Top 10 wines in the UK press

2010 Nyetimber, Classic Cuvée, England

There were strong words from Matthew Jukes this week who declared this the “finest” young English sparkler he had ever tasted writing in the Daily Mail. 

“This is a world first write up – English Wine Week kicks off next week and I can tell you that this is the finest, young, home-grown sparkler I have ever tasted. World class in every way watch out for this epic 2010 vintage hitting the shelves soon.”

Price: £31.99, Waitrose, Majestic

2014 Côtes-du-Rhône Rosé, Réserve du Boulas, France

Recommending this French rosé Jukes said: “This is a lovely, lean, minerally rosé with a cool, calm, coral colour and a refreshing, discreet raspberry-tinged palate. I love subtle rosés, especially when the flavour creeps up on you and amazes you with its beauty and composure.”

£8.00, Marks & Spencer

Vin Jaune Arbois 2005

A selection of wines from Jura, a tiny patch of vineyards northwest of Lyon in the foothills of the Alps, were given the once-over by Olly Smith, writing in the Daily Mail. 

“Though close to Burgundy, Jura makes wines that are astonishingly characterful and distinctive”, he said of the region.

Of this example, he said: “If you enjoy manzanilla and fino then I recommend splashing out on Vin Jaune Arbois 2005 for £59.99 from symposium-finewine.co.uk – a white that’s as rich as a red and amazing with Comté cheese.

“When I first tasted it I found it so challenging I had to take a stroll down the garden to compose my response – which was to sip from the bottle very slowly over the next three days as it opened up layer after layer.”

Price: £59.99, symposium-finewine.co.uk

Coates & Seely Rosé NV

As English wine goes from strength to strength, Rose Murray Brown, writing for The Scotsman, recommended this sparkling rose from Coates & Seely among eight of the country’s best sparkling wines.

“Well known as the man who runs AXA’s wine estates across Europe, Christian Seely decided to make his own”, she said. “The first Coates & Seely fizz was this stunning rosé, which has incredible balance, fruit concentration and lively, vibrant, natural acidity.”

Price: £29.95, Berry Bros & Rudd

La Garnacha Salvaje del Moncayo, Spain 2014

David Williams, writing for The Observer, took a look at the wines on offer from Majestic, a retailer which, according to Williams, has for years been known for its “decent two-bottle deals and enthusiastic staff”.

“During its imperial phase, when the fawning business press coverage always seemed to come with headlines riffing on “sparkling sales” and “bubbling profits”, Majestic had two things going for it: enthusiastic, friendly, knowledgeable shop staff, and a range that was strong in the £7 to £12 sweet spot”, he said. “The staff are as good as ever. But the wines have been a little less exciting as the number of stores have grown. Still, if you accept that you need to have two bottles of a single wine in your mandatory case of six to get a decent price, there are good finds at Majestic. I’d be happy, for example, to fill up the car boot with this pretty, peppery, tangy Spanish Garnacha.”

Price: £10.49, or £7.86 for two bottles, Majestic

Maretti Langhe Rosso, Italy 2013

“Another bottle I’d make a detour to buy from Majestic is Maretti’s rather brilliant red from Piedmont”, said Williams.

“Even though it only contains 30% of the famed region’s grape variety Nebbiolo (the rest is the slightly less grand but more accessibly fruity Barbera), it’s a baby Barolo, with the tannins pleasingly bristly, a pinch of earthy savouriness and a delicious core of gentle raspberry and cherry fruit that needs red meat, perhaps in a ragù, to offer its best.”

Price: £11.99, or £8.99 for two bottles, Majestic

La Folie Douce Pinot Noir 2013 France

Susy Atkins provided some tips on pairing wines with spicy Indian dishes writing in The Telegraph this week.

“For Indian takeaways or made-at-home feasts, look beyond lager: white and red wine, and even cider, are great matches”, she said.

Of this Pinot Noir, Atkins said: “Soft, rounded, plum and mulberryish French Pinot, keenly priced and with no oak or acidic edge to clash with the buttered spice of Diana’s chicken masala.”

Price: Tesco, £4.99

Toscana Bianco 2013 Italy

More fond of mild spice dishes than a fiery vindaloo? This Italian white was recommended by Atkins as the perfect partner.

“Versatile Italian white, dry and refreshing with subtle notes of citrus and apple. Marries well with mild Indian dishes, as well as simple grilled white fish and leafy salads.”

Price: Marks & Spencer, £6

Cantele Primitivo IGT Salento 2012

Finally, Terry Kirby gave his wine recommendations to take us through the week from Sunday lunch to midweek meal, writing in The Independent. 

Of this Italian Primitivo, Kirby said: “A luscious, velvety Primitivo from Puglia in the heel of Italy. Bursting with enticing flavours of raspberrys, mulberrys and plums, there is more than enough body to partner lighter roast meats, but an appealing freshness that would match simpler pasta dishes or even a baked fish.”

Price: £11.50, tanners-wines.co.uk

Edalo Rosado, Condado de Huelva 2014

The bank holiday might be over, but there’s nothing stopping you cracking open a bottle of this Spanish rosé, as recommended by Kirby.

“Made from Syrah grapes grown close to the Atlantic coast of southern Spain, the light colour here contrasts with fulsome, bright-red fruit flavours and a touch of spice”, he said. “Perfect with most Mediterranean dishes.”

Price: £9.95, kwmwine.com