Top 10 wines in the UK press

We look at the top 10 wines mentioned in the UK press over the weekend.

Fiona Beckett in The Guardian goes on a busman’s holiday: “I love visiting winemakers. It’s a great way to remind yourself that wine is about passionate people and amazing places.”

Olly Smith in the Mail on Sunday looks to celebrations, and what the best drinks are to mark a special occasion. He admits “it’s a trickier request than you might think – the goal is to ensure there’s something on offer for everyone”.

David Williams in The Observer, and Susy Atkins in the Sunday Telegraph both look forward to the longer nights of autumn for rounded, fuller reds. Susy Atkins says: “Step forward South Africa, then, which, of all the New World wine countries, has the sub-£10, full-bodied red category neatly sewn up.”

Asda Extra Special Falanghina, Puglia, Italy 2011 (£5 Asda)

David Williams in The Observer says if you’re interested in trying Falanghina, “this Asda deal is a good excuse to start, offering a little of Falanghina’s trademark pithy orange flavours as well as subtle peach in a bright, crisp and lively package.”

Benjamin Darnault Côtes du Roussillon Villages 2011 (£10.99 Naked Wines)

Williams prepares for autumn nights with this “hefty, typically southern French red blend of Syrah and Grenache where the juicy dark berry flavours tumble out of the glass and warm the bones”.

Anakena Single Vineyard ‘Murta’ Syrah 2011 (£7.99 Majestic)

For his “Top Tipple” this week, Olly Smith in the Mail on Sunday recommends this “beautiful fragrant enticing red with stunning fruit and toasty spice”.

Tesco Finest Swartland Chenin Blanc 2011 (£6.99 Tesco)

Olly Smith says this is “a particular favourite of mine, with rich texture and a complex fruity character with zing and intrigue.”

Secret de Léoube Rosé, Chateau Léoube 2011 (£21 Corney & Barrow)

Smith says: “this Provençal Grenache blend wowed me at a recent tasting”. An “elegant, organic and outrageously yummy bottle”

Domaine des Roches Neuves l’Insolite 2011 (£17.95 Les Caves de Pyrene)

Fiona Beckett in The Guardian recommends this “seductively peachy, Chenin-based” wine, which is “one to drink with a good chicken in a creamy sauce”.

Il Secondo di Pacina Sangiovese (£9.70 Gergovie Wines)

Fiona Beckett enjoys this “moreish, full-flavoured” Tuscan, which “makes a perfect accompaniment to tomato-based pasta sauces and pizza”.

Boschendal Shiraz-Cabernet 2010 (£9.99 Waitrose)

Susy Atkins in the Sunday Telegraph says: “This vivid inky-purple wine delivers delicious blackberries, tinged with clove and pepper”.

Six Hats Fairtrade Shiraz 2010 (£7.99 Marks & Spencer)

Atkins says: “this contains 15% Cabernet, which gives a blackcurrant clout to a smoky, spicy and mocha-tinged red.”

Rustenberg ‘RM Nicholson’ 2009 (£8.99 x2 Majestic)

Atkins says: “five grapes, including Cabernet, Shiraz and Malbec, contribute mulberry, blueberry and cassis to the mix, and there’s a seam of vanilla and clove from oak ageing.”