Cheap (but GREAT!) Wine

I am not ashamed to admit that I love my wine. There’s no feeling quite like the one where the kids are down, the dinner dishes are done, and you settle on the couch with hubby and a glass of red wine in your hand. Ahhhhhh. These days, with the economy as it is, I tried cutting wine out, you know, to save on the grocery bills. It lasted maybe a month. I missed it too much, and went back to the store, bound and determined to find suitable wine at great prices–meaning, $7.99 or less.  These are the reds that I’ve come up with so far–please let me know your finds in the comments section!

(FYI: The prices on the sites linked to below are way more than what I pay for the bottle. I usually shop at Trader Joe’s or Ralph’s–the latter of which is where if you buy 6 bottles, you get 10% off. I hear you get the same deal at Von’s.) –Alex

Rendez-Vous Beaujolais Nouveau
I was standing in the wine aisle at Trader Joe’s, frantically trying to pick out a couple of bottles before the kids completely melted down. A kind, older, woman came to my rescue; “Try this one–I just discovered it and can’t get enough.” I smiled and said thanks, but figured that no one has as a cheap of wine budget as me and I wouldn’t be able to get it. Alas! I was wrong, only $4.99 a bottle and my angel was right, I can’t get enough either! From the Winauxs: Bubblegum, strawberry, earth, and right on the back palate some banana comes through, though somewhat mildly. Quite acidic, but not so much it demands food, and light enough in body to be a fine complement to simple fare. Since the wine is French, I can’t find a site for it, but if you don’t have a Trader Joe’s close by, you can click here to order from Snooth.

Red Truck Syrah
This is currently my husband’s and my favorite. We paired it with a selection of cheeses and salami and it was too good. Even the non-red drinkers we had over couldn’t get enough! From the winemaker’s site: This ripe wine is medium bodied and complex with boysenberry, blackberry and chocolate flavors.  The acidity and tannins are smooth and well-balanced with the fruit. Click here to go to Red Truck Wines.

Mission Point Pinot Noir
Oh, how I love Pinot. The only problem is that it’s so gosh darn hard to find one at a good price. So, I was elated to open this bottle and see how tasty it was. Love at first sip, all for $7.99. From the winemaker’s site: This is a tight, firm, concentrated Pinot, with chewy tannins but also a rich, detailed array of ripe plum, blueberry and blackberry. There’s a minerally pebble edge under the fruit and a finish that has firm tannins and a hint of cedar and citrus. Click here to go to Mission Point Wines.

Callaway Cabernet Saugvinon
To me, Callaway is like Fetzer–you always get a good wine at a decent price. So, it wasn’t with much apprehension that I put this bottle in the cart. As always, Callaway didn’t disappoint. From Wine Legacy: A hint of licorice compliments the rich aromas of blackberry and boysenberry. The jammy fruit forward flavors are also apparent on the palate and are balanced nicely with spice, a silky mouthfeel and smooth tannin structure. Click here to go to Callaway Wines.

Tin Roof Merlot
Merlot used to be my absolute favorite wine. Then, all of a sudden, I realized it was boring me, if one could say that about wine. When I drank a glass of this Tin Roof Merlot, it brought the love back, and once again, I find myself enjoying it. From the winemaker’s site: A classic plush texture and delicious black cherry and plum flavors make our sumptuous Merlot both delicious on its own and a versatile food wine. Click here to go to Tin Roof Wines.

For our list of Cheap (but GREAT!) white wines, click here.

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