Top 10 wines in the UK press

Gouguenheim Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Valle Escondido, Mendoza, Argentina

Acknowledging the Argentine grape growers who last month took to the streets to protest against their government’s lack of action over a bailout for the country’s troubled wine industry, David Williams, writing in The Guardian, recommended three of the country’s wines.

He said: “There is, sadly, a familiar ring to the current news coming out of Argentina’s wine industry. Thousands of growers took to the streets in the country’s wine capital, Mendoza, this month to protest at a lack of government help to combat the malign affects of rampant inflation, challenging exchange rates and slowing exports. Many fear for their livelihoods. Good reason then to try out some of the country’s excellent bottles, starting with this beautifully fragrant and genuine bargain Cabernet from high-altitude vines in Mendoza.”

Price: £8.40, Tanners Wines; £8.59, Adnams

Catena DV Cabernet Franc 2012, Mendoza, Argentina

Another of Williams’ top Argentine picks was this “silky” Catena DV Cabernet Franc.

He said: “Like every producer in the sub-regions of Mendoza, Gougenheim also does a neat line in Malbec (try the sinuous, juicy Escondido Malbec 2013 for £6.99, also at Adnams). But few have done more to promote the country’s signature red grape variety than Catena. Led by the economist Dr Nicolás Catena, the company makes superb examples ranging from the budget (Tesco Finest 2013; £7.99) to the sumptuous (Catena Alta Malbec 2011; £27.95, Slurp). Chardonnay is another speciality, while the herbal freshness of Cabernet Franc is beautifully rendered in this silky red at Tesco.”

Price: £9.99, Tesco

Trivento Amado Sur Torrontés/Viognier/Chardonnay 2010, Mendoza, Argentina

“At their worst, Torrontés wines have a talcum-powder perfume and oiliness, cut with bitterness”, said Williams. “At their best, they are hibiscus-fragrant partners to Asian food (Tinto Negro Torrontés 2012, £11, Armit Wines)”, he added.

Of this 2010 example from Mendoza, Williams said: “Trivento’s example from Mendoza is a spicy, floral alternative to the rich whites of Alsace.”

Price: £9.97, Asda

2014 Nederburg, 5600 Pinot Grigio, South Africa

Matthew Jukes picked six “thrilling” wines writing in The Daily Mail, including this “versatile” South African Pinot Grigio, which he said would pair well with a pickled pear and Gorgonzola salad.

He said: “This cunning PG has more richness and buoyancy on the palate than most inexpensive Italian wines and at a mere £6 you would be hard pushed to trump its class and complexity.”

Price: £7.99, reduced to £5.99 until 17 February, Tesco

2013 Famille Castel, Grande Reserve Chardonnay, Pays d’Oc, France

Another of Jukes’ his top picks was this Grande Reserve Chardonnay from Pays d’Oc, a bargain at £5.99.

He said: “This is a classy, sun-kissed, succulent Chardonnay and it is a steal at the reduced price so hurry along and grab a few bottles because it is the perfect wine to match to the Smorgastarta (flatbread layer cake with cured salmon and beetroot) and marvel at the elegance of the flavour synergy here.”

Price: £8.99, reduced to £5.99, until 17 February, Tesco

Vox Populi Bobal 2011, Utiel- Requena, Spain

Spain reigns supreme for affordable, quality wine, according to Jamie Goode, writing in The Daily Express. 

“As well as abundant sunshine, there are also more acres of vines in Spain than anywhere else in the world, and there is now quality to match the quantity.”

He described this 2011 Bobal as “nicely mellow with rounded berry fruits and a hint of warm spice.”

Price: £11.99 or £8.99 each if you buy two, Majestic

Rioja Vega Crianza 2011, Rioja, Spain

Another of Goode’s favourite Spanish wines was Rioja Vega’s Crianza, of which he said: “Here is a Rioja at its best, perfectly balanced with sweet, textured red cherry and berry fruits as well as hints of vanilla, leather and spice.”

Price: £9.40, www.tanners-wines.co.uk

Domaine de la Mordorée Lirac La Dame Rousse 2011, France

Victoria Moore, picking our the best wine deals of the week for The Telegraph, recommended this Syrah-Grenache blend.

She said: “This is a special domaine, situated at the bottom of the Rhône, just a few miles from Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Alcohol-wise, the wines are often on the big side, but this oaked Syrah-Grenache blend can take its 14.5%. It’s a magical drink for those who like “proper” wine; it also looks good on the table.”

Price: Lea & Sandeman, £15.95/£14.25 mixed case price

Morrison’s Signature Gruner Veltliner 2013, Austria

Victoria Moore, writing for The Telegraph, offered an alternative for those who enjoy whites that are “mineral and refreshing”, such as Picpoul.

Recommending this Gruner Veltliner, Austria’s signature white grape, Moore said: “There are many good high street versions around at the moment; this one offers particularly good QPR (quality-price ratio). Think white pepper and grapefruit.”

Price: Morrisons, £6.99

Casa Silva Los Lingues Carmenère 2012, Colchagua, Chile

Finally Terry Kirby, writing for The Independent, described this Chilean Carmenère as a “fantastic blend of elegance and power from the best vineyard of one of Chile’s best Carmenère producers”.

He said: “This is smooth and silky but retains the distinctive coffee and plum-fruit flavours of the grape, with some light oak touches. Ideal with roast lamb or beef.”

Price: £13.95, caviste.co.uk