Who says that great wine has to come with a hefty price tag? We chatted with some folks at our favorite local wine retailers to find out their top picks for budget-friendly, inexpensive wines for $20 or less. From full-bodied reds to crisp whites, there’s something for every taste preference and palate.
PinTop picks: Eddie Moon, owner of Moon Wine & Spirits, suggests these three options for affordable whites.
WHITES
Gerard Bertrand Cremant De Limoux Brut, $15.99
Gerard Bertrand is a great brand out of the Languedoc region in the South of France nearly right on the Mediterranean coast. This wine is a blend made with Chardonnay (70 percent), Chenin Blanc (15 percent), Mauzac (10 percent) and Pinot Noir (5 percent). A dry, crisp, sparkling wine, it has some of the yeasty, almondy traits of Champagne. —Dave Clark, Franklin Wine & SpiritsAltes Herencia, Garnatxa Blanca, 2013 (Terra Alta, Spain), $13.99
We love lesser known gems, like this white wine from Altes Herencia. It’s made with sustainably farmed Garnatxa Blanca (the local dialect for Garnacha Blanca, or White Grenache). It’s very aromatic, with melon and white fruits that are perfect for spring sipping or with a light meal of fish or pasta. —Lisa Quillman, The Bottle Shop at McEwenWaterbrook Sauvignon Blanc, $13.99
American Sauvignon Blancs are a little less in your face with the grapefruit and grass as compared to their New Zealand cousins. This light, refreshing, citrus-flavored wine features just a touch of softness, while maintaining nice acids—a great way to enjoy a warm spring evening. —Franklin Wine & SpiritsPinThis Waterbrook Sauvignon Blanc is $13.99 at Franklin Wine & SpiritsNoble Vines 446 Chardonnay, 2013 (California), $11.99
Look for layers of apple, pear and apricot finishing with oak. It’s a medium-bodied option with a creamy palate that pairs well with soft cheeses. —Eddie Moon, Moon Wine & SpiritsTora Bay Sauvignon Blanc, 2014 (New Zealand), $13.99
A fresh, vibrant wine with great drinkability, this Sauvignon Blanc has flavors of honeysuckle, passion fruit and nectarines, and is light-bodied with an acidic finish. —Moon Wine & SpiritsClos du Bois Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay, $14.99
Creamy, without being too buttery, and just the right amount of oak, without masking the ripe pear and hint of citrus, this is a great, budget-friendly way to make your guests think you spent way too much on the wine. —Franklin Wine & SpiritsGran Passione Falanghina 2013 (Italy), $12.99
A clean, crisp, citrusy option, this wine offers flavors of Fuji apple, pear and lemon zest. It’s medium-bodied, with a slightly creamy texture, and pairs well with pasta, chicken and soft cheeses. —Moon Wine & Spirits
REDS
Bodegas Larchago Rioja Crianza, $16.99
Of the thousands of wines I have sampled, this one ranks in the top five percent (this is why I keep notes of all the wines I try). Slightly floral on the nose, with dark fruit flavors and just a hint of chocolate, the Old World comes shining through this wine. Round, mouth-filling and rich, it is a budget-friendly wine that allows you to enjoy a way-above-average wine without taking out a second mortgage. —Franklin Wine & Spirits90+ Cellars Shiraz (Australia), $11.99
The 90+ Cellars Shiraz has a nice, fruity taste, with aromas of spicy dark fruit. It’s full-bodied and juicy, and pairs well with savory short ribs or hearty stews. —Moon Wine & SpiritsBlack Oak, Pinot Noir, 2012 (Puglia, Italy), $9.99
A Pinot of this caliber at just $9.99 is unheard of and should be grabbed by the case. It drinks like it’s twice the price and is a light enough red to enjoy sipping in the hotter months and paired with lighter meals. Thanks to its Southern roots, it has dense fruit flavors of black cherry, with a dusting of sweet spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. —The Bottle ShopColosi Terre Siciliane Dry Red Rosso 2012 (Sicily), $13.99
This red has notes of black fruit, blackberry and strawberries, and is dry and full-bodied. It’s ideal with red meats and aged cheeses. —Moon Wine & SpiritsPeirano Estate Cabarnet Sauvignon 2012 (California), $14
This option features aromas of dark fruit, with elements of toasty oak and spices. It has a deep burgundy hue and pairs well with hearty meats and stews. —Moon Wine & SpiritsLes Vignes de Bila-Haut by Michel Chapoutier, $14.99
Just the name Michel Chapoutier on the label tells you a quality wine awaits your taste buds. The experts agree, as this wine recently received a 91 point score (out of 100) from Wine Advocate. A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan from the Roussillon area of France, you get the Rhone style without the higher Rhone region pricing. —Franklin Wine & SpiritsPinWe love an interesting label, like this option, recommended by Dave Clark of Franklin Wine & Spirits.Haraszthy Family Cellars Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel, $14.99
A 90-point wine, the quality is evident, but the grapes from this particular Zinfandel come from the Lodi region of California. I find wines from Lodi have a characteristic taste of smoke or bacon, so these are great wines to pair with grilled meats. Pair the smoke with the black pepper spiciness of a Zinfandel, and you have a picnic in a bottle. —Franklin Wine & Spirits
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