Top 10 wines in the UK press
Xerolithia White, Crete 2012
This wine was recommended by David Williams in The Observer, he wrote: “I’ve written before about the gently floral Semeli Feast White 2012 (£8.50) and Hatzidakis’ zesty Assyrtiko from Santorini (£13.75). At an impressive recent tasting of the latest Oddbins range I also fell for this rippling, spring-fresh white made from the local Vilana, in Crete, with its notes of fennel and lime. (£9.50, Oddbins).”
Château Maris Vieilles Vignes La Livinière Minervois 2011
Williams also recommended this wine, writing: “Biodynamics is an extreme form of organic farming that adds such practices and concepts as the burying of cows’ skulls and the following of the lunar calendar. The lack of hard science would bring out the stern Richard Dawkins side of me if it weren’t for the fact that so many of my favourite wines are made by followers of the creed. Down in the Languedoc, Robert Eden is one such true believer. With their mix of liquoricey depths and aromatic top notes, his reds, like this Syrah-Grenache blend and his Maris Organic (£9.99, Armit), are delicious advocates for his beliefs. (£10.99, Waitrose).”
Les Maros, Terrasses du Larzac, 2011
This is a “Sunday lunch” recommendation from Terry Kirby in The Independent, who described this as “Superb modern wine-making in the heart of the Languedoc.”
He added: “Made from old Grenache, Carignan and Cinsault vines, there are aromas of liquorice and leather on the nose and spicy dark fruits on the palate here. Intense and complex, but fresh and silky. Will keep, but wonderful now with any autumn game, particularly venison. (£14.99, cambridgewine.com).”
Vergelegen Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2009
As for a “midweek meal” Kirby recommends this wine, writing: “Just the thing for a bowl of pasta or a steak on a cooler autumnal evening. Characteristic flavours of chocolate and coffee with ripe plums and blackberries are to the fore in this fine Stellenbosch blend from one of South Africa’s best producers. (£8.99 each, for two bottles as part of a purchase of six mixed bottles; normally £11.24, majestic.co.uk).”
René Geoffroy Expression NV Champagne
In the Daily Telegraph, Victoria Moore recommended this wine, writing: “With 50% Pinot Meunier and 40% Pinot Noir in the mix, this is one for those who enjoy the darker, spicier, black-cherry-stem taste of pinot. Simple, but in a sophisticated way, if that makes sense. The dosage is about 6g/l, which is where I like it, fractionally dryer than most big-name champagnes but not pushing too hard. (12.5%, €18.50/ £15.70 from the cellar door or £29.95/£26.95 by the case at BBR).”
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2009 The Liberator ‘This Bird Has Flown’
Hamish Anderson picked out this wine in the Daily Telegraph, telling his readers: “If you buy only one of my white recommendations in 2013, this should be it. I would happily pay double for this staggering white. A blend of Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay and Clairette, it is a rich (and as such demanding of food), savoury, nuanced wine that keeps you coming back for more. ( £11.95, Wine Society).”
2010 Tinto da Anfora, Alentejo
This wine is recommended by Matthew Jukes in the Daily Mail, who wrote: “The new 2010, due on the shelves any minute, is brilliant. I love the gusto and impact that the juicy blackberry and cherry fruit has on the palate. The aroma is mouth-watering, too. Portuguese wines have always been great value but the quality is better than ever. (£8.99, Waitrose).”
2011 Spolverino, Carpineto, Tuscany
Jukes also recommended this wine, writing: “This is a feisty, youthful, bitingly fresh red made from the Chianti grape Sangiovese with a dribble of Canaiolo and Merlot for good measure. Delicious with stews and autumnal meaty dishes the swarthy black cherry and spice palate is exhilarating. (£12.49, Majestic).”
Feteasca Regala ‘Castle Huniade’ Cramele Recas 2012
This is the wine chosen by Olly Smith in the Mail on Sunday as his “wine of the week”. He wrote: “An outstanding week-night wine that’s scented with pear-like refreshment. You’ll love it.”
Charles Smith Syrah 2010, Columbia Valley, Washington State
And finally this recommendation comes from Jamie Goode in the Sunday Express. He wrote: “This is a convincing Syrah from Washington State, showing lovely aromas of violets and sweet blackberries, coupled with sweet, jammy, black fruits and some lively pepperiness. Highly seductive. ( £9.99, www.laithwaites.co.uk).”
