The world’s most wonderful vineyards have been revealed, but you don’t need to book a holiday to sample their delicious produce.
The winners at the World’s Best Vineyard awards – chosen from more than 1,500 nominated wineries – are based in 17 countries around the world, including Argentina, New Zealand and Chile.
Thankfully, many of these countries produce wines that are available to buy online or at UK supermarkets, with prices starting from just £10 per bottle.
Planning a get-together? We asked the award organisers for wine recommendations from the top 10 – plus one from the highest scoring British vineyard, which came in at number 36.
Zuccardi Poligonos San Pablo Cabernet Franc 2017, The Wine Society, £16.50
Zuccardi Valle de Uco in Argentina took the top prize of the World’s Best Vineyard. Its Zuccardi Poligonos San Pablo Cabernet Franc 2017 is available online for under £20. The wine apparently has a freshly shaved lead-pencil scent (!) – while, for your palate, it offers bright red fruit with a “wonderful intensity of flavour”.
Garzon Reserva Tannat 2018, Winebuyers.com, £16.07
Bodega Garzón in Uruguay was the second best vineyard. Its Garzon Reserva Tannat 2017 is described as being “an intense red and black fruit wine, with a lingering freshness and softness”.
Viña Tondonia Lopez Heredia Reserva, Waitrose, £29
Vineyard R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia, S.A. in Spain came in third place. Its Viña Tondonia Lopez Heredia Reserva is “light, very traditional with a gossamer texture and a very finely balanced finish”. Recommended with lamb.
Quinta do Crasto Tinto, Douro 2017, Great Western Wine, £12.50
Fourth place went to the Quinta do Crasto vineyard in Portugal. Its Quinta do Crasto Tinto, Douro 2017 is described as “moreish” with “aromas of red berry fruit and subtle oak”.
DV Catena Malbec, Sainsbury’s £10
Up next is Catena Zapata in Argentina. The DV Catena Malbec is the cheapest on the list at £10. Expect “floral and vanilla notes” with “rich flavours of ripe blackberry, hints of leather and spice and a long finish”.
Viña Montes Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Direct Wines, £10.30
Montes Wines in Chile came in joint sixth place. Its Viña Montes Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc 2018 is a fresh, crisp white wine, with “intense notes of tropical fruits, peach, pineapple and hints of gooseberry”. The other vineyard in sixth place sells bottles for £96.65, so we know which one we’re choosing.
2014 ‘Rippon’ Mature Vine Pinot Noir, Lea & Sandeman, £39.95
Next up is Rippon in New Zealand, the vineyard which came in eighth place. Its 2014 RIPPON ‘Rippon’ Mature Vine Pinot Noir will apparently improve over time, so put it away for a silkier experience.
Rioja Reserva Marqués de Riscal 2015, Bon Coeur Fine Wines, £11.99
Marqués de Riscal in Spain came in ninth place. Its affordable Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2015 is described as a “silky, elegant and jammy red” that’ll bring comfort to your table.
Dr. Loosen Würzgarten, Riesling Kabinett 2011, Waitrose, £11.99
Weingut Dr. Loosen in Germany took the tenth spot. Its Dr. Loosen Würzgarten, Riesling Kabinett 2011 is recommended with Asian cuisine. It’s naturally low in alcohol with a “kiss of sweetness”.
Ridgeview Bloomsbury NV East Sussex, Waitrose, £28.99
Finally, Ridgeview was the highest scoring British vineyard. It failed to make the top 10, but came in at a respectable 36. And if you want to support more local producers, its sparkling wine is described as having “aromas of citrus, peach and honey, with a very refreshing finish”.
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