Top 10 wines in the UK press

Matthew Jukes has a focus on value as he picks out “the best £5 Sauvignon in the world” as well as “one of the finest value wines in the world”.

Jukes’s Sauvignon pick comes from an offer currently available at one of the UK’s leading supermarkets, and he urges his Daily Mail readers, “don’t miss out”.

As for his other recommendation Jukes writes that it is “the prefect starting point” for anyone who is “yet to be gripped by the Sherry scene”.

Meanwhile, writing in The Guardian, Fiona Beckett looks at what wine to drink with chilli. She wrote: “Talking about wine in the same context as chilli tends to evoke withering looks from beer drinkers, but there’s really no reason you can’t enjoy the two together.”

She added: “After all, just as with any other ingredient, there’s chilli and there’s chilli – small amounts aren’t going to have the same effect as larger amounts, or raw ones as cooked, or milder chillies as hotter varieties.”

Click through the following pages to find out which wines these, and other writers, have recommended in the UK press over the last week.

Zélige Caravent Le Jardin des Simples

Writing in The Observer, David Williams, recommends this wine, which featured at last month’s Real Wine Fair in Wapping. Williams described the wine as “one of my favourites” from the show.

He wrote that Zélige Caravent has “vineyards in the elevated Pic Saint-Loup in the Languedoc, from where they make vibrant reds in a thirst-quenching style, such as this unusually sprightly take on the Cinsault grape variety topped up with Syrah.”

2011 Tons de Duorum White, Douro

In The Times Jane MacQuitty recommends this wine, writing: “Every bit as tasty as the inaugural Tons de Duorum vintages, so lap up this coriander, parsley and citrus-spiked spring white made from a hotchpotch of grapes.”

Château de Fayolle Red 2010

This wine is Terry Kirby’s “midweek meal” recommendation in The Independent, writing: “An award-winning alternative to its bigger and brasher neighbour in Bordeaux, this is Bergerac rouge at its best and represents a substantial bargain compared with most Claret prices.”

He added: “Fruity Merlot lushness again here, with some steel from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, all from low-yield vines, aged in oak. Savoury and lip-smacking; a dish of slow-braised duck legs with thyme, bay and garlic would be a great match.”

Giesen Sauvignon Blanc 2012

In the Sunday Telegraph Susy Atkins picks out this white wine, which she said is “a more subtle Marlborough Sauvignon than some”.

She added that the wine “still has plenty of lime and passion fruit and a grassy hint” and that it is “delicious with cooked tomatoes and citrus dressings”.

Lothian Vineyards Vineyard Selection Riesling 2011

This is one of Fiona Beckett’s picks in The Guardian, as a wine to enjoy with chilli. She wrote: “With spicy Sichuan food, which also tends to be chilli-driven, I tend to turn to off-dry rieslings, which perfectly combine sweetness and acidity.

“That’s generally zesty, limey Riesling from Australia’s Clare or Eden valleys, though South Africa’s Elgin region is an increasingly good hunting ground for Riesling fans.” She suggests trying this “punchy” wine.

Tesco Finest Argentina Malbec 2011

Beckett also picks out this wine, writing: “South-west American dishes, by contrast, tend to rely on smoked chilli flavours that go better with a red than a white. Good options are young Rioja crianzas, ripe southern Rhône or Languedoc reds, or inexpensive malbecs such as Tesco’s good-value Finest Argentina Malbec 2011.”

As another recommendation she writes: “Unless you get off on an escalating chilli build-up, it’s best to avoid a hefty, tannic red such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Barossa Shiraz.”

Brindisi Rosso Vigna Flaminio 2009

Writing in the Daily Telegraph Victoria Moore recommends this wine, which she wrote is “from Italy’s heel, and full of the exuberance of the warm south”.

She added that the wine is “reminiscent of mulberries, with an edge of sour cherries. Made from Negroamaro, it’s smooth and easy-going with a sweet ripeness that, if you are having a pizza, is extra delicious if you fry some red onions and add them to the topping with some chilli and fatty salami.”

2012 Brancott Estate, Sauvignon Blanc

This is the first of Matthew Jukes’ recommendations in the Daily Mail, the wine is currently on offer at Tesco for two for £10 until 23 April. Jukes wrote: “Montana is dead long live Brancott and the facelift and name change is reflected in the brilliance of this lime-bomb of a Sauvignon Blanc. At this deal Brancott is categorically the best £5 Sauvignon in the world for one more week only. Don’t miss out.”

La Gitana, Manzaninlla, Hidalgo, Sanlúcar de Barrameda

Jukes also recommends this Sherry, describing it as his “favourite Manzanilla Sherry of all”. He added: “The palest and driest of all styles, this phenomenal aperitif style of wine is the ultimate pick me up and if you have yet to be gripped by the Sherry scene then this is the perfect starting point. Crisp, citrusy, refreshing and vital, served ice cold this is one of the finest value wines in the world.”

Marks & Spencer Palataia Pinot Noir

Finally, in the Mail on Sunday, Olly Smith features Pinot Noir having recently tasted the 2011 Romanée-Conti, which retails for more than £1,800. He wrote: I’ll probably never again experience Pinot Noir as haunting as Romanée-Conti. But I’ll remember the privilege every day for the rest of my life.” Smith does make a more affordable recommendation for his readers, with this Marks & Spencer Pinot. He wrote: “Scented and cherry-like with a nimble spring to it, this trumps most French Pinot Noir at a similar price.”