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Slideshow
Top 10 wines in the UK press
Nino Franco Prosecco Rustico
This recommendation came from Fiona Beckett in The Guardian. She wrote: “If you want to find out what a pukka Prosecco tastes like try this one from producer Nino Franco. True, it’s no cheaper than the cheapest Champagne but it’s considerably more enjoyable. (Best offer: £12.99 from James Nicholson, £14 Sommeliers Choice.)”
Château Recougne Bordeaux Supérieur, 2010
In The Observer David Williams wrote that sometimes Bordeaux can come in for criticism for “the mealy-mouthed meanness of the bulk-bought stuff it tends to offer up in the supermarkets.” But, he added there’s a lot more to the region, “particularly in better vintages like 2009 and 2010. For the two-bottle price of £7.99, Château Recougne’s classic blend of Merlot with the Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, with its juicy blackcurrant framed by trademark Bordelais freshness and gently gripping tannin, is hard to beat for value if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing partner for a Sunday roast. (£9.99, or £7.99 if you buy two bottles, Majestic).”
2010 Cune Rioja, Crianza, CVNE
In the Daily Telegraph Hamish Anderson wrote: “At this price Cune’s Crianza is a bargain and a fine example of the modern face of the region. As with most Rioja it is predominantly made using Tempranillo grapes and is a bright, fresh, highly drinkable example with its red-berry fruit and dusting of vanilla that comes from oak ageing. (£6.99 when buying two at Majestic).”
Château de Pitray 2010, Côtes de Castillon, Bordeaux
This recommendation came from Susy Atkins, in the Sunday Telegraph. She wrote: “Terrific-value blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc from a minor satellite region of Bordeaux, with firm plummy fruit, and slightly minty and cedary notes. (Wine Society £8.95).”
2012 Asylia, Bianco Melissa, Greco, Librandi, Calabria
In the Daily Mail, Matthew Jukes wrote: “I adore the Greco grape”. He added: “This version is made by one of the most famous wineries in the south of Italy – Librandi. The nose is gentle and lightly lemony with a silky, shimmering palate and a lovely crisp aftertaste. A cultured aperitif or fish wine, this is a future star. (£8.99, Waitrose).”
2011 Apothic, Winemaker’s Red
Jukes also picked out this wine, writing: “This is a very unusual wine indeed. It is a sweet red wine made from Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet and the palate is rich, chocolaty, berry-like and fascinating. It is the definitive ‘Marmite’ wine – some of you will love it, others will loathe the glossy texture, but I feel that it might just strike a chord with some so take the plunge. (£9.99, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s).”
Aldi The Exquisite Collection Uco Valley Malbec 2012
This was chosen by Olly Smith as his “wine of the week” in the Mail on Sunday. He wrote: “Round berry depth with a jot of spice, this fulsome plump red is perfect with steak. Get your griddle on. (£5.99 Aldi).”
Weisser Burgunder trocken Achat 2012
In The Independent Terry Kirby picked this out as a “Sunday lunch”, writing: “The first of three new and intriguing whites is one that confounds expectations of German wines – made from Pinot Blanc, this is neither floral nor off-dry, but thrillingly refreshing and acidic, with subtle flavours of pears, quince and hints of nuts and smoky spice. Drink with all seafood, semi-hard cheeses and vegetable dishes. (£15 as part of minimum order of six mixed bottles, chixandbuck.com).”
Château Camplazens Viognier 2011
This wine was Kirby’s pick for one to enjoy with a “midweek meal”. He wrote: “The new, modern approach of southern French country wines is exemplified by this assertive reclaiming of Viognier back from the New World: floral, honeyed, full-bodied, with flavours of apricots and tropical citrus fruits. Good with grilled or pan-fried white fish or scallops, or mild, fruity curries and salsas. (£9.95, santewineimports.com).”
Bachelder the Wismer Winfield Chardonnay 2010
And finally Rose Murray Brown MW has a tasting panel trying Canadian wines in The Scotsman. In recommending this wine, she wrote: “This was the clear favourite in our tasting: a wonderful combination of plush richness of fruit, tight flinty, stony minerality, delicate floral notes and carefully judged oak. Subtlety is the key here. Not cheap, but really worth a taste to show the quality of Canadian chardonnay. Star buy. (£46.99, Lockett Bros, N Berwick; Fine Wine Company, Musselburgh).”