Discover the Perfect Blend of Quality and Affordability!
SAVOR VALUE- PRICED WINES
When it comes to wine, there are times for a hallmark bottle— perhaps for an anniversary or a big birthday—but most of the time, you’ll want well-priced daily drinkers that don’t break the bank.
To find the best wine deals, think outside the U.S. You can find quality wines from places such as Spain, Portugal, Chile and Argentina for a fraction of the cost of U.S. wines, especially premium wine regions such as the Napa Valley. In searching for good values, you’d be best served patroniz- ing your local wine shop, where you’re able to clearly communi- cate your wine likes, dislikes and budget and possibly find something new to you that knocks your socks off.
Below are seven sommelier- approved, value-priced wines for any occasion. These wines are meant to drink now and en- joy, with no cellaring necessary. They are listed here with the brands’ suggested retail prices.
Domaine Bousquet GAIA Malbec Nouveau 2022, $20 (Mendoza, Argentina). A perfect, chillable red (made with organic grapes) for sum- mertime. Though not from Argentina originally, malbec is king there. The word carbonic or nouveau indicates that the wine is bright, fresh and lively. Red wines in this style benefit from a slight chill and are perfect to bring to a barbeque with friends.
Mascota Vineyards Unánime Brut, $25.99 (Mendoza, Argentina). The $15-to-$25 range is where you can find good values from places such as Argentina, Spain (Cava, anyone?) and France (outside of Champagne). This wine is made using the same process as Champagne and delivers classic high acid and toasty notes.
Raeburn Chardonnay 2021, $20 (Russian River Valley, California). Chardonnay is either loved or hated. We have the overly oaked, butter chardonnay of the 1980s and ’90s to thank for that. With quality chardonnay at a good price point, the goal is balance—of oak use, richness, plus acidity to pull it all together. This Raeburn chardonnay carries that bal- ance and would pair with a creamy pasta or risotto.
Château de Fontenille Entre-deux-Mers 2021, $15 (Bordeaux, France). The grapevines on this property have grown since the 13th cen- tury, and yet so much value is achieved in the glass. Bordeaux blanc (this one is sauvignon blanc–dominant) is often over- looked, yet consistently delivers good-value wines. Aromas of cit- rus and gooseberry plus persis- tent acidity would pair famously with a goat cheese salad.
Bodegas Borsao Rosé 2022, $11 (Campo de Borja, Spain). Rosé is meant to be enjoyed on almost any occasion—brunch, a night in or by the pool. Crisp, cooling and refreshing, this dry rosé is a great value and over- delivers for its price point, with notes of tangerines, red berries and white flowers. It’s perfect to enjoy with grilled shrimp, a light salad or fish tacos.
Firesteed Pinot Noir 2020, $17 (Oregon). Well-priced, quality pinot noir is hard to find, but this pinot from Firesteed is an exception. It delivers classic pinot noir aromas and flavors of red fruits and spices. Fruit- forward and easy to drink, this wine can be enjoyed any day of the week, either with food or on its own.
Altano Douro Red 2019, $12.99 (Douro, Portugal). Quality wine at great value is plentiful in Portugal, and this red blend from the Douro region showcases that. Made from a blend of Portuguese grapes, this lightly oaked wine is earthy yet bright and carries a strong acid backbone, aiding its food-friendliness.