Top 10 wines in the UK press

Waterkloof Circle of Life White, Stellenbosch 2011

In The Observer, David Williams picked out a range of “Christmas wines”. He wrote of this white: “The South Africans excel at making white blends, and this is one of the best around. Seamlessly weaving together Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon into a live-wire package that fizzes with nervous energy behind the intense citrus, minerals and richer tropical and orchard fruit flavours, it would work right through the Christmas meal. (From £12.95, Swig; All About Wine; Rannoch Scott Wines; SA Wines Online.)”

Torre del Falco Nero di Troia 2010

Williams also recommended this wine, nominating it as a “star buy for under £10”. He wrote: “Made from a variety, Nero di Troia, that is better than its position behind Primitivo and Negroamaro in the local Puglian pecking order suggests, this is the red I’d choose to liven up the post-Boxing Day cold cuts – or a pasta dish fashioned from them. Made without oak for maximum vibrancy of dark cherry fruit and plum-skin tang, in texture it’s suave and soft.  (£7.99, Waitrose).”

Knightor Brut NV

Terry Kirby, writing in The Independent, also recommended a range of wines to enjoy with seasonal food. He wrote of this English sparkler: “In deep midwinter, what better to be reminded of the Cornish countryside in spring, contained in every mouthful of this sparkler made from traditional champagne varieties plus Seyval Blanc and Reichensteiner, grown on the sunny slopes around Portscatho and Looe. Effervescent, invigorating, simply delightfully English. (£25.10, wineincornwall.co.uk; £26.99, ewwines.co.uk).”

Dominio de Cair 2009

Kirby also recommended this wine, writing: “Red wines in winter must be robust and warming, bringing summer sun into cold days, so taste the heat of Spain in this rich Tempranillo. Dark fruits, chocolate, touches of herbs and spices make for an enticing mix to accompany rich dishes such as roast goose or cocido madrileño, a Spanish festive alternative. (£22, harperwells.com; £22.95, halifaxwinecompany.com.)”

2013 Santa Ana, Sauvignon Blanc

This wine was recommended by Matthew Jukes in the Daily Mail. He wrote: “This is a cracking Sauvignon from a brilliant producer and you must jump on this deal right away because stock will fly. The sublime elderflower and grapefruit nose carries on to the keen, zesty palate and it will go with every canapé imaginable. (£8.99, reduced to £5.99 each if you buy two bottles, until 3 Feb, Majestic).”

Asda Extra Special El Mesón Gran Reserva Rioja 2001 

In the Mail on Sunday, this wine was recommended by Olly Smith as one to enjoy with turkey. He wrote: “Reduced from £13, this savoury, earthy red won gold and Best In Class at this year’s International Wine & Spirit Competition. Offering long-lasting flavours packed with tangy fruit, it’s already been aged for over a decade, and deserves to be served with your turkey. (13.5 per cent, Spain) £10”

Finest Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012

In the Sunday Telegraph, Susy Atkins recommended a range of red wines for Christmas dinner, writing: “In every case, decant before serving, both to open up the aroma and flavours, and to make a proper display of your Christmas red.”

She wrote of this red: “Mellow and smooth, this is big on blackberry fruit, with nutty, spicy nuances and a black-pepper finish. Match with turkey and herby, peppery trimmings, or with roast root vegetables. (Tesco, £13.49)”

Graham Beck Brut Rosé NV

Atkins also picked out this wine, writing: “A modern pink Cape sparkler that is dry and refreshing with just a touch of red berry. Chill for prawns, lobster or scallops.”

Louis Latour Viré-Clessé 2010

This wine was recommended by Jamie Goode in The Express. He wrote: “This is at the more affordable end of the white Burgundy spectrum but it tastes expensive, with ripe peach and pear fruitiness. There’s an appealing balance between rich fruit and freshness, and the bottle would also look great on the table. (£12.49, Wine Rack and spiritedwines.co.uk (0800 520 0607), 13% alcohol).”

2012 La Cadence Carignan

And finally this recommendation comes from Brian Elliott in The Scotsman. He wrote: “Given low yields and skilled winemaking, the humble workhorse grape carignan often produces reliable and inexpensive, medium-bodied reds. Here is a good illustration with soft, bright and rounded red cherry fruit embellished by an appealing herby undercurrent and more than a suggestion of mineral depth. (Currently £6.49 – instead of £7.99 – at Ellies Cellar’s seven shops in central Scotland).”