February 23, 2010
Almost-a-Dozen Great Bargain Winter Reds
If there’s one thing worth loving about winter, it’s how right red wine tastes when a cold wind’s at your door. To keep this habit from breaking the bank, I’ve developed a bit of a script. I walk into a wine store and say, “Hi. I’m looking for a great [insert desired wine varietal here] for under $10. Oh, and I want it to go really well with [insert what we're having for dinner here].” Wine store clerks love a challenge, and this is how I’ve found so many great wines, like the outstanding #4 below. To get you a really great list, I also turned to my friend Dan, who you may remember from his quick 3 course Italian feast, and who knows a thing or two about sleuthing out a great wine. Bottoms up, friends!
- Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon, $9
- Alamos Malbec, $10
- Colores del Sol Malbec, $10
- Lancatay Cabernet Sauvignon, $9
- Two Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, $11
- Santa Cristina Sangiovese , $10
- Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec, $9
- The Footbolt Shiraz, $13
- Cline Cellars California Zinfandel, $13
- Campo Viejo Tempranillo Rioja Crianza, $10
- Jaboulet Cotes du Rhone blend Parallele 45, $12
Tagged: thrifty ideas, winter
Sasha {Everything Fabulous}: Wuaw I love it…I am a fan of most of the wines you selected (specially the red ones) and being from Argentina I am glad to see that some made it to your list…!! love also the Spanish wine…great list for everyday wines!!!1 year ago
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday: Where I live we have a lot of great local wines for under $10 (which is dirt cheap in Canada) but they don’t sell them all at the liquor store. You have to go straight to the wineries.
I kinda like it that way because then I get tastings!1 year ago
Starlene: love Malbec of any sort!! Can’t wait to try these. My new favorite under $10 – Castle Rock Sonoma Pinot Noir. YUMMY!1 year ago
Dan: A few friends of mine (not me) say the Alamos gives them a headache, but the Trapiche is a solid alternative. If you can spend just a few dollars more, try the Ernesto Catena “Tahuan” 2005 Malbec. I’ve seen it selling around NYC for about $15-16, and it’s wonderful. Ernesto is the son of Nicolas Catena, who makes Alamos and many more expensive wines.1 year ago
Kristina: Here’s one more: Marques de Caceres Rioja. We call it our “house wine,” and since today is Tuesday, that means we’ll be looking forward to sharing a bottle tonight!1 year ago
anne: Great tips!
My favorite low-cost red wine is the Fetzer Merlot. It’s really juicy for a merlot. Sometimes it’s only $6.99 at my local grocer.1 year ago
Amanda: I’m proud to say I’ve been buying a delicious $4.99 Cab from Whole Foods for over a year now.1 year ago
Sasha, I’m mad about that Lancatay from Argentina!
Samantha, That sounds like a lovely outing. I’ve been meaning to do that at the New York state wineries for awhile…and then I just end up watching Sideways instead.
Starlene, Someone brought a pinot noir to my last book club meeting and I meant to look it up before I tossed the bottle. If it’s a bargain, we might have found our #12.
Dan, Aw, headache-schmeadache. I ALWAYS get a headache, but I blame my lack of self control, not the wine. I’m going to keep my eyes peeled for that Ernesto Catena Malbec.
Kristina, I want a house wine! That’s such a great idea.1 year ago
Dan: Some more great few-dollars-more wines:
Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2004, $16
Rodney Strong Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, $14
Cantine Colosi Nero d’Avola 2007, $16
Can’t go wrong!1 year ago
Sasa: Dear Sarah,
I desperately want to be the kind of girl who cooks (I’ve got that bit down) while sipping at a glass of wine (not so much). To this end, I try wines left, right and centre but I just can’t take more than a sip. I know it’s an acquired tatse – I’m trying to acquire it, but to no avail. Please advise.
Sasa1 year ago
Why, Sasa, this is a trouble I’ve never heard of. Have you tried a sparkling wine? Right now I’m kind of obsessed with this organic cava and even though it’s a bit more expensive at $15, I think it’s kind of exquisite. On the cheaper end is this sparkler from France. Surely this is a problem we can solve!1 year ago
Karen: I have to admit that I am a little lost in the wine store at times. Luckily the clerks at my local shop are very helpful. I am writing down all these great recommendations to take with me on my next wine shop excursion. This will be fun! I am definitely going to check out the “sparkling” suggestions too!1 year ago
Sasa: I *do* like bubbly! Maybe I’ll just have to drink it more often…It will make every time a celebration. Thanks for the reminder!1 year ago
Sara Rose: I’m this huge fan of malbecs and tempranillos. That Rioja Crianza IS amazing. We also always have around that totally cheapo but delicious Riunite Lambrusco for $4. That’s about as close to boxed wine as I’ll go.1 year ago
Anna: Great idea for a post! Thanks for these suggestions. I’m always looking for deals on good wines. Not always such an easy thing to find, really…I’m going to have to try some of these.
I always liked Parallèle 45 – - always had a glass of it with a slice of country pâté at my favorite little French restaurant when I first graduated from college. I’ve been noticing it again in stores, and would love to pick up a bottle.
A bit off-subject since your post is on reds, but a friend of mine imports a nice and very inexpensive white made from Melon de Bourgogne, from “Domaine de la Fruitière.” Good as an apéritif wine before you warm up with your reds…!1 year ago
I’m thinking of doing whites, bubblies and rosés as the weather warms up. And now you’ve got me wanting paté…1 year ago
Katie: Sasa, have you ever done a wine tasting at a winery or wine store? Try it sometime and notice which qualities you like and don’t like. Then tell the wine people, and you may find something more to your taste. It might also help to try pairing it with food. Ask for suggestions at a wine store, again keeping in mind the qualities you like. And if you still don’t enjoy it, no big deal.1 year ago
bluejeangourmet: This is so handy! Thanks, Sarah.1 year ago
Didi: Thanks so much for this list! I found six of these within ten minutes at a local supermarket – probably could have found more, but I ran out of time. I tried the Rioja Crianza first and loved it – definitely getting more of that one. On to the others …
If you do whites, try Aliança Vinho Verde from Portugal – it seems to be widely available, costs under $10, and is wonderfully crisp and slightly effervescent – perfect for warmer weather.1 year ago