A cheap bottle of Chilean red from Asda has been named one of the world's best wines.

The La Moneda Reserva Malbec, which is on offer at just £4.37, was the best in its category, according to the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards.

The Chilean red was praised for flavours of 'freshly crushed black fruit, creamy vanilla yoghurt and pepper spice'.

The wine, which has a normal shelf price of £5.75, was awarded best in show in the best single-varietal red under £15 category.

Ed Betts, Asda's Wine Buying Manager said: 'La Moneda Reserva Malbec is the perfect example of how we're able to offer shoppers exceptional quality at low prices. It is a perfect match for barbecued meats.'

English wines were praised in the Decanter awards, with 90 per cent of those entered into the competition receiving medals.

Two were awarded platinum accolades - Gusbourne, a Pinot Noir in the best red over £15 category; and Kits Coty Estate, a Chardonnay from Chapel Down Estate in Kent, in the best white over £15.

The success is further evidence of the quality of British wines, which are taking sales away from other countries with a much greater wine heritage, particularly France.

Marks & Spencer has seen an astonishing 74per cent increase in sales of English wine over the last two months compared to the same time last year.

For example, its sales of Chapel Down Sparkling Rose are up by some 200per cent.

M&S recently expanded its range of English and Welsh wines and now offers 37 from vineyards as far apart as Cornwall and Hereford, Wales and Norfolk.