WITH the Oscars just around the corner, why not walk the red carpet and toasts some medal-winning wines.

Ahead of the 88th Academy Awards ceremony on February 28, which marks the end of the awards season, shine up your stemware for a medal-winning wine to toast the Oscars. These bottles, from seven producers to watch, could be the best opening of the night before the gold envelopes take centre stage.

ROUND OF APPLAUSE:

1. Domaine Michel Thomas Rose 2014, Sancerre AOC, France, £14.99, laithwaites.co.uk. Awarded Bronze at the Decanter World Wine Awards, this rose is dry, fresh and inviting. A pretty party wine with smoked salmon canapes.

2. Limited Black Edition Shorn, Sauvignon Blanc NV, Marlborough, New Zealand, £7, Morrisons.

With classic sauvignon sensations of green gooseberry and passion fruit aromas and a crisp, refreshing finish, this International Wine Challenge Silver medal winner ticks all the boxes.

3. Finest Swartland Chenin Blanc 2015, South Africa, £5.50, Tesco.

Extremely drinkable, this fruit-driven chenin blanc picked up a Silver trophy at the IWC and stands out in the crowded field of own label, cheaper wines.

4. Valle Vento Barolo 2009, Italy, £14.99, Spar.

A silver IWC winner, it’s rich and full-bodied with dark cherry, violets, tea-leaf, spice and a smooth, vanilla finish. Ideal with pasta, a strong tomato sauce and plenty of parmesan.

STANDING OVATION:

1. Hacienda Zorita Vega de la Reina Verdejo 2014, Spain, currently £7.49, ocado.com. This verdejo has been awarded Best White Wine of the World, Grand Gold, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles in the past, as well as an IWC Silver, so expectations run high. It’s fresh and youthful, with delicate citrus aromas.

2. The Black Pig Clare Valley Shiraz 2014, Australia, £11.99, virginwines.co.uk.

A glass that’s hard to put down, this succulent shiraz has won a cache of medals. A crowd pleaser with rack of lamb.

3. Ramon Bilbao Gran Reserva 2008, Rioja, Spain, £15.95, as part of a 12 bottle mixed case, nywines.co.uk.

Worth seeking out if you’re following the trend for buying boutique bottles from independent retailers, this Rioja romped home with an IWC Gold and an International Wine and Spirit Competition Gold Outstanding.

Open a couple of hours before tuning into Tinseltown and serve with red meat.