So Many Wines, So Little Money

For those of us on a tight budget, it's easy to assume "the finer things" to be inaccessible. But if you're a wine lover, don't let money stop you from indulging. There are so many bottles out there that offer outstanding value. Here are 20 of the best wines under $20 so you can be an epicurean and keep your belt tight.

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1. Fantini Sangiovese

If you're searching for an easygoing table wine, look no further than Fantini's Sangiovese. This Italian wine is fruity and intense with flavors of ripe fruit. It goes well with Italian classics like tomatoey pasta dishes, and for only around $9 a bottle, you'll be drinking it every day. 

Ursula Brühl, Julius Kühn-Institut on Wikimedia Commons

2. Estézargues Côtes du Rhône Rouge

This Cotes du Rhone from one of France's most famous wine regions will surprise you with its quality. A blend of Grenache and Syrah grapes, the wine is full-bodied and fruity with notes of raspberries, plum skin, and a hint of baking spice and herbs on the nose.

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3. La Petite Metairie #Ono Cabernet Franc

This wine is lovable and intense with flavors of plum, red currant, licorice, and pepper, and pairs well with aromatic and spicy foods. The winery in the Loir region of France is helmed by two sisters, making it one of few woman-owned vineyards in the region.

Pierre Viala et Victor Vermorel on Wikimedia Commons

4. Folk Machine Parts & Labor Red Blend

If you like a dryer red that's still playful and charming, try the Folk Machine Parts & Labor Red Blend. It's acidic and tannic with notes of tart red fruits, ripe black fruits, oak, citrus, and white pepper. 

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5. Mary Taylor Wine Anjou Blanc

We can think of no better summer wine than Mary Taylor's Anjou Blanc. You immediately get honey, zest, and apricots on your palette followed by subtler flavors of lilies, apples, and herbs. Pair it with creamy sauces, fish, or mushroom dishes. 

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6. Aveleda Fonte Vinho Verde

This winery spanning back several generations is most famous for their vinho verde. It's extremely light, vibrant, and crisp with notes of green apple, citrus, and pear designed to be enjoyed young.

Enrique Dans on Wikimedia Commons

7. Sister’s Run Old Testament Cabernet Sauvignon

Sister's Run is a family-owned independent winery in Australia that has earned countless awards and accolades. This cabernet sauvignon is full-bodied and spicy, with intense, ripe fruit flavors and subtle notes of menthol. It's best served with rich dishes like lamb or steak.

torbakhopper on Wikimedia Commons

8. Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port

It's amazing you can get a port this nice at such a low price. This is one of the most popular port wines in the world and we can see why. It's full-bodied and concentrated, with flavors of ripe black and blue fruit, and a pleasent sweetness that makes it the perfect digestif.

Missvain on Wikimedia Commons

9. M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon-Villages

This wine has a full mouth-feel to match its mouthfull of a name. It's a very flavorful wine with hints of dark cherries, plums, and spice. What's more, it's only $14 making it one of the most reasonably priced French wines on the market. 

Jon on Wikimedia Commons

10. Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer

This lovely golden-colored wine comes from the region of France closest to the Germany. The tasting experience begins with plenty of tropical fruits on the nose followed by melon, pear, and floral tasting notes. It goes well with Thai or Indian cuisine.

Marianne Casamance on Wikimedia Commons

11. Trapiche Reserve Malbec

This highly-rated wine comes at the price of only $11. It's a robust and juicy Argentine wine with dark fruit flavors, some spice and smokiness and a well-rounded and balanced finish that compliments barbecue or steak dinners. 

NMS_FW on Wikimedia Commons

12. Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava

Sparkling wine doesn't have to reserved for celebrations. This cava is dry and light and goes great with seafood or a cheese board. It's slightly tart with notes of pineapple and lime with a long finish.

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13. Château Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé

A beautiful rosé in an equally attractive bottle, this winery is actually owned by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie but the quality of the wine stands on its own. With notes of berry, buttery pastry, and refreshing acidity, this rosé is a summer favorite paired with fish or salad. 

14. Henry of Pelham Baco Noir

This vino stands out as one of the best Canadian wines and you can get it for only around $13.

It's complex and medium-bodied with notes of chocolate, wild berry, prune, and smoke. It stands up well against richer dishes like boeuf bourguignon.

Danielle Scott on Wikimedia Commons

15. J Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay

This wine represents classic Californian chardonnay with its notes of vanilla, caramel, nuts, peaches, and citrus. One sip will transport you to the seaside region of Monterey, where it hails from.

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16. Chateau De Courteillac Bordeaux

It's hard to find a good Bordeaux under $20 so let us save you the search. This wine offers excellent value with flavors of cherries, spice, and red currant with the subtle vegetal notes characteristic of Bordeaux wines.

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17. Castello di Albola Chianti Classico

This fine Tuscan wine is the perfect bottle to serve with your next Italian feast. It's smooth with notes of cherry and balsamic. The winery itself is situated in a hilly region of Italy, a terrain that produces especially dry wines with special characteristics. 

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18. Spinelli Montepulciano D'Abruzzo

At just over $7 a bottle, Spinelli Montepulciano D'Abruzzo offers an unbelievable value. It's produced in Abruzzo, Italy and has aromas of chestnut, plum, and spice. If you didn't know the price, you'd never guess it.

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19. Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio

This wine is produced in New Zealand, a fairly new player on the international wine scene but clearly a force to be reckoned with. Tasting notes include citrus, yellow plum, and some subtle minerality.

Kam LAOU on Wikimedia Commons

20. Raimund Prüm Essence Riesling

Riesling is one of few German wines. It's produced in the region closest to the border with France. This bottle has a good amount of acidity, with notes of peach, apricot, and green apple. It pairs beautifully with spicy foods.

Michal Osmenda on Wikimedia Commons