Ever belly up to a bar at a nice restaurant only to find yourself looking at a wine list feeling completely clueless, so you order the same thing you usually do even though you want to try something new? Besides my typical go-to, vodka soda with lime, wine is always a good idea. Why? Because its delicious-duh! Although I love me some good craft brews, beer usually makes me feel bloated and full before I've even taken a bite of my appetizer. I've worked in fine dining, wine bars, and have been bartending on and off for 11 years, so I be knowing some thangs! Not an expert or a Sommelier, by any means, but I feel like 95% of my bar patrons are extremely satisfied with the wine choices I pick out for them. I've turned moscato lovers into Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay fans. Watching them finish their first sip with a wonderful surprised look on their face brings me so much joy. Those are the moments I truly love my job as a bartender. I simply can not indulge in overly sweet, sulfate filled wines. They are a recipe for a hangover. Never been a huge fan of moscato, white zinfandel, vintage Ports, or Sherry's. No judgement if that is your thing, but just like I tell my bar patrons, allow me to just give you a taste of my recommendations, and then I'll pour you whatever your heart desires. I crave human interactions with people who have an open mind and who are willing to try new things. I also thrive on saving a few bucks without compromising quality and taste. Here are my top 8 wines (most are 90+ grade) for $20 or less.
Hold please, I'm having a love affair with this glass of deliciousness right now.
Let's start with Red wine. Red, red wwwiiiinnnneeeeee, stay close to me don't let me be alone It's tearing apart my blue, blue heart <insert reggae breakdown here>. You guys, I literally just played this song on repeat and I'm inspired now, more than ever! And if you weren't picking up what I was putting down above, that was the chorus of the 1983 SMASH hit by UB40, Red Red Wine. Fun Fact: Neil Diamond wrote that song. My Mind is blown!! Ok, back to my red wine picks.
1. Michael & David Freakshow
I have so many feels for this California red blend. Let's talk about this label art work, can we?! Holy smokes, I loves! I was introduced to this wine while working at a wine bar. This bottle will range anywhere between $18-$22. At restaurants, you're most likely looking at a way higher price, because well, that's just business. Notes of dark chocolate, blackberry, toasted walnuts (that's what wine.com said, I always thought it had some nutty flavors, but the walnut, specifically, was didn't come to mind). I've Introduced this to all my red blend lovas and they were hooked. It has big flavor that will sit on the tongue long after you swallow. I suggest you pair it with any kind of red meat dish. But if you're just in the red mood, and want a glass, DRINK THIS NOW!!
(click on the images to learn more about all the wines).
2. Acrobat Pinot Noir
When I want to drink Pinot Noir wine, it's because I want a smooth red that's not going to leave my mouth dry like a Merlot. Also, I've never been a huge merlot fan, therefore a merlot is not on this list. I'd rather eat cotton balls. And the only merlots I ever liked were hella expensive. Ok, back to Acrobat! If you want a cherry pie in a glass, then this is your wine. Hints of vanilla, mocha, cinnamon. I suggest eating with a poultry dish, a steak, a dessert- Aw Hell just drink it! It's made in Western Oregon & it'll cost you around $20. I mean, hello, that's what I call a Bargain.com. Enjoy, Noir lovers!
3. Zuccardi Q Malbec
This may sound a bit boujee, but I refuse to drink a Malbec if it's not from Argentina. Argentines know how to bring all the boys and girls to the yard with their Malbec wine. Malbec should always have a purple color, and if it doesn't run, run far far away. This Malbec has some seriously intense fruity aromas. Blackberries and blueberries are prominent, hence the deep purple color. It's soft and silky with a finish that will dance on your tongue long after you swallow. Also, I noticed a bit of spice in the wine. It doesn't state that in the reviews, but maybe that's just me?! I think Malbec always should have a hint of spice, so maybe that was just in my mind before I even tasted this one. This bottle is $19.99 and now I want to call my friend Andy (my Argentine princess for nearly 10 years) and tell her we need to go back to her homeland and do it up at a few Mendoza wineries.
