Top 10 wines in the UK press

Montes Outer Limits Old Roots Cinsault 2014

For this year’s summer barbecue, Chile is the ultimate one-stop shop, according to Olly Smith writing in the Daily Mail.

“With its range of climates and landscapes plunging from the sizzling Atacama desert in the north to the glacial chill of southern Patagonia, Chile’s wines can match everything from shellfish to steaks”, he said. “And while bargains are plentiful, Chile’s fine wine has a handsome future.”

Of this 2014 red Smith said: “I’m gobsmacked by the quality of less famous grape varieties such as Montes Outer Limits Old Roots Cinsault 2014 (13%), a hugely exciting raspberry whipcrack of a wine at nywines.co.uk for £15.99. It’s as revolutionary and intensely self-assured as Morrissey in his prime.”

Price: £15.99, nywines.co.uk

Tesco Beaujolais, France NV

David Williams, writing for The Observer, recommended a number of refreshing “spring into summer” wines this week, including this modestly priced Tesco Beaujolais.

“The idea of a thirst-quenching red wine sounds like an oxymoron at first. And it’s true that a glass of Aussie Shiraz is not exactly the first thing I’d reach for after I’d been for a run – or even what seems most appealing when the sun is out. But some red styles live up to the description of vin de soif better than others, fitting with lighter foods and warmer days, leaving the palate refreshed and awake. The reds of Beaujolais are the classic example, Tesco’s perfectly good budget own-label offering up the kind of berry-bonbon fruit, fresh acidity and lightness of tannin and alcohol that is best in the garden after half an hour in the fridge.”

Price: £4.49

Broc Cellars Vine Star Zinfandel 2013, California, US

Most Zins tend to go for “scale over subtlety” according to Williams, “ramping up the fruit and dialling up the alcohol for the archetypal big butch New World wine”. However this example by Broc Cellars’ is nothing like that, he said.

“Part of the increasingly influential new wave in the state that favours elegance over brawn, they’ve gone for a style that has more in common with Pinot Noir or Beaujolais’s Gamay, and it has a delectably racy and succulent raspberry-floral character.”

Price: £28.95, Roberson

COS Frappato, Vittoria, Sicily 2012

This Sicilian red by COS was also recommended by Williams. It is made from the local Frappato grape, a variety which he said brings a “red-fruited prettiness and softness of touch, plus a squeeze of cherryish acidity that is the last word in refreshment”.

He added: “COS brings extra layers of floral complexity and a delightful silky liveliness to its pure raspberry fruit.”

Price: £18.99, The Smiling Grape Company

2014 Tapada de Villar, Vinho Verde, Portugal

Matthew Jukes, writing in the Daily Mail, recommended a selection of “palate-thrilling” wines for the summer, including this Portuguese Vinho Verde from Tapada de Villar.

“Vinho Verde, or ‘green wine’ on account of the youthful, lime-coloured tinges, is the definitive summer holiday wine and this brand new release is zesty, rapier-sharp and wondrously thirst-quenching”, he said. “Holiday at home with this in your glass.”

Price: £8, Marks & Spencer

2013 Tim Adams, Riesling, Clare Valley, South Australia

“Tim Adams is a legend in Clare and his bone dry, racy Riesling is an enchanting wine with enough citrus flavours and keenness acidity to cut through the strongly flavoured Asian or Indian fish dishes”, said Jukes of this wine. “This modern style of white tramples all over dilute Sauvignon Blanc!”

Price: £10.79, Tesco

Valdo Oro Puro Superiore DOCG

Susy Atkins, writing for The Telegraph, gave her tips for seeking out cheaper alternatives to Champagne this week in the form of posh Prosseco and French Crémant.

“We often stock up on fizz for an occasion when we feel it really matters, but buying cheap bubbly is a precarious way to part with money”, she said. “Quality among sparklers has improved noticeably of late, but the sour and the tart, the confected and cloying still lurk. So how to find one worthy of a summer celebration?”

Atkins’ favourite high street “posher prosecco” was this “orange-tinged, crisp” Valdo Oro Puro Superiore DOCG.

Price: £13.99, Waitrose. On offer from 10 June at £9.99

Crémant de Jura France, Jura, France

The appellation of Jura in France produces sparkling wine using the same method as Champagne, making it a great value alternative.

“Very dry, and quite neutral, but some subtle hints of toast and citrus here; a proper crowd-pleaser that looks classy”, said Atkins of this example from Aldi. “One to fuel a big party on a hot night.”

Price: Aldi, £7.29

Pouilly Fume 2012 Domaine de la Loge, Loire, France

Rose Murray Brown, writing for The Scotsman, rounded up her pick of the best Sauvignon Blancs from around the world – a variety that she said is overtaking Chardonnay as Scotland’s most popular white grape variety.

“This classic grape might not be capable of making the most complex wines in the world, but it has a versatile style so it is popular both as a refreshing aperitif as a simple, unoaked, crisp, dry white wine, and as a richer style when fermented in oak, making it a great match with light summer dishes, fish or white meats”, she said.

Of this Pouilly-Fume, she said: “This example has a delicious creamy texture alongside its fabulous minerally streak. Domaine de la Loge is run by David Millet – who grows vines across 19 hectares near Soumard, St Andelain. He makes five different Pouilly Fumés.”

Price: £16.99, Raeburn Wines, Edinburgh

Chateau Doisy Daene Sec 2012, Barsac, Bordeaux

Murray Brown also recommended this Sauvignon Blanc from Barsac in Bordeaux – a region known more widely for its sweet wines.

“Barsac, south of the city of Bordeaux, has red sands and red clay over limestone which give wonderful texture to the wines”, she said. “This beautifully made example hails from the Denis Dubourdieu stable, a leading producer with 135 hectares across various appellations.”

Price: £17.50, The Wine Society, www.thewinesociety.com