Top 10 wines in the UK press

Telmo Rodriguez Almuvedre, Alicante

In The Observer, David Williams wrote: “Mourvèdre is the least heralded of the three grape varieties that make up the classic Rhône valley-inspired GSM blend. But when it’s made on its own (or as the dominant part of the blend) in various locations along the Mediterranean, it can be every bit as darkly interesting as Syrah, and more appealing than the sometimes overwhelmingly fulsome fruit and high alcohol of Grenache.”

He added: “Bandol in Provenceis the French specialist, although there are many fine examples throughout the Languedoc and Roussillon. But for sheer value, head to the grape’s origins in southeast Spain, where it’s known as Monastrell, and where peripatetic winemaker Telmo Rodriguez has made this exuberant example, with its swoosh of fresh inky black fruit.” (£8.95, Berry Bros & Rudd)

Ataraxia Chardonnay, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 2012

Williams also picked out this wine, writing: “Though South Africa tends to get lumped in with that increasingly outdated catch-all category for non-European wines and styles, the New World, many of its most famous vineyard areas actually date back several hundred years (the first vines arrived in 1655). The beautiful coastal Hemel-en-Aarde – or ‘heaven on earth’ – valley is very much a new region, however, the first vines having been planted in 1976, although in style the wines in what is quite a cool, maritime-influenced place, tend to be much closer to northern Europe – specifically Burgundy – in tone and timbre. Hamilton Russell and Bouchard Finlayson were the pioneers here, and their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir still rank among the best in the Cape. But relative newcomer Ataraxia, in the coolest part of the valley on the Hemel-en-Aaarde Ridge, is my current favourite, their barrel-fermented Chardonnay rich but fine-boned and resonant with smoky-mineral depths.” (from £19.95, Jeroboams; Howard Ripley)

Odfjell Old Vine Carignan 2011

In The Independent, Terry Kirby recommended this as a wine to enjoy with “Sunday lunch”, adding: “Chill autumn days were designed for this. Warming and satisfying, made from old Carignan vines in Chile’s Maule Valley, there are fresh black-cherry fruits mingling with tastes of leather, vanilla and a hint of chocolate, all of which linger on the palate for a long time. Drink with roast or grilled meats, particularly venison.” (£14.99, virginwines.co.uk)

Cuatro Rayas Verdejo 2012

Kirby’s pick for a midweek meal, was this “refreshing and invigorating” wine. He added: “This Spanish white is bursting with flavours of citrus and pears, but an underlying touch of spice gives a nice edge of richer complexity. This makes it versatile enough to drink with both simple fish dishes and white meats such as chicken or pork.” (£7.99, Marks & Spencer)

2011 Nederburg, Winemaster’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine was recommended by Matthew Jukes in the Daily Mail. He wrote: “The floral, cassis and mint leaf notes on this silky smooth Cabernet are incredibly mouth-watering. The balance and freshness on this medium-weight red will appeal to a wide range of palates and dishes – it’s a good wine to buy by the case.” (£53.94 for 6 bottles (£8.99 each), Tesco.com)

Toro Loco Reserva 2010

This Spanish drop was Olly Smith’s “wine of the week” in the Mail on Sunday, he wrote: “Offering Rioja-like rustic thrust, this red is great for a week-night feast. It’s a blend of Tempranillo with Granacha, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.” (£4.99, Aldi)

St Joseph Rouge Domaine Christophe Pichon 2009 

In the Daily Telegraph, Victoria Moore described this as, “Gorgeous, dark, inky, concentrated St Joseph that smells of smoke from an outdoor fire.”

She added: “It’s approachably warm and curvaceous, but has a very clean structure. The grapes are from 70-year-old vines, which explains the intensity. The producers have almost as many children (six) as hectares of vines (10).” (Berry Bros & Rudd, £19.45)

2010 Le Pigeoulet des Brunier, Vin de Pays du Vaucluse

Hamish Anderson, also writing in the Daily Telegraph, recommended this wine. He wrote; “The Brunier family produces one of the region’s most celebrated Châteauneuf-du-Papes, Vieux Télégraphe. These vineyards, just outside the official Châteauneuf zone, are predominantly Grenache, and have produced a supple, warming, sweetly fruited red.” (£11.50, Tanners)

2012 Villa Maria Private Bin Dry Riesling Marlborough

This wine was recommended by Rose Murray Brown MW in The Scotsman. She wrote that this “fresh and flowery New World” take on Riesling “comes from an excellent producer and provides textured and mouth-filling lime-based fruit that is made all the more vibrant by tangy and zippy acidity.” (£9.99 (down to £7.99 from 29 October) as part of a mixed case, Majestic)

Noble One 2008 Botrytis Semillon Riverina

And finally in the Sunday Telegraph, Susy Atkins recommended this Australian dessert wine, writing: “Imagine honey drizzled over fresh tangerines, peaches and scented quince with a little butterscotch and you get a good idea of this luscious dessert wine. Complex and compelling.” (Waitrose Wine Direct, £19.99 for half)