With a seemingly limitless selection of bottles available it’s easier than ever to explore new regions, or varietals. To save some time at the store we’re rounding up the best finds $20 and under!
Dr. Loosen Sparkling Riesling
From: Germany
Varietal: Riesling
Price: $15
Sparkling Riesling is Germany’s hidden gem. While most of the world’s sparkling wine is made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Germany specializes in Sekt (or sparkling wine) made from Riesling. It’s crisp, fruity with notes of melon and apple, and it’s overly sweet. At $15 this is a great way to branch out and try something new.
Vaglio Aggie Malbec 2018
From: Mendoza, Argentina
Varietal: Malbec
Price: $19
You can’t go wrong with this classic Argentina Malbec. It’s intense and rich and full of fruity notes like blackberry and blueberry. This would pair nicely with a savory or spicy meat dish!
Ravenswood
From: Lodi, California
Varietal: Zinfandel
Price: $12-18 (depends where you get it)
This is a wonderfully smooth and silky Zinfandel out of Lodi, CA. It has berry notes, soft tannins throughout and a long lingering vanilla finish. This wine is great straight from the bottle without any decanting or aerating (it doesn’t ever hurt to do though!) I paired this wine with a good thriller novel and a view but it would also pair wonderfully with a baked chicken dish 😉
Apothic Red Blend 2018
From: California
Varietal: Blend
Price: $10
Such a great buy at this price point! This wine is smooth and dry but drinks on the fruitier side (thank you zinfandel grapes, I tasted you!) This wine has beautiful notes of cherry with soft tannins and a lingering vanilla finish. Having Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah and Zinfandel in its blend, it is really hard to go wrong here!
What’s your favorite go-to wine? Let us know in the comments, we’re always looking for an excuse to try something new!