Varietals
Affordable Weeknight Wines
Jan
A word of reassurance to casual drinkers: Even wine pros like to drink simple, affordable wines most of the time. While high-dollar, bottles are always appreciated (especially when it’s on someone else’s dime), the eternal, ongoing quest is for delicious bottles that are as affordable as they are easy to come by. It doesn’t need to be a special occasion anymore to savor a homemade dinner and a glass of wine. Enjoying a glass of wine on an ordinary Wednesday night with a plate of pasta can be just as quick and easy as popping open a can of soda or beer and having a pizza delivered.
Theres nothing to be afraid of when choosing wine with weeknight meals. The general rule of thumb is to drink what you like with the foods that you like. If that means enjoying a glass of red wine with chicken fajitas or a glass or white wine with beef stir fry, go for it.
We all have that little voice in our heads telling us to hold out until the weekend for that glorious glass of vino. Whether it be diet goals, work stress, or just plain guilt talking you out of having that weeknight serving, we’re here to tell you that you deserve it. Many of us are looking for the best wine we can buy without blowing the budget. Here are some of our favorites under $30, you can pull the cork and enjoy a bottle any night of the week guilt free.
Villa Varda Pinot Grigio ($16)
Aromas of green apple, wildflowers, citrus zest. Juicy and lively, with a core of citrus and white fruits. Enjoy with your favorite seafood fare.
Bodegas Burgo Viejo Rioja White Blend ($21)
Some lifted poached-pear and lemon-peel aromas, as well as sweet perfume. The palate delivers a smooth and juicy array of melon and white-peach flavors. Bright, crunchy and fresh.
Succulent peach, nectarine and dried mango flavors are intense and vibrant, showcasing plenty of style, with a note of honeysuckle lingering effortlessly.
Domaine Perraud Macon Villages ($20)
Aromas of fresh herbs, ripe lemons, crushed stones, lime zest. Ripe and balanced; thirst-quenching.
Walla Walla Vinters Red Blend ($22)
Red fruit aromas; fresh, black cherry backed by raspberry and just a hint of strawberry, revealing cassis and herbed olives as it opens. The palate is packed with more black cherry, strawberry, and blueberry weaved through the finish with cedar, black raspberry, cassis, cut hay, vanilla, and integrated tannins.
Madone Le Perreon Beaujolais ($20)
Offering up aromas of cherries, raspberries and rose petals, the 2018 Beaujolais-Villages Bio is a fleshy, enveloping and lively wine that’s a touch more reserved and tensile than its conventionally farmed counterpart, displaying excellent depth and concentration.
Fresh nose of toasty oak, red currant, vanilla and touches of mocha. The palate is full bodied with pure notes of cherry, red berry intermingled with blackberry and hints of tobacco.
Aromas of red roses, violets, red berries; tangy, fresh and smooth; flavors of red plums, cola, baking spices.
Valdez Sonoma Country Zinfandel ($29)
Aromas and flavors of juicy blackberries and currants are expressed in the 2014 Valdez Zinfandel. This wine has fresh acidity and light tannins that are in harmonious balance while hints of licorice and spice linger on the finish.
Rocca di Montegrossi Chianti Classico ($24)
Suave and balanced; tart cherries, light pepper, baking spices. A traditional, flavorful and outstanding blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino. One of the finest Chianti Classicos from the region, vintage after vintage.
