Top 10 wines in the UK press

Cheverny Domaine du Salvard 2012

In The Guardian, Fiona Beckett wrote “If you’re a Francophile, you’ll love [this wine]”.

She added: “A crisp Loire Sauvignon with a touch of passion fruit, and a well-priced alternative to Sancerre; and Oddbins also has strong showings from Portugal, South Africa and Chile. (Oddbins £10.50; 12% abv).

Weinert Carrascal, Mendoza, Argentina 2008

This wine was recommended by David Williams in The Observer. He wrote: “In the past couple of decades, Argentinian reds have tended to be made with a recipe based on very ripe fruit (often Malbec) and, to a greater or lesser extent, the toast, mocha and vanilla flavours that come from small, highly toasted French oak barrels. The wines tend to be released young, too, when they’re still inky and vibrant.

He added: “This wine, by contrast, rests in large, old oak barrels (Foudres in French) that bring the softening effects of oxygen without the oaky flavours. It’s also had plenty of time in bottle. The result: an old-fashioned, soft, mellow, savoury red for fans of traditional Bordeaux. (£7.95, The Wine Society).”

Aldi Champagne Veuve Monsigny Philizot & Fils NV

This wine was chosen by Olly Smith as his “wine of the week” in the Mail on Sunday, he wrote: “Stock up early for the festive season – with its upbeat intensity and truffly scent, this Champagne is so keenly priced it’ll sell out fast. Seize it. (Aldi £12.99).”

2012 Moncaro, Rosso Piceno

Matthew Jukes recommended this wine in the Daily Mail, writing: “With simple, juicy red fruit and a lovely tang of acidity on the finish you might dismiss this wine as being rather one-dimensional, but there is charm and character here in this delightful little chap and it’s a bargain, too. A superb party wine for all palates I highly recommend Moncaro. (£5.59, Waitrose).”

2011 Casillero del Diablo, Cabernet Sauvignon

Jukes also recommended this wine, he wrote: “I have always been a huge fan of this wine and I urge you to ignore the price and treat it like an expensive red when you serve it. Please decant it first – allowing the air to unravel the dense cassis fruit. You will then see just how serious and rewarding it is. (£7.99 reduced to £5.99 until 5 November, Tesco).”

McGuigan Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

In The Independent, Terry Kirby picked out this wine as one to enjoy with a “midweek meal”. He wrote: “A big brand name doesn’t always make for an indifferent wine – this is simply a really good, lip-smacking Cabernet Sauvignon from an award-winning, reliable producer and fine for a casserole or some roasted-chicken thighs. Restrained and subtle oak, flavours of blackcurrants and vanilla and a very satisfying, lengthy finish. (£9.99, Tesco).”

Yali Reserva Gewürztraminer 2013

This was Kirby’s “bargain basement” recommendation, he wrote: “If you’re after something different in a white, try this Chilean take on a European staple. Intensely floral on the nose, there are flavours of lychees and other tropical fruits, cut through with enough fresh acidity. Drink as an aperitif or with mildly spiced Asian cuisine. (£6.99 each, for two bottles as part of a purchase of six mixed bottles; normally £8.74, majestic.co.uk).

2011 Bouton Larroze Braucol Côtes du Tarn

This “beautifully polished red” was recommended by Brian Elliott in The Scostman, he added: “Using a little known indigenous grape – Braucol – with intense black cherry and mulberry flavours, shrewdly judged tannin and rounded undercurrents of vanilla and other spices. (£8.99, Abbey Wines, Melrose).”

2008 Corbières-Boutenac ‘Atal-Sia’, Château Ollieux-Romanis

Hamish Anderson, in the Daily Telegraph, recommended this wine, writing: “Corbières is an inconsistent area, but when good, it rivals the best. This blend of predominantly Carignan with Mourvèdre and Grenache retains poise, with spice and floral elements contrasting the dark fruit. Decant and serve with robust red meat. (£17, Wine Society).”

Cupcake Chardonnay 2012

And finally this recommendation comes from Jamie Goode in the Daily Express. He wrote: “Nicely packaged, this chardonnay shows lovely rounded peach and melon fruit. It’s ripe, smooth and textured with a hint of fig and a sweetly fruited finish. (£8.99, Marks & Spencer, 13.5% alcohol)”