Top 10 wines in the UK press

Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Blanc, France 2012

While France’s Rhône Valley might be better known for its red wines, David Williams was keen to highlight the region’s whites writing in The Guardian this week.

He said: “A mere six of the 100 Olympic swimming pools-worth of wine the local producers’ association says is made in the region each year is white and vanishingly few vignerons specialise in white alone. Some only use white wine grapes to add a lift to their reds. The best Rhône whites, particularly in the northern part of the valley, are far more than a sideshow, however, as top syrah producer Alain Graillot’s graceful but rich, orchard-fruited and floral-fragrant blanc blend amply shows.”

Price: £21, Yapp Bros

Tahbilk Marsanne, Nagambie Lakes, Victoria, Australia 2011

Williams also recommended this Marsanne, which he said was “floral” and “subtly honeyed”.

He said: “Given the success Australia has had with Syrah, the Rhône’s signature red variety, it’s not surprising they’ve also taken to the region’s whites. Yalumba has done more than most to raise the profile of viognier, for example, and continues to excel from the Y Series (£10, Sainsbury’s) to the opulent Virgilus 2009 (£25.45,henningswine.co.uk). Victoria’s Tahbilk also does a nice line in Viognier, but is best known for the superb Marsannes it makes from old vines. The 2011 is floral, subtly honeyed, and gloriously white peachy, while the venerable but vivid 1927 Vines 2003 (£26.99, Armit) adds extra layers of honeyed complexity.”

Price: £12.99, Armit

Furleigh Estate Classic Cuvée 2009 Dorset

Dorset on the UK’s south coast is the place to head for the “cream of British sparkling wine”, according to Susy Atkins writing in The Telegraph this week.

One such producer is Furleigh, who she said “excels at sparklers made traditionally from Champagne grapes, all estate-grown.”

She described its 2009 classic cuvée, its maiden vintage, as having “developed a wonderful toast and vanilla notes, peachy fruit and a honeyed but dry finish.”

Price: £28.50, selected Waitrose

Lily Farm Sparkling Rosé 2010 Devon

Another of Atkin’s favourite British sparklers was this 2010 rosé from Devon.

She said: “Lily Farm Rosé from Knowle, east Devon, is a little gem – mouth-watering and lively, with fresh strawberry and cherry and a creamy finish. Perfect with seafood.”

Price: £24.50, lilyfarmvineyard.com

2013 Torres, Viña Esmeralda, Catalunya, Spain

Matthew Jukes recommended one of his “all-time favourite white wines” writing in the Daily Mail this week.

He said: “The newly released 2013 is a true beauty and at this reduced price it costs the same as it did way back when I first sold it in 1987!  Made from an aromatic blend of Muscat and Gewurztraminer this is a dreamy summer white which works beautifully with spicy food and terrines.”

Price: £8.79, reduced to £6.99 until 7 August, Waitrose

2013 Les Pins Couchés Rosé, Jean-Luc Colombo, Rhône, France

Another of Jukes’ recommendations was this “epic” rosé from the Rhône.

He said: “There is not enough space here to list all of the merchants who stock this epic rosé and the Falanghina next door in my column, so please look here for a full line-up.  If you are cooking the Paella with jumbo prawns recipe then you must drink this wine alongside.  It is bone dry, cherry-scented and devastatingly distinguished!”

Price: From £9.99

San Leo Rosato NV, Italy

For Jamie Goode, writing in The Express, it was all about “posh plonk” – good value wines perfect for picnics.

He said: “An inexpensive pink fizz from Italy, this is fun and gently fizzy with bags of raspberry and cherry fruit. Chilled right down, it’s a deliciously drinkable treat.”

Price: £4.99, Waitrose

Santa Teresa Grillo 2013, Sicily, Italy

Goode also recommended this Italian white.

He said: “Southern Italy is becoming a good source of flavourful, affordable whites. This one, from Sicily, is textured and tasty with citrus and pear fruit lifted by some melony richness.”

Price: £6.99, Marks & Spencer

Champagne Pierre Vaudon Brut Rosé NV

Terry Kirby rounds up his pick of the best pink sparklers, writing for The Independent, “the perfect celebratory drink for summer”.

He said: “One of the great champagne bargains from a little-known name respected by insiders and made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Delicate, balanced, refreshing, packed with summery fruit flavours. Ideal with canapés or fine shellfish.”

Price: £29.95, hhandc.co.uk

Torres Santa Digna Estelado Rosé, Chile

Finally, Kirby also recommended this “bone-dry” Chilean rosé.

He said: “If you find most cava or prosecco a bit too sweet, this is a lovely fun alternative from Chile. Made with the méthode champenoise again, from Chile’s oldest grape variety, Pais, this is bone-dry, spiked with red-fruit flavours with a touch of citrus. A great buy for parties.”

Price: £8.99, henningswine.co.uk; £11.03, thedrinkshop.com (minimum purchase six bottles)