Top 10 wines in the US press

2013 Domaine des Muses Petite Arvine Tradition, Switzerland

Will Lyons, writing in the Wall Street Journal, delved into Switzerland, whose wines he said are “relatively unknown” compared to its European neighbours. This, he explains, is largely due to the fact that so little of its wines are exported, with natives preferring to keep the vast majority for themselves.

“My first discovery: Swiss wines don’t come cheap”, said Lyons. “Forget about your entry-level Chardonnays or mass-produced Pinot Noir. Like its watches, Switzerland’s wines are priced at a premium.”

Of this example, made from the Petite Arvine grape, Lyon said: “This is one of those wines that’s difficult to stop sipping. Gently aromatic, its standout qualities are its fleshy texture, crisp acidity and dry, saline finish. Can be enjoyed with or without food.”

Price: €40 or $45

2013 Henri Badoux Aigle Les Murailles, Switzerland

Lyons also recommended this 2013 Chasselas from Henri Badoux, which he said is one of Switzerland’s most popular white wines.

“It’s also one of the gentlest wines I’ve ever tasted, which is its strength. Made from Chasselas, it has a refreshing, dry character with a rounded texture.”

Price: €37 or $55

Domaine de Chevalier Rosé de Chevalier 2014, Bordeaux, France

Dave McIntyre, of the Washington Post, recommended this “juicy, invigorating wine redolent of strawberries and exotic melons”.

“Don’t call it pink wine: It’s almost red, and it retains some of Bordeaux’s elegance. As casual goes, this is linen and loafers rather than shorts and flip-flops.”

Price: $17

Vega Escal 2011, Priorat, Spain

Perfect with a grilled steak, McIntyre also recommended this red from Priorat, a premium region in Spain known for “powerful blockbuster reds with high alcohol”

“This is a relatively restrained version that allows dark-fruit flavors to shine, especially several hours after opening or decanting”, said McIntyre. “I’ve tasted so many Priorat wines that were simply hot that I was ready to give up on the region — until I tasted this one. From local importer Aurelio Cabestrero’s Grapes of Spain portfolio.”

Price: $22

McManis Family Vineyards River Junction 2013 Viognier, California

McManis’ 2013 Viognier received the accolade of “wine of the week” from Peg Melnik, writing in the Press Democrat, who described it as a “full-flavored Viognier with great minerality”.

“Bright notes of peach and apricot, coupled with a kiss of honey. A tasty summer sipper and an absolute steal for the price.”

Price: $10

Barefoot Bubbly Brut Cuvee NV, US

Sandra Silfven, writing for Detroit News, recommended this bubbly brut from Barefoot, calling it “an inexpensive, dry, light-style bubbly you can depend on”.

“It’s dry, but not austere. Acidity is crisp. Flavors evoke peach, pear, lime and minerality. Alcohol is just 11.5%. It’s a style similar to Prosecco. And the price is right.”

Price: $10

The Dreaming Tree Pinot Noir 2013, California

Musician Dave Matthews, of the Dave Matthews Band, turned his attention to winemaking some time ago, establishing Blenheim Vineyards in Virginia in 2000. This 2013 Pinot Noir, bottled under The Dreaming Tree brand, is the result of a collaboration with Constellation Brands and New Zealand winemaker Sean McKenzie.

“This sturdy, approachable Pinot has flavors of cherry, plum, strawberry and caramel wrapped up in sturdy acidity and supple tannins”, said Silfven. “It undergoes nine months in oak to add to the flavor complexity and mouthfeel. The Dave Matthews connection is a good guarantee of quality.”

Price: $15

Naveran, Cava DO, Brut Vintage 2012 or 2013, Spain

This “high-quality Cava”, made from estate-grown fruit by Michel Gillieron Parellada of Naveran, was recommended by Rebecca Murphy, writing in Dallas News.

“It has floral, crisp citrus and green apple flavors layered with a wisp of smoke and a trace of fresh-baked brioche. It’s fresh and buoyant in the mouth, animated by bustling bubbles and cheerful acidity. The 2012 and 2013 vintages are available in the market. Either will be a festive addition to your gatherings large or cozy, serving as aperitif or companion to chicken fried or grilled.”

Price: $14.99

Sutter Home White Zinfandel, California

Dennis Sodomka returned to a wine he first tasted some four decades ago – Sutter Home white Zinfandel –  to mark the brand’s 40th anniversary, which he credits with starting the white Zinfandel craze in the ’80s.

“This is not a wine made for wine critics or snobs”, Sodomka states writing in the Augusta Chronicle. “Some wine drinkers look down their noses at White Zin, but if it hadn’t been for its popularity, many Zinfandel vines might have been destroyed.”

Of Sutter Home’s white Zinfandel he said: “The wine is soft, very approachable and affordable. There’s no pretense about this wine; it just tastes good. In the glass it is a very pretty pink with delicate floral and berry aromas. On the palate it is medium sweet with creamy strawberry and melon flavors. Despite the sweetness, the finish is fresh and crisp. You can enjoy it by itself or with food, or even mixed in a cocktail.”

Price: $5 to $7

Ibericos Tempranillo 2011, Rioja, Northern Spain

Finally Gil Lempert-Schwarz, writing for the Las Vegas Review Journal, recommended Ibéricos Crianza Rioja, a wine he said boasts aromas of “pungent spicy crushed black and red plums, blackberry liqueur, pomegranate juice, sandalwood, exotic spices, herb references, cherry sorbet, vanilla bean pod and earth-driven minerals.”

“On the palate: There is concentrated and extracted freshly crushed cherries, currants, brambleberries, mulberry sauce, huckleberry coulis, then a hugely rounded midpalate with excellent tannin structure and a good long finish with hints of sweet pomegranate juice and spicy figs.”

He added: “These Spanish overachievers continue to impress in tastings. Ibericos Tempranillo is no exception to the rule and has everything one would expect a great $20-plus bottle of wine to have, except it retails for less than $9.”

Price: $8.99