White wines

Miopasso Grillo Appassimento

Sicily, Italy 2021

With vineyards in top sites in the Veneto, Abruzzo, Puglia, Sicily, Tuscany and Piedmont, The Wine People is one of Italy’s most forwardlooking wine producers, priding itself on its sustainable and organic commitments, and a “market-oriented” approach.

Its Miopasso range is designed to showcase the best of southern Italy’s indigenous grape varieties in modern wines, with this Grillo from Sicily getting added depth and interest from some dried-grape components.

“Bold and rich, with a deep yellow colour,” the judges said.

“There are apricot notes and it’s distinctively grapey with blood orange and a nice bitter twist to the finish. Excellent value for money.”

North South Wines

RRP £11.99

ABV 13.5%

Zamichele Lugana

Lugana, Italy 2021

The Zamichele family have been farming for more than a century in the gentle hills around Peschiera, Sirmione and Pozzolengo. That experience has given them what they call “total respect for the surrounding land, flora and wildlife” – and has informed the loving care they bring to their vineyards and wines.

For this Lugana, the 100% Turbiana is handharvested in small crates, crushed and gently pressed before vinification and ageing in stainless steel.

“A delightfully subtle floral note gives way to succulent peachy and slightly exotic fruit on the palate,” the judges said.

“Really like the graceful acidity – gentle but full of flavour, and all at a good price.”

Marcato Direct

RRP £17.50

ABV 13%

Feudo Antico Pecorino Biologico Tullum, Abruzzo, Italy 2021

The Tullum DOCG has two significant claims to fame: it is the smallest DOP in Italy, and the only one of its kind in Abruzzo.

It’s also home to the impressive Feudo Antico, which has 15ha of vines here, all of which are certified with Italy’s most advanced sustainability project, Magis.

Feudo Antico prefers not to use oak in any of its wines, and this Pecorino, made from hillside vines grown at 200m above sea level, is no exception, with depth and creaminess being granted by six months’ ageing on fine lees.

“A beautifully judged mix of the herbal and the citrussy, with a touch of peachy fleshiness,” the judges said. “Elegant and focused acidity, long clean finish – a great food wine.”

Alliance Wine

RRP £20.99 ABV 13.5%

San Marzano Edda Lei Bianco

Puglia, Italy 2021

Founded by a group of 19 growers in 1962, Puglia’s San Marzano co-operative is no stranger to awards, picking up several Top 100 placings over the years, and, in 2021, being named Cooperative Winery of the Year by Itay’s leading wine magazine, Gambero Rosso

Arguably best known for its reds, San Marzano is equally adept at whites such as this unusual blend of 60% Chardonnay, 20% Fiano and 20% Moscatello Selvatico, which is fermented and aged on fine lees for months in barrique.

“Straw gold with a green tinge, this has citrus and some butterscotch on the nose,” the judges said. “Full on the palate with Chardonnay evident and tropical, yet refreshing, fruit. A touch of lime. Good balance, moreish and versatile. Could become a favourite.”

Hallgarten

& Novum Wines

RRP £20.25 ABV 13.5%

Symington Family Estates Pequeno Dilema

Douro, Portugal 2020

“Is it possible to produce an elegant white wine from a region renowned for its Ports?”

That was the question that the family behind some of the finest Ports, and latterly red table wines, in the Douro had long pondered.

The search for a positive answer by winemakers Charles Symington and Pedro Correia narrowed down to two of the family’s finest high-altitude vineyards: Tapadinha at 580m in the Torto Valley, and Chões at 520m in the Pinhão Valley.

“Well balanced with a lovely creamy start and mid-palate … delicate citrus flesh and a nice crisp tart finish with lingering green pepper and spice,” the judges said. “A grown-up wine that justifies its price tag.”

Fells

RRP £25.99 ABV 14%

Klein Constantia Vin de Constance

Constantia, South Africa 2019

One of the world’s most celebrated sweet wines, Vin de Constance has a history dating back to 1685, and by the 18th century had been taken up as the preferred tipple of the aristocracy. The historic estate vineyards are planted between 70m and 343m above sea level, with the nearby ocean bringing cooling breezes to enable the perfect ripening of the naturally raisined Muscat de Frontignan grapes.

“Perfect balance between the fruity apricot, pineapple and guava notes, honeyed sweetness and the acidity,” the judges said. “There is bitter orange on the long finish that offsets everything to give a delicious end note. Pretty much perfect. A lot of people say they don’t like sweet wines, if this doesn’t change their mind then nothing will.”

Mentzendorff

RRP £64.50 ABV 13.89%