Top 10 wines in the UK press

2014 M Signature, Côtes du Rhône-Villages, France 

The Daily Mail‘s Matthew Jukes kicks off this week’s roundup with a selection of supermarket own-labels, beginning with a “real gem”.

“Quiet in the glass with demure red fruit and a touch of spice it is not a bombastic rouge but it pervades the senses and leaves you feeling complete,” he writes.

£6.47, Morrisons

2014 Taste the Difference Sancerre, Loire, France 

“For a top food and wine combo, look no further than this elegant, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc, from the most famous village in the Loire Valley,” continues Jukes, as he pairs it with celebrity chef James Martin’s oyster recipe. “The bracing acidity cuts through the fleshy oysters with rapier-like precision.”

£13.00, Sainsbury’s

2014 Schug, Chardonnay, Carneros, California

“I love big, rich, heady white wines with pork and so this bold, luxurious Cali-Chard, from legendary winemaker Walter Schug, is a cracking combination with the wonderful Apple and sage porchetta recipe” Jukes writes.

“Don’t chill the wine too much because this will flatten the fruit notes and dampen its ardour.”

£17.00, Marks & Spencer

Seresin Marama Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand 2013

Next, David Williams of The Guardian gives an example of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that acts as “an insurance policy for a time when the world has had enough of passion fruit and gooseberry bushes,” as this atypical offering sees the use of oak barrels rather than stainless steel.

“In Seresin’s restrained example, creamier textures and more savoury flavours as well as a satisfying grapefruit tang” are the result.

£20, Armit Wines

Elephant Hill Syrah, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand 2013 

Again moving away from typical New Zealand Sauvignon, Williams writes that “among the many other varieties that shine in the country is Syrah – exemplified nicely by Elephant Hill’s deep but succulent and sinewy, peppery, Rhône-alike.”

From £18.90, Field & Fawcett; Hedonism Wines

Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir, Martinborough, New Zealand 2014 

“For all the improvement in Syrah, however, it’s Pinot Noir that remains New Zealand’s most likely route to red greatness”, Williams argues.

“As with any region specialising in this temperamental variety, the style doesn’t come cheap. Top Burgundy-level quality can come at top burgundy prices from producers such as Bell Hill, Kusuda, Rippon and Ata Rangi. But the latter’s equivalent of a more accessibly priced Burgundy village wine, Crimson, is irresistibly silky and pure in red fruit shaded with pinot’s characteristic forest floor.”

From £18.99, Invinity Wines; Noel Young Wines

Domaine De Brau ‘Pure’ Cabernet Franc 2013, France

Next, Terry Kirby of The Independent gives his three picks of the week, beginning with this French offering.

“The French varietal that adds texture and lightness to many Bordeaux blends, Cabernet Franc is fantastic solo here,” he writes.

“Grown organically in the Languedoc, it’s packed with succulent black fruits, and some herbal, almost minty notes. Just right for lighter game, confit duck or a roast chicken.”

£9.99, vintageroots.co.uk

Miguel Torres Reserva De Pueblo Pais 2013, Chile

“With juicy, dark-fruit flavours, some chewy tannins and an appealing crunchy freshness,” this Pais offering ticks all the boxes for Kirby.

“Versatile and easy to drink, this goes with all kinds of pasta dishes, but is robust enough for winter casseroles.”

£9.95, hawksheadwines.co.uk

Tannat Garzon 2013, Uruguay

Showing off a Uruguayan Tannat that dispels the typical density that is associated with the grape, Kirby is full of praise for this “younger, fresher” offering “with fragrant flavours of red and dark fruit, a velvety texture and still enough punch to match steak or lamb shanks.”

£10.99, ministryofdrinks.co.uk; £11.95, ndjohn.co.uk

Eitzinger Grüner Veltliner 2012, Kamptal, Austria 

And finally, Jamie Goode takes to his in the Daily Express to highlight his favourite Austrian wines, beginning with “this is bright, fruity version of Grüner Veltliner that offers zippy, bright, lemony fruit.”

“It’s a joyful, bright white with lots of appeal,” he writes.

£8.99, Co-op