Seven Delicious wines under $14.99


Normally, I don’t take to rhyming because I think it’s gimmicky and campy.  Another thing that’s gimmicky is a lot of (awful) wine labels.  Novices are drawn to catchy names or fun looking bottles if they don’t know what to buy.

So, here’s a little guide if you are just getting started, or fancy yourself an expert who enjoys an "every day" cost for an every day bottle.  Tip:  do not buy wine called “Bitch, Fat Bastard, Flirt, Goats do Roam” or anything else that sounds like it should not be wine.  Most wines you would want to drink sound pretty boring – the label should list the name of the wine (if there is one), the type of grape (sometimes referred to as the varietal), the vintage (if there is one) and the region from which the grapes are grown – that’s it.  Ya, it’s pretty boring, but when you open the bottle, the fun begins.

Of course prices may vary, but I live in Arlington, VA where the cost of life has a 20% uplift – so these wines may cost even less in your area.

1.  Castle Rock Pinot Noir - Sonoma, California
Why I love this wine:  it is very light.  If you are just starting to warm up to red wine, try this.

2.  Spellbound Petite Syrah – Lodi/ Central California
Why I love this wine:  it is so flavorful, you can pair it with spicy food.

3, 4, 5.  Oak Ridge, Windmill or 337 Cabernet Sauvignon – Lodi, California
Why I love these wines:  any Lodi Cab is going to be good & inexpensive… you can’t lose.  So, if you are tasked with bringing wine to a person who knows wine – bring a Lodi Cab.

6.  Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha - Campo de Borja, Spain
Why I love this wine:  it is really different than anything you have tasted.  Spanish wines are trendy now and YAY - it's not from California.

7.  NV Mionetto Prosecco Brut – Italy
Why I love this sparkling wine:  refreshing & light, similar to champagne but no headache.  You can mix it with fruit or juice for some variety.  Everyone loves prosecco.

What’s the good news?  You don’t have to spend a ton to enjoy a nice bottle of wine.  Cheers!

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