In honor of Tennessee passing a law that will allow groceries stores to begin selling wine this summer, I've compiled some of the best budget wines.
Wine is expensive, and as college students, we don't have the budget (or time) to try out different varieties to test out which bottle may be the best. Of course we know that Moet and Veuve Clicquot are tried and true champagnes (worth the splurge if you have something to celebrate), but on a regular basis, we see ourselves reaching for that Franzia or Barefoot Pink Moscato. This list will (hopefully) simplify these struggles. Just remember, any wine will seem much better tasting if you drink it out of a proper glass.
Reds
Red wines are perfect for pairing with heartier meals such as red meat. There are more tannins in red wines, which give it a drier, astringent taste and also give the wine more complexity. Reds also come in blends--I have yet to find a blend that I enjoy, but to each their own. I prefer to chill my red wines for a bit, but it is definitely okay to serve reds at room temperature.
1. Newman's Own California Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
At $10, it's honestly a terrific value and very easy to drink. Yes, it may not be the best or most complex cabernet, but it definitely tastes just as good, if not better, than a $20+ bottle. And if the name sounds familiar, yes, this is from the same company that sells ranch dressing.
2. Francis Coppola Diamond Pinot Noir
The red that's so great that it has a song for it. But seriously, this $14 bottle is pretty good. Francis Coppola has some very solid wines in general. I also enjoy the Merlots from this brand.
3. Christian Moueix Merlot
Super classy bottle, and it isn't overly tannin-y (which I like). At around $11, pretty good bang for my buck.
Whites
White wines are much lighter than red wines and are perfect alone or in a cocktail as a white wine spritzer for those hot summer days. As you can tell from the list below, I tend to favor Chardonnays, but if you prefer a sweeter wine, Rieslings and Ice Wines are always a great option. Be sure to chill your white wines for at least 20 minutes prior to serving and store in the fridge after opening.
1. Belle Ambiance Chardonnay
It smells great, tastes great and its label is such a pretty color. What's also pretty about this Chardonnay is that it comes with a $10 price tag.
2. Joseph Carr Chardonnay
Not the cheapest at $17, but its fruity and citrusy notes are definitely prevalent. Be aware that it is a twist-off bottle that has a super long top. It does allow the wine to retain a lot of its "freshness."
3. Hopler Grüner Veltliner
While I'm more of a Chardonnay gal, my Wine Down Wednesday buddy Joseph favors GV. This $17 bottle is something he's stocked that I enjoyed. Cheers to friendship!
4. Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling
At $12, it's seriously worth it. Wine Enthusiast has consistently given it "Best Buy" ratings, and it definitely deserves it.
Rosés
Known for their distinctive pink shade, rosés are always a crowd pleaser. They tend to be a bit more expensive than other types of wine. Normally, I'd say screw it and settle down with Barefoot, because it honestly tastes just as good as any of the following.
1. Jack Wines 2006 Grenache Rose
$15. Definitely chill this.
2. Pink Criquet 2006 Red Bordeaux Rosé
Simple bottle, and very pink. It looks like candy and tastes just as good ($15).
3. MAN Vintners Shiraz
The cheapest rosé on this list at $10, this Shiraz has a spicier taste that's a lot more savory than the other choices.
4. Domaine Maby Prima Donna Tavel
I love this one because it describes everything I'd like to become: better with age. At $16, it's very good.
Sparkling
Nothing is more celebratory than a great sparkling wine! There is a misconception that all sparkling wines are champagnes. Champagne is sparkling wine that originates from the Champagne region in Francem which lies between Paris and Belgium. Any other sparkling should be known by another name. California wineries are permitted to label their products as "champagne," so be sure to research the location! That being said, there are plenty of good bubblies that don't break the bank, but may be called something else.
1. Freixenet Cordon Negro Extra Dry
At $9, this Cava (Spanish sparkling wine) tastes like it's over $20, and its matte black bottle makes it look just as expensive. If you haven't tried this by now, it'll definitely become a staple in your life.
2. Gruet Winery Sauvage Blanc de Blancs
TBH, I bought this $20 bottle because I misread the label and thought the "sauvage" written across the label was actually "savage." The bottle looks effortlessly cool and is an amazing extra-dry sparkler (made out of 100% Chardonnay grapes from New Mexico).
If you're lucky enough to have a Costco in your area that sells wine, they have an amazing and delicious selection. Go and buy a couple of bottles of Kirkland's. The Trader Joe's branded wines are also solid.
What are some of your favorite wines to enjoy? Please list those in the comments!























