waited for the rain to ease. A quick online search led us to Sibarita, a wine and tapas bar situated just above the city’s main square. The name “Sibarita” is fitting. It’s a Spanish word for someone who relishes the finer things in life and this little spot certainly lives up to it. Sibarita is run by the affable and knowledgeable Gus García, who brings a unique energy to the place, being a DJ by…

  • Ramón Bilbao Crianza

    Ramón Bilbao Crianza

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    Simon Judge

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    This 2022 vintage is made entirely from Tempranillo and while it carries the Crianza level rather than the more prestigious Reserva or Gran Reserva, don’t let that fool you into underestimating this wine. In the winery, each vineyard plot is handled individually, with fermentation done separately before the final blend is brought together just ahead of its 14-month ageing period in American oak barrels. It holds a strong 3.9 rating on Vivino. Curiously, the bottle shows an IWC Silver medal for 2022, which is a bit strange considering that award is from three years ago. What they ought to be…

  • Spain’s Wine Industry at a Red-White Crossroads

    Spain’s Wine Industry at a Red-White Crossroads

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    Simon Judge

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    The American Association of Wine Economists recently posted a chart showing Spain’s wine production has been declining and it has also shifted away from red. Spain’s falling output is mostly a climate story, amplified by weaker demand and policy responses. After peaking in 2018, production has trended lower as drought, heat and erratic rainfall have reduced yields and made harvests earlier and more variable. 2023 was especially poor, with Spain’s wine output dropping to about 28.3 million hectolitres, its lowest since the mid-1990s. At the same time Spain’s vineyard area edged down by about 1% in 2023, and authorities activated…

  • Viña del Cura Rioja Blanco

    Viña del Cura Rioja Blanco

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    Simon Judge

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    This wine made its first impression on me at a Tesco press tasting. This 2023 vintage sits at 13% ABV and is made from a blend of 90% Viura and 10% Tempranillo Blanco, produced by Barón de Ley. It’s vegan-certified and has spent time on lees, followed by four months in American oak barrels. The aroma leans towards tropical with a gentle backdrop of oak, suggesting something bright yet grounded. On the tongue, there’s a mix of fruit, oak and a soft, bready richness with a warmth that lingers slightly at the end. What’s striking is how rounded it feels…

  • Extra Special Marques del Norte Rioja

    Extra Special Marques del Norte Rioja

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    Simon Judge

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    This is one of those wines you almost have to try, simply because it’s been given so may accolades this year. It took Gold at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards with an impressive 95 points, picked up Silver at the IWSC with 94 points and another Silver at the IWC scoring 92. Having enjoyed the Gran Reserva before, I was curious. It comes from El Coto, Rioja’s largest producer, who farm 730 hectares across eight sites spanning nearly all of the region’s sub-zones. Made from 100% Tempranillo, it’s a dry red at 14% ABV, bottled at source rather than…

  • Extra Special Albariño Rias Baixas

    Extra Special Albariño Rias Baixas

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    Simon Judge

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    This 2024 vintage of Extra Special Albariño from Rías Baixas, produced by Bodegas Pazo Cilleiro in Galicia, stands out not just for its gleaming trio of 2025 medals, bronze from IWC, silver from IWSC, and bronze from Decanter, but for offering a genuine taste of its Atlantic homeland. Made entirely from Albariño and bottled at source, so it adheres strictly to the Denominación de Origen Protegida regulations, setting it apart from other bulk-bottled bottles often found on supermarket shelves. Immediately inviting with an aroma of peach and pear on first pour, it shifts quickly into sharper territory once tasted. Lemon…

  • ¡Hola! Mediterraneo Orange Spritz

    ¡Hola! Mediterraneo Orange Spritz

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    Simon Judge

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    As I write this, the UK is in the grip of a heatwave and I’ve been on the lookout for something light, refreshing and a little bit different to help cope with the warmth. This Spanish spritz fits the bill perfectly. Coming in at 8.5% ABV, this spritz comes from Catalunya, in the heart of cava country. Presented in an attractive bottle, it immediately gives off Aperol vibes, but with a more refined twist. The base is a slow-fermented cuvée of sparkling wine, made primarily from Macabeo, the grape used in Cava, along with a touch of Chardonnay. Instead of…

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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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