Top 10 wines in the UK press

Aldi Exquisite Collection Limoux, France 

“Though they may sometimes lack the sharp, nervy attributes of the Loire or Burgundy, the Languedoc’s whites have other charms, not least their price, in the case of a trio made for Aldi’s Exquisite Collection by the reliable Jean-Claude Mas,” writes The Guardian‘s David Williams.

“The soft peachiness of the Marsanne 2015 and the pretty apple blossom of the Clairette are both in store for £5.99. For the more savoury, toasty, chardonnay from the cool enclave of Limoux, you’ll need to go online.”

£6.99, Aldi

Mas Jullien Blanc 2010, France 

“Things get more deliciously idiosyncratic, however, when producers elsewhere in the Languedoc, such as Mas Jullien, play around with blends of several grape varieties,” continues Williams, “leading in this case to a wine with the feel of olive oil, the tang of lemon juice, and notes of white flowers, honeyed nuts and fennel.”

£29.95, Berry Bros & Rudd

Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Blanc, Côtes du Roussillon, France 2014

“Sometimes considered a mere adjunct to the Languedoc, neighbouring Roussillon has a very distinctive vinous culture. Historically the home of some of France’s best fortified wines, its dry whites are also arrestingly different,” says Williams in his final choice of the week.

“Essential oil fragrance, nuts, apple and peach all combine in a good value white from top Rhône winemaker Michel Chapoutier’s Roussillon operation.”

£10.50, Amps Fine Wines

2011 Taylor’s Late Bottled Vintage Port, Douro Valley, Portugal 

Matthew Jukes at the Daily Mail boasts some “superb” choices this week, some of which are matched to the ‘Pie recipes’ in the cookery section of the newspaper’s Weekend Magazine.

“Tesco is ahead of the pack with the 2011 vintage of Taylor’s awesome LBV”, he writes.

“This is a staggeringly rich and impressive port with incredible impact and reward! Drink it with the Rich chocolate mud pie recipe and then continue on late into the night!”

£15.00, Tesco

2014 Red Claw by Yabby Lake, Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia

“Whip up the Cottage pie with cheesy spring onion mash recipe and then slide into this heavenly, medium-weight Pinot with one of the most alluring red fruited noses imaginable,” Jukes continues.

“Liquid heaven, this is made by one of the greatest estates in Australia!”

£18.00, reduced to £14.00 until 26 March, Marks & Spencer

Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Marlborough 

Jamie Goode writing for the Daily Express opts for New Zealand Sauvignon in his wine column this week.

“Dog Point is one of the star names in the Marlborough region, New Zealand’s most important wine-growing area”, he writes.

“This is a delicate yet full-flavoured sauvignon with excellent balance between the green notes and the richer, more tropical fruit flavours.”

£13.50, winedirect.co.uk

Goldwater Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Marlborough 

Next, a “powerful, spicy and vivid” choice from Goode, “this white is brimming with rich, sweet grapefruit and gooseberry fruit and has attractive acidity.

“It’s zippy, focused and balanced and goes down a treat.”

£10.99 or £8.99 each for six, Majestic

La Flor Malbec Pulenta Estate 2014

“Punching massively above its weight, this is a gorgeously moreish medium-bodied Malbec, made mostly with grapes grown at high altitude in the Uco Valley and the Lujan de Cuyo,” writes The Independent‘s Terry Kirby.

“A little oak softens the robust blackberry and milk-chocolate flavours.”

£9.95, winetrust100.co.uk; £10.95, winedirect.co.uk

Beefsteak Club Malbec 2014

“An altogether riper proposition”, continues Kirby, “this is more dark chocolate, with intense black-fruit flavours, but again underpinned by the inherent freshness of the grape. Ideal for a good steak or a lamb cutlet.”

£8.99 (or £6.99 if bought as part of mixed six-bottle purchase), Majestic; £6.99, Bargain Booze

Rios De Los Andes, Malbec 2014

And finally, Kirby states: “While everyone associates Malbec with meat, particularly steak, it’s more versatile than that and this bottle from a supermarket now taking on Aldi and Lidl at the budget end would be lovely with any type of mezze, tapas or a simple bowl of spaghetti with puttanesca sauce.”

£6.29, Spar