1. Apothic Red
This rich, dense wine is a must for anyone who has a passion for reds, but happens to be strapped for cash. Apothic Red incorporates flavors of black cherry, vanilla and mocha to create a rich red wine that goes with everything from pasta to steak. Its creators blended Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon to create its bold flavor, and it can be found at most liquor stores for about $10.
2. Château de la Bourbinière Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie
This white wine is the perfect drink for any meal consisting of seafood or poultry, bringing out the best of all flavors. Tom Cregan, wine director of Rouge et Blanc in New York City, believes it’s the best bang for your buck at around $11.
“It has minerality, mouthwatering acidity, tart white fruit and a long finish,” he told The Manual.
3. Cupcake Vineyards Moscato D’Asti
Looking for a dessert wine that won’t overwhelm all of the flavors of your dish? The Moscato D’Asta from Cupcake Vineyards is a shoe-in, and you can find it at most liquor stores for around $10. This wine has hints of peach, lychee and tropical fruits that bring out the sweetness of every dessert.
Related: Somm-File: Off-The-Radar Reds for Sultry, Wintery Nights
You might automatically think, “Not in my budget!” when you hear the word, “Bordeaux,” but Cregan says that the Chateau Laborde Haut-Medoc is an affordable option for under $20 – not to mention, it delivers in the taste department.
“The Château Laborde, Haut-Médoc 2009 has ripe, soft tannins, red cassis fruit and a touch of leather that make it an excellent pairing with steak and it won’t break the bank,” said Cregan.
5. Le Grande Courtage Blanc de Blancs Brut
You don’t have to opt for a pricy bottle of champagne when you want a little bubbly – the Blanc de Blancs Brut is a primary example of how you can celebrate on a budget. For around $20, you can opt for this alternative to champagne, which has hints of apple and Meyer lemon.
But how do you make it a point to select budget-friendly wine in the future that won’t shock your palate?
“For me, a budget wine delivers the components of a quality wine at a reasonable price,” Cregan concludes. “Quality wines exhibit a sense of place, along with a balance of fruit, acidity and alcohol. Quality wines have a long finish, meaning you can still taste the wine after having swallowed or expectorated.”
And with that, the bottom line is that you may just have to trust your own taste buds.
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