Top 10 wines in the UK press

Domaine Gerovassiliou Malagousia, Greece 2013

UK supermarkets might have “dealt a hammer blow to the offie”, but the likes of Wine Rack and Oddbins are fighting back with “interesting and tasty offerings”, according to David Williams writing in The Guardian. He described this Greek wine as “blistering, juicy apricot-and-pear white”.

He said: “Not so long ago, specialist wine merchant chains were a feature of our high streets. But the one-stop convenience of supermarkets and the better range and prices of Majestic’s warehouses spelled the end for the likes of Unwins and Threshers. But a couple of the old names are still clinging on. One is Wine Rack, with 27 stores, mostly in the southeast. Their range is solid rather than exciting, but it does have a handful of gems, such as the classy Cape claret of Meerlust Estate Red, Stellenbosch, South Africa 2011 (£10.99) or Domaine Gerovassiliou’s blistering, juicy apricot-and-pear white from Greece.”

Price: £13.49, Wine Rack

Quinta dos Roques, Dão, Portugal 2012

“Of all the old high-street off-licences, Oddbins inspired the most affection”, wrote Williams.

“Its range, especially in its glory days in the 1980s and 1990s, was always daring, its staff unfailingly knowledgeable. Once on the brink of disappearing, it’s now firmly back on form and the range at its more than 40 stores, thanks to buyer Ana Sapungiu, is once again among the most interesting in the country. Small producers feature strongly, and it’s particularly strong in off-the-beaten-track countries such as Greece and Portugal. This fragrant red blend from central Dão, with its wet-stone mineral kick, is a particular highlight.”

Price: £12.50, Oddbins

Codorniu Reina Maria Cristina Blanc de Noirs 2012, Spain

Susy Atkins, writing in The Telegraph, rounded up a selection of the best Champagnes and sparkling wines to help “seal the deal” this Valentine’s Day.

She said: “It’s Valentine’s Day, so I’d be tempted say, don’t rummage too deep in the bargain bin. But if you are working within a price limit, be careful – avoid ‘bargain’ Champagnes unless pre-tasted, as they can turn out to be wincingly thin and sour. Also swerve any very cheap Prosecco, sekt or Aussie fizz and especially cut-price French bottles labelled vin mousseux. But French cremants (the word cremant on the label indicates a sparkler made in other regions of French to high standards) are often excellent, and you can get some delicious posh cava for under £10.”

Of this Spanish sparkler she said: “Codorniu Reina Maria Cristina Blanc de Noirs 2012 gets my vote for under a tenner – a superior, mouthwatering vintage cava in a very smart bottle.”

Price: Majestic, £14.99 down to £9.99 each for two or more until 16 March

Furleigh Estate Rose Brut, Dorset

Heading slightly up the price scale, Atkins described this sparkler from Dorset’s Furleigh Estate as a “happy medium” which she said was “beautifully made” with a “gorgeous crisp mousse, strawberry and red cherry hints and a creamy finish.”

She said: “Look out for good offers on the better non-vintage Champagnes, including fine own-labels like Tesco’s Finest Premier Cru NV ( on offer down to 15.99 at the moment) and Co-op’s Les Pionniers. Equally, an offer on our now world-renowned English sparklers can bring them in under £20.”

Price: selected Waitrose and waitrosecellar.com, £23.50 down to £18.80 until Feb 17

Champagne Charles Orban Blanc de Noirs NV, France

If you are looking to splash the cash and make an impression this V Day, then a Champagne is the only way to go.

She said: “Vintage Champagnes from the famous top houses can have quite different characters – floral, crisp, rich, toasty etc – so it’s an idea to read up on the right one for you (and your beloved) before splashing out. Vintage Champagnes should be kept for quite a while – ideally ten years or more – before opening, so don’t fall for a youthful one which may taste quite acidic. The top sparklers from Italy’s Franciacorta region are a great alternative to Champagne – very chic and impressive and set to make quite a splash this year.”

Of this Charles Orban Blanc de Blanc NV, Atkins said: “Fairly rich for a Champagne, with delectable notes of raspberry, brioche and toast. Marries beautifully with luxury seafood, especially scallops and lobster.”

Price: Marks & Spencer, £30

Ferghettina Franciacorta Brut Satèn 2010, Italy

Continuing this week’s Valentine’s fizz theme was Terry Kirby of The Independent, who recommended trying a variation on Champagne. This Italian sparkler from Franciacorta is made using the same method as Champagne.

He said: “Made in Lombardy according to the méthode champenoise from Chardonnay grapes and therefore close to a lighter Blanc de Blancs – creamy, faintly citric flavours, floral hints. Simply gorgeous.”

Price: £22.99, allaboutwine.co.uk; £23.95, stonevine.co.uk

Wyfold Sparkling 2010, Oxfordshire, England

Another of Kirby’s sparkling recommendation was this 2010 bottle from Wyfold.

He said: “From a small vineyard in the Oxfordshire Chilterns, although made by Ridgeway near Brighton, this is an award-winning English sparkler: as stirring and ethereal as a spring morning, hedgerow and stone-fruit flavours, bone-dry. Small production, so buy now.”

Price: £29.99, laithwaites.co.uk

Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec NV, France

This medium dry Champagne is a style of Champagne “not widely drunk in the UK”, according to Kirby, despite being popular around Europe served with with dessert of cakes.

He said: “With candied fruit and sweet brioche flavours, a wonderfully fresh, clean finish and a magnificent, elegant climax to a special Valentine’s meal.”

Price: £35.05, thedrinkshop.com; £21 (for a half bottle), thechampagnecompany.com

Champagne Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial NV, France

Jamie Goode, writing for The Express, recommended seven of the best rosé wines for Valentine’s this week proclaiming it to be “wildly fashionable these days”.

He said: “Don’t think of pink fizz as a novelty. Whether you’re spending £10 or £50, it’s a serious drink in its own right – and well worth enjoying at any time of year.”

Of this Moët & Chandon Impérial, he said: “A full pink colour, this comes beautifully packaged from probably the most famous of all champagne houses, making it perfect for Valentine’s Day. With precise flavours of cherry and raspberry, and a deliciously fresh finish, the contents live up to the label. This will be an indulgent treat for your loved one.”

Price: £40, Tesco, Sainsbury’s

Champagne Jacquart Rosé Mosaïque NV, France

This is a “deliciously fruit-driven pink champagne, that is packed full of cherry and strawberry flavour”, according to Goode.

“With a touch of sweetness and a hint of toastiness, it’s equally good for drinking on its own or with food, and impossible not to enjoy.”

Price: £38, Sainsbury’s