The top 10 wines in the UK press

Jancis Robinson MW picks a “stunning value” wine from one of her “very favourite Beaujolais producers”, while Susy Atkins makes a case for oaked whites.

Writing in the Financial Times, Robinson was commenting on the results from the Absolutely Cracking Wines from France initiative. She said: “Beaujolais is finding favour with opinion formers. Included in the range were no fewer than three Beaujolais, three Crus Beaujolais and four wines made nearby in its image from the same grape, Gamay.”

Robinson added: “Roussillon whites triumph. Not surprisingly, there was no shortage of Languedoc-Roussillon reds in the under £8 selection, given how many of them are available and at keen prices. Rather more surprising were the four white wines from the Roussillon and, in particular, my old favourite Le Soula Blanc”

Meanwhile, Susy Atkins, in the Sunday Telegraph, tackles the tricky subject of oaked white wines. She said: “There can be few subjects that divide a group of white-wine lovers as clearly as oak. For some, ageing a white in cask enhances it no end, adding creamy, wood-spice, even smoky layers of complexity to aroma and flavour. For others, however, that oak character gets right in the way, overwhelming what should be the purely fruity, streamlined character of liquid that’s only been bound in cold stainless steel.

“Both factions are right, of course, since taste in wine is highly personal.”

Find out which wines these two recommended, plus others mentioned in the UK press over the last seven days.

Domaine des Pierres Dorées 2010, Beaujolais (£7.99)

Jancis Robinson MW, in the Financial Times wrote about the Absolutely Cracking Wines from France initiative, and made this recommendation as her wine for under £8. She said it is, “stunning value for a 70% handpicked wine from one of my very favourite Beaujolais producers.”

Rieflé, Côte de Rouffach Gewürztraminer 2009 (£14.95)

Robinson went for this wine in the £8-£15 bracket, she wrote: “A much more delicate and appetising Gewürz than most, with a dry finish. Just 13% alcohol.”

Valpolicella, Allegrini, Veneto 2011 (£10.99)

Matthew Jukes, in the Daily Mail, picked out five wines from his new book, “100 most iconic wine estates”. He said: “The Allegrini family makes the most beautiful red wines in the Veneto and this inexpensive Valpolicella is a beautiful example of their craft. Silky smooth, plum-imbued and stunningly scented this cracker should inspire to investigate the rest of the cosmic Allegrini portfolio.”

2011 Peter Lehmann, Hill & Valley EV Chardonnay (£12.99)

Jukes also mentioned this Austrailan white wine, writing, “the Lehmann portfolio is legendary and it is dotted with mighty reds, but this incredible Chardonnay, coming from the cool Eden Valley region, is a triumph. It just goes to prove that many iconic estates also make fantastic value wines, too.”

2010 Château Segonzac, Blaye, Côtes de Bordeaux (£7.99 at Waitrose until 30 October)

Jane MacQuitty, in The Times, writes that the switch from summer to autumn wines “is usually a trial, but not this year”, mainly because it has been such a poor summer. She picked out this wine as one of this week’s “best buys”. She said: “Woodheads will love this bold, oaky, chunky 2010 claret with rich, beef tea and mocha flavours. Best enjoyed with hearty roasts.”

Prosecco Spumante Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG (£6.99, Lidl)

Olly Smith, in the Mail on Sunday, also focused on Halloween party tipples, writing that this Prosecco is, “great value for your spooky-themed party. With its lashings of bubbly flavour, you can use it to create cocktails with cordials and fruit purees.”

Taste the Difference Marzemino delle Venezie IGT, 2011 (£5.99)

David Williams, in The Observer, had a look at wines on offer this week and found this Italian number. He said: “Sainsbury’s has 25% off all its wines if you buy six bottles today, which brings this very pretty, light red (12% abv) down to £4.79, a very fair price for a simple but charming alternative to Valpolicella. Made from the lesser-spotted Marzemino variety in northeast Italy, it has a perfumed, fresh red berry and cherry character, and a lively lightness of touch that I’d have with a simple pasta or risotto.”

Steenrust Chenin Blanc 2011 (£11.99)

Susy Atkins in the Sunday Telegraph advocated oaked whites, one of the wines she picked out was this South African white. She said: “Vanilla, butterscotch and peach here, in a generous, rounded white to match with roast chicken. Makes a refreshing change from oaked Chardonnay, too.”

Espelt Costa Brava 2009 (£4.99 at Co-op until 30 October)

Terry Kirby in The Independent makes a bargain basement suggestion for the Halloween party season. He said: “If you are planning a party or gathering around now, perhaps for Halloween or Bonfire Night, then hustle around to your local Co-op and stock up on this fabulous bargain Spanish red.”

Quinta do Noval 2005 (£29)

Finally, Victoria Moore in the Telegraph took a look at Port, writing, “the Noval ports have a sense of great majesty and balance, like an old oak tree or, indeed, like the cedar that stands outside the winery. Unusually for an LBV, this is made using only grapes from the estate. Tastes of plump raisins and nuts, but really it’s about texture and shape.”