Telegraph - Susy Atkins
MandraRossa, Fiano 2010
“This is stronger at 13.5 per cent but has a mouthwatering citrus-zest scent and refreshing kick of tangerine and grapefruit. Drink with grilled white fish and seafood.”
Saturday Times - Jane MacQuitty
Domaine Yves Cuilleron, St. Joseph Les Pierres Sèches 2009
“Yves Cuilleron is a great winemaker, especially renowned for his fine St Joseph. 2009 was a good northern Rhone vintage and sthis superb Syrah comes from selected vineyards and b ursts with gordeous, inky, oaky yet velvety, bramble and violet-perfumed fruit. Great with light game birds, including guinea fowl and partridge, for an alternative festive centrepiece.”
Joven, Pago de los Capellanes 2010
“This low-yielding, unfiltered red bursts with terrific, lively, leafy, spieced black fruits and dark chocolate flavours. Perfect with everything from roasted red meats to strong cheeses.”
Trinity Hill 'Hawkes Bay' Syrah 2010
“Hawkes Bay, the source of some of New Zealand’s finest reds, is also a prime spot for Syrah. Give good Syrah grapes, topped up with a dash of perfumed viognier, as top Rhone producers do, to a great winemaker such as John Hancock and even at this sub-£12 level drinkers are in for a treat. What you get, along with 14 percent alcohol, is oodles of bold, creamy, violet-scented, briary, black peppered fruit that is just the ticket with strong game dishes.”
Quinta Do Crasto, Douro Superior
“Imagine the structure of a claret, dripping with juice and loaded with thicker layers of spice, liquorice, alcohol and berries and you can almost taste this red, made in the Douro Valley from a blend of port grapes.”
Telegraph - Susy Atkins
Mullygrubber Semillon Chardonnay
“Well-balanced, juicy but not cloying; pineapple and papaya and a dab of butter.”
Inderpendant - Terry Kirby
Bertani, Soave Sereole
“From venerable producer Bertani, this is made using Garganega grapes grown on the eastern side of the Veneto and is reputedly the wine served at the Coronation dinner of King George VI. Full-bodied, complex, packed with flavours of melons and peaches and with a slight almond twist to the finish, it works best with white fish or dishes such as roast pork with rosemary and garlic.”
Sunday Telegraph Magazine - Susy Atkins
Ruggeri, Prosecco Brut, Argeo NV
“My current number-one fizz for under £10 a bottle (if bought by the case). A mouthwatering prosecco with a lemon-sherbet edge and delectable hint of clover honey, but almost dry finish. Only 11 per cent alcohol, too.”
Telegraph - Susy Atkins
Ridgeview, Bloomsbury Cuvée Merret 2008
“Fresh, mineral streak and mouthwatering citrus; yeasty, toasty depths.”
Daily Mail - Matthew Dukes
Bogle Petite Sirah California 2008
“This hearty, spicy red grape is on top form in this wine and it is perfect with char-grilled steaks and it would be a great match with this week’s prawn and steak skewers with the intense, plummy, hoisin sauce. With a blackberry scent and a twist of liquorice it is a really robust chap with charm and style.”
Daily Mail - Matthew Dukes
Heartland Dolcetto Lagrein Langhorne Creek 2009
“A piece of inspirational wizardry from winemaker Ben Glaetzer, this blend of two of the most unusual grape varieties is a mercurial delight. Spicy and herbal notes punctuate the lusty blueberry and blackberry palate and it keeps you guessing with every sip.”
Mail on Sunday - Olly Smith
Camillo de Lellis Biferno Rosso Riserva 2006
“A brilliant wine for the price. I first tasted it in Familigia Lazzati, a restaurant in Lewes, and if you're a fan of the more savoury classic wine styles, you'll love it... it's a wine with backbone and class that's an ideal match for rich tomato dishes or tangy hard cheeses.”
