Top 10 wines in the UK press

Mas de Daumas Gassac Rosé Frizant 2015

David Williams implored his readers to “love the Languedoc”, writing in The Guardian this week, recommending a number of its hidden gems.

“As a glove manufacturer turned wine estate proprietor, the late Aimé Guibert, who died aged 91 in May, cut an unlikely figure as a radical. And yet in the genteel world of wine he was indeed something of a revolutionary. His estate, Mas de Daumas Gassac, helped transform the reputation of wines made in the previously unheralded Languedoc. In his many provocative utterances about ‘industrial’ wine, and the role he played in the Jean de Florette-style machinations that kept Californian giant Mondavi from establishing itself on his patch in the early 2000s, he was a key opponent of the standardising forces of globalisation. A glass of his family’s delicate sparkling rosé would make a fine toast to a life well lived.”

£18.50, dbmwines.co.uk; lescaves.co.uk

Domaine de Montcalmès Terrasses du Larzac 2011, France

“Competing in terrain (and prices) not far from Gassac, but in a more Rhône-like spicy, meaty style, is the wonderfully poised Domaine de Montcalmès Terrasses du Larzac 2011,” added Williams.

Other favourites that warranted a mention including Domaine de l’Hortus Grande Cuvée Rouge, Pic St-Loup 2012, which Williams described as “silky-succulent and herby”.

“The region’s winemakers also excel at lower prices, none more so than Jean-Claude Mas, the man behind the warm-hearted TTD (Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference) red.”

£21.95, leaandsandeman.co.uk 

Carignan Vielles Vignes Terre d’Ardoise 2014, Maury, France

With Father’s Day fast-approaching Olly Smith, writing for the Daily Mail, rounded up a few suggestions for gifts of wine that favour quality over price.

“The most common mistake is to pick the most expensive bottle,” says Smith. “Often these won’t be to the taste of the recipient or ready to drink. Worse yet, the weight of expectation risks stripping the wine of any chance of delivering joy. Instead, think about what Dad really loves.”

Recommending this French Carignan from the Côtes Catalanes IGP In Maury, Smith said: “Carignan sheds its workhorse mantle in this nobly scented, spicy, vivacious red. A total treat for Dad with a sirloin steak.”

£10, Marks and Spencer

Aldi The Exquisite Collection Rias Baixas Albariño

Another of Smith’s favourites was this keenly priced Spanish white from Rias Baixas, which he described as “zesty and refreshing somewhere between a pear and a nectarine”, adding: “This is all you need for a value weeknight sip”.

£5.29, Aldi

Penfolds, ‘Father’ Grand Tawny, South Australia

Tom Cannavan, writing for the Huffington Post, recommended Penfolds’ aptly named Father Grand Tawny as the perfect gift for your old man this Father’s Day.

“Fortified, Port-like wines (where some brandy spirit is added to the part fermented wine to leave it strong but sweet) have a long, very noble history in Australia and this particular example was given very long ageing in oak casks to create its tawny style – over 15 different harvests are in the blend”, said Cannavan. “It is nutty and mellow with wonderfully rich aromas of coffee, walnut and Seville orange, then has a beautifully sweet and soft palate where the spirit is not too obtrusive”.

£16.99 Fraziers, £19.99, Laithwaites

Las Falleras Rosado 2015, Utiel-Requena, Spain

As the sun continues to peek out from the UK’s cloudy skies, so too are recommendations for rosé wine, a style that for many signals the start of summer.

Susy Atkins picked out 10 of the best bottles under £10 writing in The Telegraph this week.

“A glass of rosé in the summer should be a delight, if you pick the right label”, she said. “But there are far too many tasting over-sweet and confected (think cherry jam), while others are just thin and sour. The perfect pink, then, should be neatly balanced, aromatic, fruity and refreshing. And, in my view, dry – or very nearly so -and reasonably priced, since this isn’t meant to be a complex, serious wine”.

Recommending this “bargain Spanish fruit bomb”, Atkins said: “Made from the Bobal grape and not subtle, but delivering loads of juicy red berries. Vivacious party vino.”

£5, Marks & Spencer

Domaine la Chautarde Rosé 2015, Coteaux Varois en Provence, France

Hailing from rosé’s classic Provence territory, Atkins recommended this 2005 example, calling it a “tempting offer on a Provencal pink with hints of rosehip and cranberry”.

“Pour with salted almonds or tapenade”, she advises.

£8.99 or £7.49 as part of mixed six bottles until 27 June, Majestic

Muga Rioja Rosado 2015, Spain

Atkins also praised this rosé from well-established Spanish producer Muga.

“Pale onion-skin colour, with tangy lemon peel and clove-spiked tangerines, and a long refreshing finish, a great match for lightly spiced seafood”, she said.

£7.95 or £95 x 12 bottle case, The Wine Society

Le Versant Grenache Rose Pays d’Oc 2015, Languedoc Roussillon, France

In keeping with the perennial popularity of rosé during the summer months, Terry Kirby also praised the pink pour writing in The Independent, recommending three rosés from the south of France.

“The reliable Foncalieu co-operative from the Languedoc is behind this excellent, red fruit flavoured, fullsome rosé, proof that savoury Grenache Noir is a fantastic grape for ‘pinks’ as a solo act”, said Kirby of this bottle.

“For tomato-based tapas and pasta dishes or picnic spreads”.

£9.00, The Secret Cellar; £10.64, winecellarclub.co.uk

E. Guigal Cotes du Rhône Rose 2014, Rhône valley, France

Finally Kirby recommended this darker rosé from the Rhône Valley from the “reliable Guigal stable”.

“The Grenache here is given added spiciness and complexity with Cinsault and Syrah”, said Kirby. “The red fruit flavours are even more dominant and there is a nice lingering finish, making it full bodied enough for barbecued fish or white meats”.

£10.50, farehamwinecellar.co.uk; £11.95, winedirect.co.uk