Yep, you read that right, five GREAT wines for under $20. It is completely possible to have yummy wine without breaking the bank. These are a few of my favorites for drinking by the glass or mixing into a yummy cocktail; try number four with a little seltzer water and a splash of wine! Most of these wines can be purchased at your local grocer and some for less that ten dollars.
Like my pallet, there is a mix of red and white wine on this list, but mostly, it is white. I am also a super big fan of new world wines, sorry all those fantastic Italian oldies, but you did not make it to my list. If, however, you are into yummy things that taste like fun, you are in luck! I recommend getting all of these and trying a few with this book. Now, that is a fun night with a bit of education on the top!
Ravenswood Cabernet Sauvignon
The Ravenswood Cabernet Sauvignon is one of my favorite reds for under $20. Ravenswood is a winery in Sonoma County that makes lots of wines that taste great young, or aged. This one is filled with cherry and black currant flavors with vanilla and oak undertones. It is round, smooth, and full bodied. A bottle will set you back about $18 at Total Wine.
Dr Heidemanns Riesling
As far as Reislings go, this is one of my favorites. Dr. Heidmanns comes in a dry and off-dry option, but my favorite is the dry. It is light, crisp, and fruity without being too easily confused for apple juice. This bottle will set you back about $14 but you could totally pass it off for way more at a party. This is also one of the few not-so New World wines since it is from Germany.
Oak Ridge Zinfandel
At under $15, you cannot get much better for a nice, medium bodied Zinfandel. This one is smooth, smokey, and fruity. Really though, there is a bit more "smokey" in it than fruit. It is a good middle of the road red with plenty of flavor and a bit of acidity. If you are looking for a good outdoor barbecue wine, you have found it. The Oak Ridge Winery is based out of Lodi, CA and makes some great, non-intimidating wines for those just wanting a fun taste or an into to reds.
New Age Torrontes
Hand down, one of my favorite wines, ever. This Torrontes has plenty of flavor and a bit of a spicy kick at the end. It is so good, I do not even know how to describe it and will, instead, sound like the little card that describes it to you in the store... It is medium-bodied with fruity notes, a floral aroma, and an intensity at the end that I describe as "spicy". This wine will also only set you back about $10 and is fantastic on it's own or in a cocktail. New Age is an Argentinean Winery that also makes a few reds, but this Torrontes is my personal favorite.
King Estate Pinot Gris 2012
And we finish off this wine list with my aunt's (and one of my) personal favorites. This Pinot Gris is a bit of a conundrum in it's name since it it a New World wine in an Old World name. Name issue aside though, it is a full-bodied white with pear and apple notes that are not too sweet. As itt's namesake states, this wine is modled after an Old World taste but with New World parts. maybe, that is why it is so well flavored, or maybe, the folks at King Estate just really know their wine. The 2012 option is a value under $15, but I would recommend spending a few bucks more and getting the year or two older option.
