Top 10 wines in the UK press

Fernando de Castilla Antique Fino Sherry NV

David Williams, of The Observer, kicks off our roundup this week with a selection of Sherries, which he described as “cheap, reliable and delicious”

“Most supermarkets are pretty good at Sherry: the M&S, Waitrose, Morrisons and Tesco own-label versions of the popular lighter dry styles, fino and manzanilla, which get their character from ageing under a layer of yeast known as flor, are each among the best-value wines in their respective ranges”, said Williams. “And big-name brands such as Tío Pepe Fino and La Gitana Manzanilla are also reliably good at providing the brisk, salty-umami hit that feels like a savoury snack and refreshing drink combined in a single glass. That’s not to say that spending a few more quid from time to time won’t get you something even more special, however, such as Fernando de Castilla’s long, complex, multi-layered take on fino.”

Price: from £16.89, Rannoch Scott; Hennings Wine

Gonzalez Byass Leonor Sherry NV

Williams also recommended giving Gonzalez Byass’ Leonor Sherry a try.

“The great sherry blenders combine scientific know-how, logistical precision and a chef’s understanding of flavour in juggling the many thousands of barrels in their bodegas”, he said. “But there’s mystery and magic, too: will a wine develop the flor yeast become a fino or amontillado? Or will it age without it as an oloroso? Or it could be a very rare palo cortado, where the flor disappears, leading to a halfway-house style such as Leonor’s, where the Marmite-like yeastiness is joined by the smoothness of creamy toffee and nuts.”

Price: £13.75, Oddbins

2014 Bolney Estate, Autumn Spice, Sussex

As English Wine Week comes to a close, Matthew Jukes, writing in The Daily Mail, lined up a selection of “world class” English wines to celebrate.

“Waitrose deserves applause, because is the most loyal of the supermarkets to the English and Welsh wine cause”, he said. “This is my pick of the whites this year and it parades mildly exotic aromas and delightful sweet spices on the palate before a dry finish zooms in – very clever.”

Price: £10.99, Waitrose

2010 Smith & Evans, Higher Plot, Pinot/Chardonnay, Somerset

Jukes also had praise for this sparkler – the inaugural vintage from Guy Smith of Smith & Evans.

“The Higher Plot on the label refers to the farm where this vineyard sits”, he said. “It’s in a warm spot in a rain shadow formed by Exmoor, the Blackdown Hills and the Quantocks. Perfect for growing grapes, this is the finest debut English fizz of the year.”

Price: £29.00, smithandevans.co.uk

Finest Pouilly-Fumé 2013 Loire, France

Susy Atkins, writing in The Telegraph, recommended a number of classic Sauvignon Blancs from the Loire Valley.

She said: “The top wines of Sancerre and nearby Pouilly-Fumé can be expensive, but in the same general area Sauvignons from less famous Quincy, Reuilly and Menetou-Salon can also deliver at lower prices, and, Sauv Blanc lovers, do look out for the affordable, simpler but moreish versions from the Côteaux du Giennois appellation.”

Of this example she said: “This has a riper, creamier texture and long finish but the flavours are crystal clear: zesty lemon and grapefruit with a grassy hint – just made for white fish.”

Price: Tesco, £10.99

Domaine de Villargeau 2013 Côteaux du Giennois Loire, France

Atkins also recommended this “properly refreshing” Sauvignon from Domain de Villargeau.

“Lemon and clementine mingle to make a mouthwatering, light and dry citrus cocktail, and there’s a faint hint of mint on the scent.”

Price: Majestic, £8.99

Domaine de Mandeville Viognier Pays D’Oc 2013

“You can almost taste the hot Mediterranean sun in this ripe, zesty Viognier from the South of France”, said Terry Kirby of this wine, writing in The Independent.

“Traditional flavours of apricots and honey are shot through with a hint of spice and smoke. Ideal with grilled mackerel or tuna, but also works well with lightly spiced Asian dishes.”

Price: £8, Marks & Spencer

Viñalba Patagonian Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2012

If you are looking for a budget buy, Kirby recommends this “boisterous, no-frills” red from a “reliable” Argentine producer.

“Attractively priced now, it is even better value when the discount comes into affect.”

Price: £6.29 (from 10 to 30 June; normally £7.29), Co-op stores

Suertes del Marques El Ciruelo 2013, Tenerife

Olly Smith, writing in The Daily Mail, recommended a wine from Tenerife this week, a country more commonly associated with winter sun holidays than wine.

“El Ciruelo 2013 is a soaring red that challenges as much as it delights, well worth decanting and spending a bit of time with to get to grips with its beguiling character harvested from 90-year-old Listán Negro vines on the largest of the Canary Islands”, he said.

“The aromas are like cherry blossom dusted with spice veiling a tightly woven masterpiece of pomegranate, cranberry and sour cherries. Boom!”

Price: £30.50, The Sampler

Wine Atlas Catarratto 2014, Sicily

Finally Jamie Goode, writing for The Express, lined up a selection of wines to make any barbecue go with a bang, including this Sicilian white.

He said: “One of Asda’s impressive new good-value Wine Atlas range, this Italian white is made from the Catarratto grape and delivers distinctive flavours of dried herbs and fennel, with some citrus fruit.”

Price: £4.97, Asda