Top 10 wines in the UK press

2013 Gamay, Vin de Pays de l’Ardèche, France

Hamish Anderson, writing in The Telegraph, recommended some of the “best wines: from co-operatives which he said “people used to turn their noses up at”, but that actually deliver excellent value.

He said: “Co-operative used to be a byword for low quality; the system of growers selling grapes to a collectively owned winery did not encourage quality. But the good ones, such as this, deliver unbeatable value. Pretty and floral with red fruit and savoury edges, it should be your go-to red for easy summer drinking.”

Price: £5.49, M&S

2011 Saint Mont ‘Les Vignes Retrouvées’, Plaimont Producteurs, France

Another top pick was this white blend featuring Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng and Petit Courbu.

He said: “From a dynamic co-op in the south-west of France, this blend of local grapes is instantly appealing with flavours of tangerine and the tropics before revealing a more intriguing side of fresh herbs and a bright cut of acidity.”

Price: £10.99, The Smiling Grape

2013 Terlaner Classico, Cantina Terlaner, Alto Adige, Italy

His third choice was this white blend from Italy made predominantly from Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

He said: “Founded in the late 19th century, Terlaner focuses purely on quality and wines for the cellar and is one of the finest producers in Alto Adige. In the 2013 Classico ripe pears, spice and cream combine to produce a wine of power and interest.”

Price: £14.99, AG Wines

Château Nine Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, China

Jancis Robinson, writing for the Financial Times, took a look at Chinese wines this week including this “fully mature” Cabernet Sauvignon from Chateau Nine Peaks.

She said: “‘China is already the fifth-biggest producer of wine globally and yet Chinese wine is rarely seen outside its borders. Exports may be minimal at the moment but as production volumes continue to grow, it is likely that Chinese wine will increasingly find its way to palates more sophisticated than the average Chinese ones and its quality intrigues many of us wine professionals.”

Of this wine she said: “The very first red we tasted turned out to be a Château Nine Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 from a new, Luxembourg-financed, French-influenced small winery in Shandong on the humid east coast, which is far from the usual giant, marble-floored edifice that has become the norm for Chinese-owned wineries. Disconcertingly, it tasted just like a rather delicious, fully mature – far older than 2011 – right-bank bordeaux, and it somehow came as no surprise to find that the estate has links to Château Canon La Gaffelière in St-Émilion.”

Price: About £15

 Saumur Rouge, Cave de Saumur, 2011. Loire, France

Olly Smith, writing in the Mail on Sunday, sang the praises of Cabernet Franc this week, which he feels is still underrated in the UK market.

He said: “Everyone’s heard of the world-famous Cabernet Sauvignon but what about its less well-known relative, Cabernet Franc? You can find it in blends, as well as going solo, and for those in the know it is a world of joy in every glass. France’s Loire is where this wonderful red grape thrives, and Cabernet Franc tends to be lighter than its butch offspring Cabernet Sauvignon. It often gives off a herby scent that’s similar to pencil shavings, and if you find a nimble enough bottle, it can be a fantastic red for chilling in the fridge for half an hour before serving on a warm day.”

Of this Cab Franc from the Loire he said: “Summery, spicy and fruity red with a striking cartoon of De Gaulle on the label.Perfect to chill with.”

Price: £9.75

Oldenburg Vineyards, Cabernet France, 2010, South Africa

Another of his picks was for this Cab Franc from South Africa.

He said: “A huge wine to be decanted and served with a T Rex steak. Deep, aromatic and intense as a hug from a giant.”

Price: £23.95

Henry Fessy Morgon 2011, Morgon, France

Terry Kirby, writing in The Independent, picked out a selection of “juicy reds” to warm cool evenings, including this Beaujolais from the French region of Morgon.

He said: “With its “men with moustaches” image, Fessy might seem a jokey newcomer to the Beaujolais Cru villages. But it has been around a while and makes serious wines, using traditional methods and old vines. This is smooth, silky, but also intensely fruity. Drink with roast poultry or mushroom-based dishes.

Price: £10.50, oddbins.com

Mas de Victor Graciano Rioja 2012

Kirby’s “bargain basement” pick was this Rioja, currently a steal at just £5.99.

He said: “Not all Rioja is made from Tempranillo. The Graciano grape is a fine and under appreciated alternative, its lighter flavours of sweet smoke, coffee and plums making it thoroughly beguiling and moreish. As recommended before here and currently at a very good price.

Price: £5.99 (until 29 April; normally £8.99), Sainsbury’s

Meinklang Prosa Pinot Noir Rosé 2012, Austria

Jamie Goode, writing in The Express, chose seven of the best wines to serve with spicy food this week, including this sparkling Pinot Noir from Austria.

He said: “Here’s something a bit different:it’s bright-pink, fizzy and very lively with a hint of sweetness to the red cherry and cranberry fruit. Relatively low in alcohol, it’s a great thirst-quencher with hot food.

Price: £11.75, vintageroots.co.uk

Blind Spot Sparkling Brut NV, Tasmania, Australia

Finally Goode recommended this “sophisticated” sparkler from Tasmania.

He said: “This attractively packaged Tasmanian fizz is really impressive. Fruity and lively, with citrus, pear and herb flavours, it is sophisticated but punchy enough to work well with curry. It’s also superior to any Champagne you’d buy at this price.”

Price: £13.95, thewinesociety.com