4. Louis Jadot
Steel Chardonnay
When I first started to regularly drink wine, I was soooo not a Chardonnay fan, but then I later learned that I didn't like the Oaky taste that typical Chardonnays have. I love a nice unoaked chard. The people from Burgundy France, hit the nail on the head with this one. This bottle of wine was one of the 1st bottles of chardonnay that gave me hope as a newly self-proclaimed wine connoisseur. You'll taste some lovely florals, apricots, and grapefruit and the finish is super clean. Basically, it's bomb, and I suggest you pair this wine with a nice salad, or some deelish seafood. This bottle ranges anywhere between $15-$25, just depending on where you purchase it from. Now that's a STEEL, Ally McBeal! (y'all I'm too punny).
5. Bex Riesling
Now, I know what you're thinking. "Heather, you said you don't like sweet wines." And you're right. I don't, because I have mature tastebuds, but THIS is NOT your typical Riesling. I was completely shocked and shooketh when I first tasted this riesling. I didn't actually believe it was a riesling. To me, it has a lot more sauvignon blanc characteristics than a typical riesling. It's just so refreshing. You'll stay cool for the summer with this bottle. It's crisp, with hints of orange, lime, and grapefruits-basically it's citrusy AF! And the best part is that the price ranges anywhere from $11.99-$20, depending where you purchase it from. These Germans gave me a whole new perspective on rieslings, and now I must fly to Germany and do I wine tour, right? Who's coming with me?!
6. Whitehaven
Sauvignon Blanc
My same theory with Malbec wine goes with Sauvignon Blanc. If it's not coming from a foreign country I don't want it. New Zealand is the mother land of Sauv Blancs. I believe this white wine can go south very quickly, and I've tasted a few U.S. made SB bottles and they tend to over do it with the lemongrass. And trust, I love a hint of lemongrass but I don't want it to overpower the wine. That won't be the case with Whitehaven's Sauvignon Blanc. It's a medium body with acidity fruit flavors and has a nice long clean finish. I vote you pair it with salads, seafood, or with any sort of poultry dish. Now, if you click on the image wine.com will be talking about gooseberry, blackcurrant leaf, boxwood, & greenage plums. If you can tell me you've had those fruits, then I will personally buy you a box of Whitehaven SB! "Oh Hey, I'm going to the farmer's market and going to pick up some gooseberry," said no person I've ever known! This is a very reasonably priced bottle ranging from $12-20, again, depending on where you purchase it.
7. La Marca Prosecco
I can not, not have a little bubbly on the list. I mean, who doesn't enjoy a nice sparkling wine on a Sunday brunch outing with friends and loved ones? And for the record, this is NOT champagne. Prosecco is Italian, Champagne is French, oui?! The type of grape is what makes the two differ. Just a little Wine 101 for ya ;-) This is fresh and clean, with citrus, lemon, green apple, and touches of grapefruit. It's light & refreshing and, I just saw that Target has it on sale right now for $5.99! I say we toast to that, Clink Clink!
8. Chateau Minuty Rosé
I think America can thank the French and Rick Ross for our love of Rosé. I mean at this point with the amount of Rosé All Day shirts I see on a Sunday brunch outing, I simply couldn't make this list without a Rosé. What can I say, I want to give you what the people want! Now Rosé can be deceiving to most at first because they see that pink color and think, "Oh this is going to sweet like a candy!" And those wine newbs couldn't be anymore incorrect, especially when it comes to a Rosé from France. Now you will taste some hint of strawberry, but this wine is soft and gently fruity. It floats easily. The aftertaste is lightly perfumed, with herbal hints. I lovesit, as well as the price, which ranges from $17-$20 a bottle. Pair it with a nice brunch, salad, fish or poultry dish and you'll be so satisfied you'll gruntin like Rick Ross.