Don’t let the label fool you: You don’t need to spend a lot to score a really solid bottle of wine. Most humans fall victim to the placebo effect when it comes to their vino, research proves. In anAugust 2017Scientific Reportsstudy,participants were told to sample from a bottle of wine that was presented at its current price, then marked up 50%. Even though it was the exact same drink, people rated the higher-priced wine better.
I learned as I was studying for my level one sommelier exam that you do have to invest some to get a non-headache-inducing wine—but not a lot. The sweet spot is right around $15 to $20. That’s where you’ll get past the mass market, hastily made wines (that often scoop up and process the grapes right along with the bugs and weeds that are hanging out with them to expedite the process) and snag some extremely quaffable fermented juice.
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Beyond the $20 range, most casual drinkers won’t notice too much of a flavor or aroma difference. A lot of the price tag above that has to do with the label reputation, marketing and the cost of the land the grapes are grown on.
Of course you can score some life-changing wines at $200 , but we’ll save those for really special occasions. For virtual happy hours, host gifts that taste far richer than their price tag or to treat yourself on any old Tuesday, consider pouring a glass from one of these surprisingly affordable sommelier-approved wines.
Getty / Nina Vartanava / EyeEm
Best Wines Under $15
Cune Rioja Crianza
“For an easygoing, fun, light-hearted time, try out a crianza,” suggests Nisha Aher, sommelier and in-house retail manager atVerve Winein Chicago. Compared to other Riojas, a variety of Spanish red wines, these spend time aging in oak. This garnacha blend showcases slick fruit and grainy tannins (that astringent quality that makes your mouth water) that pairs beautifully with dark meats, such as a holiday beef roast, rack of lamb orprime rib. “This has a long, savory finish that makes it a total winner for the dinner table,” Aher adds.
Buy it:$13, chi.vervewine.com
Le Contesse Prosecco
“The holidays are a perfect time for celebrations and whether you are ringing in the New Year or having a holiday mimosa brunch, I have always loved Le Contesse. There is a lot of Prosecco out there, but Le Contesse is not only a family-run business in Veneto, Italy. It’s so versatile for any occasion,” McDaniel says, and the hint of creamy citrus teams up nicely with everything from seafood tocharcuterie.
Buy it:$13.98, vivino.com
Weingut Laurenz V. Singing Grüner Veltliner
Buy it:$13.99, b-21.com
Setzer Grüner Veltliner
In fact, why not go big when you’re staying home? “Consider the brilliance of the one-liter bottles [eight 5-ounce glasses] of awesome grüner veltliner Austria is putting out. For family holiday parties, what better way to do a mixed bag of food than with the friendliest food-pairing wine around? Setzer does an extraordinary grüner veltliner, full of savory and citrus flavors. Drink it with the first several courses—or hours—of your party,” Aher says. Even if your gathering is small, this twist-top option is a good investment. Leftovers will save well for up to three days after the festivities if you store it in the fridge.
Buy it:$11.98, wineworksonline.com
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Quinta da Lixa Aromas das Castas Grande Escolha Vinho Verde
For another crowd-pleasing, easy-pairing white, try this low-alcohol Portuguese wine. “Delightful, and sometimes effervescent vinho verde, is bright, fresh and fruity,” explainsBrianne Cohen, a Los Angeles-based event producer and certified sommelier. “I taste green apple and pear, stone fruit, plus a slight tropical note. This wine is yearning for some seafood,” she says. Bring on theFeast of the Seven Fishes!
Buy it:$6.88, thewinebuyer.com
Château de Berne Romance Rosé
Don’t reserve pink wine for summer alone, McDaniel says. It’s a terrific year-round choice, especially when the price is this right. “Rosé from Provence may be the perfect wine for the winter and the holidays. Not only does it combine the juicy berry flavors thatred wine-drinkers seek, it is crispy, zippy and fresh to please the white wine drinkers,” he adds. Try it with anything from turkey to ham and sweet potatoes to cranberries.
Buy it:$13.99, vivino.com
Be Human 2018 Merlot Columbia Valley
Buy it:$16, aquiliniwineshop.com
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