Top 10 wines in the UK press

Jane MacQuitty picks out a wine that is “what’s wanted with barbecue fare” and David Williams recommends a Californian wine “that confounds expectations.”

In The Times, MacQuitty focuses on wine co-operatives, and asks the question “Can co-operatives produce great wine?” Her answer is, “increasingly, yes”.

She goes on to write: “The move towards quality has been slow, but the most exciting co-ops have dreamt up contemporary wine styles to ensure that their members and vineyards thrive.

“The Plaimont Producteurs co-operative in southwest France, formed from three smaller co-ops, Plaisance, Aignan and Saint Mont, has reinvented itself twice.”

In The Observer David Williams picks out three wines for recommendation, with one being the Californian that “confounds expectations”. He adds that “there is a lot more going on in the state” than you might expect.

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

2012 Storie di Vite, Pinot Grigio, La-Vis, Dolomiti

In the Daily Mail, Matthew Jukes described this as “one of the best value wines on the shelves today and it is also my favourite sub-tenner Pinot Grigio.”

He added: “The whole experience is a joy with floral, pear and almond notes and stunning balance. The 2011 vintage gives way to this 2012 any time now and both are awesome with the Baked fish with olives recipe.”

2012 Lindemans, Bin 40 Merlot

Jukes also picked out this wine, writing: “It’s easy to overlook big brands in favour of artisan producers in the hope that their wines would be more attractive, but this would be a mistake. Australia’s big names make the most consistently reliable inexpensive wines in the world as this stunning, beautifully polished, fruit-driven merlot proves.”

Morrisons Vaucluse Grenache-Syrah

In the Mail on Sunday Olly Smith picks this as his wine of the week, he wrote: “Easy to unwind with, this neat glummer represents cracking value. A simple, tangy red French vino.”

Grand Heron Marc Ducournau PGI Côtes de Gascogne 2012

Terry Kirby’s “bargain basement” wine in The Independent is this French white. He wrote: “Let us hope that we have some warm evenings ahead to enjoy bottles such as this, from Gascony’s Plaimont Co-operative, which has become a great source for well-priced wines made from distinctive local grapes, each with singular, individual tastes.

“Made from Colombard and Ugni Blanc grapes, this is really grassy and refreshing, with touches of citrus fruits, and is a perfect aperitif or a partner for lightly spiced fish dishes.”

Château de Mascaraas Madiran 2002

Victoria Moore, writing in the Daily Telegraph, recommends this wine. She wrote: “What a beaut. One of Tesco’s best-kept secrets is that (for logistical reasons) you can find far more interesting wines online than in store. At 11 years old, this Tannat/Cab Sauvignon/Cab Franc blend is just coming into its own, with a glorious melted autumn leaves and old-furniture smell. A delight for fans of old Claret lacking the corresponding budget. Actually, just a delight.”

Arnot-Roberts Luchsinger Vineyard Trousseau, Clear Lake

This is one of the wines that David Williams recommends in The Observer. He wrote: “It’s easy to caricature California wine as either sweet and cheap or expensive fruit-and-oak juice. But there’s a lot more going on in the state, and here’s a wine that confounds expectations.

“Inspired by the wines of the Jura, and using an obscure red-grape variety from the region (trousseau), it’s light, graceful and delicately floral, but with a sweet-and-sour red cherry tang.”

Zalze Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz Rosé 2012

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Susy Atkins features rosé, she wrote: “There’s a tendency to assume rosé is either ripe, weighty and sweetish (like the Californian version), or pale, light and bone-dry (à la Provençal). Actually, there’s a full spectrum; rosé comes in many different styles, it’s a versatile food-matcher, and it pays to pick the perfect pink for the moment.”

With regards to this wine she added: “Plums and redcurrants here, plus a good depth of flavour and a tangy finish. Pour on its own or match with spicy prawns.”

Finest Navarra Garnacha Rosé 2012

In writing about rosé, Atkins added: “The best medium-weight and richer rosés tend to come, not from California, but from Spain and Portugal, Chile, South Africa and New Zealand. Choose syrah/shiraz, garnacha/grenache and cabernet sauvignon rosés, which make fuller rosés than most other grapes. Expect a bright cerise colour, an inviting aroma of strawberry, red cherry and cranberry, and a succulent, lingering flavour with a swipe of refreshing acidity to balance the subtle sweetness.”

She wrote of this wine: “The new vintage is juicy and full-on fruity with strawberries galore and a hint of rosehip, but nearly dry. An excellent example of Spanish rosado.”

2011 Domaine de L’Aigle Pinot Noir, Pays d’Oc, Gérard Bertrand

This is one of Jane MacQuitty’s picks in The Times, she wrote: “Take a punt on this Midi Pinot Noir whose smoky style, gentle plum and game fruit, and punchy finish is what’s wanted with barbecue fare.”

2008 Gevrey- Chambertin en Jouise, Domaine Harmand Geoffroy

MacQuitty recommends this wine as a “keeper”, she wrote: “Gérard Harmand spent his childhood in London and didn’t take over at his family’s estate, situated at the northern end of the Côte de Nuits, until the early l990s. Yet in two decades, he has turned the domaine around, getting the best from his patch of dirt, or terroir — that vital Burgundian sense of place — making vibrant, fruit-filled burgundies that have wide appeal.

“Tuck into this delicious, oaky, plum, game, herb and liquorice-licked red Burgundy that is drinking deliciously now and you can taste for yourself. Or cellar until 2016 when richer, gamier flavours will be your reward.”