Best Wines 2018

100 of the Best Wines for 2018 from the Association of Wine Educators

2018 is the 25th anniversary of the professional wine body - Association of Wine Educators and they have just released the 4th edition of their 100 Awesome Wines guide.

Three of the Good Wine Tours' staff (tour guides; Sandy Leckie, Pippa Hayward and Vivienne Franks) are members of the AWE and have been involved in the Best Wines of 2018 selection process.

We've highlighted a few of our favourites below. Download the full 100 Awesome Wines 2018 brochure here Awesome-Wines-2018



Petit Verdot Rosé, Rustenberg 2017, South Africa: Waitrose £8.99

Rustenberg Rose WineA fabulous Rose for under £10. Top South African producer of Bordeaux-style blends, Rustenberg, uses Petit Verdot with great success to make this deeply coloured rosé. With great aromas and flavours of red fruit, crisp and fresh in the mouth, this is a rosé for all seasons. Enjoy in the open air or by the fireside as an aperitif or partner with a wide range simple dishes – charcuterie, roasted vegetables, tagines, pasta, cheese… (Sandy Leckie)
waitrosecellar.com/all-wines/wine-type/rose-wine/rustenberg-petit-verdot-rose-615910


Soli Pinot Noir, Miroglio, 2015, Bulgaria: Swig, £12.50

Edoardo Miroglio, one of the leading lights of the new wave of wine producers in Bulgaria, is getting quite a name for his Pinot Noirs. This example is wonderfully soft and fruity with aromas of red berry fruit and a hint of smoky oak. Delicious to drink now with pâté, roast lamb, rich stews or game, it will develop more complexity, if you can resist temptation that is, and put a bottle or two aside for a couple of years. (Sandy Leckie)
swig.co.uk/wines/soli-pinot-noir-miroglio-thracian-valley-2015


Champagne Veuve Monsigny Brut NV, France: Aldi, £10.99

A gently refreshing Champagne with just a hint of baked apple on the nose. Delicious. And at only £10.99 a bottle, its regular price, an amazing bargain. (Sandy Leckie)
aldi.co.uk/veuve-monsigny-champagne-brut/p/052600004580000


Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Austrian Riesling 2015 Markus Huber, Austria: Sainsbury £8

Pristine and not quite bone-dry, this lovely Riesling has delicate citrus and peach fruit, fresh but not aggressive acidity and a pleasing mineral flavour on the finish. It’s delicious with Thai food, smoked fish or just great as an aperitif. (Pippa Hayward)
sainsburys.co.uk/shop/gb/groceries/sainsburys-austrian-riesling--taste-the-difference-75cl


Corse Calvi Rouge Cuvée Fiume Seccu, Domaine Alzipratu 2016, Corsica: The Wine Society £12.50

There are probably very few wines that sound more unfamiliar than this one, but it would be a real shame to overlook this absolutely delicious Sangiovese (known as Nielluccio in Corsica) with a real herby lift, pretty, juicy red cherry fruit and gentle spice. It makes for a slightly wilder take on Tuscany’s greatest grape and would be perfect for richer dishes like Moussaka, Lasagne or a Bolognese. (Pippa Hayward)
thewinesociety.com/shop/ProductDetail.aspx?pd=FC32941


Trollinger, Fellbacher Alte Reben, Aldinger 2015, Germany: The Wine Society, £14.95

If you are looking for a fresh plummy easy drinking light red wine with a hint of spice, then this unusual red grape variety, Trollinger, from the Neckar Valley slopes in Germany is a rather special wine to try with a summer picnic or barbeque. (Vivienne Franks)
thewinesociety.com/shop/ProductDetail.aspx?pd=GE10311


Orovela Saperavi 2008, Georgia: Waitrose £16.79

Saperavi is an unusual grape variety which originates from Georgia, one of the world’s oldest wine regions. This red wine is rich and intense, full of dark black fruit flavours and with a unique spicy personality. Saperavi pairs beautifully with winter casseroles and roasts. (Vivienne Franks)
waitrosecellar.com/fine-wine/orovela-saperavi


Merry Widows Muskat Ottonel 2013, Austria: Merry Widows £10

This Muskat Ottonel, a really delicate grape variety from Austria, is a very light, easydrinking, refreshing, fruity wine. The peach and apricot flavours make it an ideal aperitif for pre-dinner drinking and also a great match for creamy blue cheeses to end a delicious meal. (Vivienne Franks)


Download 100 AWEsome Wines 2018 guide

If you'd like to discover more about wine, join us on one of our Good Wine Tours relaxed and informal wine breaks. They suit beginners to experienced. We also offer short courses and tastings through our Wine Education Service.


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