Thirsty wine enthusiasts need not worry about busting the budget to beat the heat this summer. Splendid wines at refreshing prices ($20 or less) abound.
I have selected 20 "value" wines that impressed me during the 2016 San Diego Wine Challenge earlier this year. All were recognized with medal awards that speak to their quality. The modest prices speak to their value. Enjoy!
Alamos 2014 Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina ($13) — A juicy Malbec goes so well with smoky aromas from the grill.
Allegrini 2014 Valpolicella DOC, Italy ($17) — Perfect with tomato-based pastas and grilled sausages.
Astoria 2015 ‘Alisa’ Pinot Grigio, Delle Venezie IGT, Italy ($11) — Flavorful and lush, especially for a pinot grigio, this is one of the best from Delle Venezie.
Banfi 2013 Centine Rosso, Toscana IGT, Italy ($12) — Unusual concentration and depth for the price. Might be the best red on the planet for 12 bucks. Remarkably consistent vintage to vintage.
Barefoot Bubbly Brut Cuvee, Californnia ($10) — Winemaker Jen Wall strikes again. Structured and refreshing and better than any other bubbly you are likely to find at this price. Barefoot’s Prosecco DOC isn’t too shabby, either.
Benziger 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, North Coast ($16) — Beautiful balance, beautiful price. Benziger always delivers quality and value across its vast portfolio of wines.
Bolla 2012 Torr’Alta, Veronese IGT, Italy ($19.99) — This "super" veronese red from northern Italy is one of my personal favorites for summer. Serve it up with grilled or roasted chicken dishes, brats, or anything savory from the grill.
Columbia Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley ($16) — This wine is a reminder that Washington produces some very nice cabernet sauvignon at modest prices.
Cycles Gladiator 2014 Petite Sirah, Central Coast ($11) — Winemaker Adam LaZarre is brilliant when it comes to sourcing excellent grapes for his portfolio of inexpensive wines. This is the ultimate BBQ wine. Burnt steaks and spicy grilled sausages are right in its wheelhouse.
Dellatori 2013 Chianti DOCG Riserva, Italy ($15) — You can pay a lot of money to taste excellent red wines from Tuscany. Or you can pick up a bottle of Dellatori’s Chianti Riserva for $15 bucks and smile all the way home.
Dry Creek Vineyards 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley ($18) — Absolutely the finest California sauvignon blanc for the price, hands down, and a personal favorite at the moment.
Eberle Winery 2015 Syrah Rose, Paso Robles ($18) — Winemaker Chris Eberle (no relation to winery owner Gary Eberle) is out with his first wine and if it’s a preview of things to come, look out. This rose is crisp and refreshing, with juicy red fruits and wonderful length on the palate.
Garnet Vineyards 2013 Chardonnay, Monterey County ($18) — When you find a beautifully crafted chardonnay from Burgundian specialist Alison Crowe and the price is under $20, it’s your lucky day, so buy it.
Giesen 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealad ($14) — This is Giesen’s basic entry level sauvignon and it’s deliciously pungent, as a Kiwi sauvignon should be.
Handley 2014 Gewurztraminer, Anderson Valley ($20) — Might be the best dry gewurztraminer made in America. If not, it is very, very close.
J. Lohr 2015 Sauvignon Blanc ‘Flume Crossing,’ Arroyo Seco ($14) — Jerry Lohr made his reputation with red wines from Monterey County and Paso Robles. That said, his whites are often world class.
Kendall-Jakson 2014 ‘Avant’ Chardonnay, California ($17) — K-J certainly knows a thing or two about chardonnay, an expertise that serves it well with the remarkably consistent Avant line of K-J wines. I love the balance in this one.
Navarro 2015 Pinot Grigio, Mendocino ($16) — This small family run winery in the Anderson Valley is a wonder with white wines. Its pinot grigio (it also makes a beautiful pinot gris) is one of the finest in America.
Pacific Rim 2014 Chenin Blanc, Hahn Hill Vineyard, Yakima Valley ($15) — Dry chenin is widely underrated, but when it’s good it’s very good.
Ramon Bilbao 2015 Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain ($15) — Crisply structured, but with a richness and length that provides a twist on the Albarino theme. If you’re vacationing seaside this summer and enjoying steamed or raw shellfish, this is the ticket.
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