Tenuta Luce Lucente
Tenuta Luce originated as a collaboration in Montalcino, Italy, between renowned California vintner Robert Mondavi and esteemed Italian winemaker Vittorio Frescobaldi. It has since become a hallmark of contemporary winemaking in Tuscany. Lucente, crafted from a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Sangiovese, exemplifies the "Super Tuscan" style—typically a Sangiovese-based blend produced in a more modern, international approach compared to the traditional Sangiovese wines of Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. As the estate's entry-level offering, Lucente serves as a more accessible counterpart to the winery's acclaimed flagship wine, Luce.
In this wine, the richness and dark fruit flavors of Merlot, including notes of berry and plum, are beautifully complemented by the brightness, acidity, and floral notes of Sangiovese. The result is a refined yet full-bodied wine that, priced at $28.99, is versatile enough to serve as both an everyday dinner choice and a standout selection for special occasions.
McBride Sisters Collection Red Blend
Sisters Robin McBride and Andréa McBride John established McBride Sisters Wine Company with a visionary approach to the wine industry. Committed to "leading by example and fostering community, one delightful glass at a time," McBride Sisters has become the largest Black-owned and all-women-founded wine company in the United States, offering a diverse portfolio of wines from California and New Zealand's coastal regions. They also demonstrate a strong dedication to environmental sustainability, achieving Certified Carbon Neutral status in 2023.
In addition to their impactful mission, their wines are exceptional, and the McBride Sisters Collection Red Blend—crafted from grapes sourced from California's Central Coast appellation—is a standout. Priced at $18.99 per bottle, this soft and juicy red is bursting with ripe red and black fruit, complemented by subtle spice and oak undertones. It's an easy-drinking option that invites contemplation, featuring a full mouthfeel and a long finish thanks to its silky tannins. This wine is ideal for backyard barbecues and pairs wonderfully with smoky sweet beef short ribs.
Domaine Bousquet Gaia Organic Red Blend
Domaine Bousquet stands at the forefront of organic and sustainable viticulture in Mendoza's Gaultallary region, Argentina. Their Gaia Organic Red Blend features a robust mix of 50% Malbec, 45% Syrah, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing a powerful array of prominent grape varieties. Despite this intensity, the wine retains a remarkable elegance, enhanced by its refreshing acidity.
In Greek mythology, Gaia symbolizes the Earth and is revered as the "mother goddess." In line with this theme, Domaine Bousquet's Gaia collection includes varietal wines such as Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with various blends of estate-grown grapes. The proportions of these grapes vary with each vintage, reflecting the gifts of Mother Nature. All wines are crafted exclusively from organic grapes cultivated at an impressive altitude of 4,000 feet, a setting that imparts bold flavors and vibrant acidity to each bottle. Priced around $18, this wine has quickly become one of my recent favorites, thanks to its abundant fruit, thoughtful oak integration, and overall easy drinkability.
Wente Vineyards Mount Diablo Highlands Red Blend
If you've ever enjoyed a California chardonnay, there's a strong possibility it can be traced back to the Wente family, who introduced the first chardonnay vines to California's Livermore Valley in 1908. They later grafted these vines in 1912 using cuttings imported from France, resulting in the renowned "Wente Clone" of chardonnay.
However, this article isn't focused on chardonnay! Fortunately, this well-established, certified sustainable vineyard and winery—recognized as the longest continuously family-owned and operated winery in the U.S.—offers an extensive selection of delightful wines, including their Mount Diablo Highlands Red Blend. This unique blend consists of 23% cabernet sauvignon, 19% petit verdot, 16% merlot, 11% equal parts barbera, tempranillo, and cabernet franc, and 9% malbec, all sourced from their Central Coast vineyards. It boasts a medium body, with vibrant red fruit flavors and mocha undertones from a hint of oak, making it a versatile and food-friendly option for various occasions. You can find this wine available for purchase nationwide and on their website for $20.
Mezzacorona Dinotte Red Blend
Established as a cooperative in the northern Italian region of Trentino in 1904, Mezzacorona has become one of the most esteemed names in Italian wine. If you enjoy ordering a glass of white wine when dining out, it’s likely you’ve savored the approachable Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio at some point.
The Mezzacorona Dinotte Red Blend showcases two indigenous grape varieties from the region: the richly colored and aromatic teroldego, along with the zesty, slightly herbal marzemino, which contribute floral notes. Merlot adds body and smoothness, rounding out the wine beautifully. This sustainably-farmed blend exemplifies the art of combining different grapes, each bringing its unique traits to create a harmonious and delicious wine. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of classic Italian dishes or your favorite grilled meats and vegetables. Priced at just $15.99 a bottle, it’s an incredible value.
The Paring Red Blend
The name "The Paring" draws inspiration from the unassuming paring knife, a favorite among chefs for its simplicity and remarkable versatility. Established in 2006 by the creators of the esteemed JONATA and The Hilt Estate wines, The Paring produces wines from grapes harvested in California's Santa Barbara wine region, specifically from the Santa Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, and Santa Maria Valley appellations. The collection features an easy-drinking sauvignon blanc, a classic chardonnay and pinot noir, a rich syrah, a vibrant rosé, and a delightful red blend that appeals to many. Each wine is crafted to balance approachability with a serious quality.
The Red Blend consists of 60% cabernet sauvignon, 19% cabernet franc, 14% merlot, and 7% petit verdot, creating a true Bordeaux-style blend that is aged in French oak for 22 months. Winemaker Matt Dees describes this wine as "Balanced and refined, a study in elegance." It has received impressive scores of 90+ from critics like Jeb Dunnuck and Antonio Galloni, making it a must-try, especially at a price of $25 per bottle.
Mazzei Poggio Badiola Toscana
I have cherished the wines of Mazzei ever since I studied wine in Italy over 15 years ago. While that may seem like a brief period, it pales in comparison to the Mazzei family's winemaking legacy, which dates back to 1435. This remarkable history not only positions them as one of the most influential and iconic families in Italian wine but also as one of the longest-standing companies in Italy across any industry. With vineyards spread across the country—from Tuscany in central Italy to the coastal Maremma and the southern region of Sicily—Mazzei's diverse portfolio showcases the finest offerings from this renowned wine-producing region, perfect for any occasion.
I fondly remember selling Mazzei's Poggio Badiola Toscana during my time as the wine director and general manager of an independent wine shop in New York City many years ago. Its rich yet refined flavor profile, complexity, and distinctly Italian character made it a top seller and a prime example of an approachable Super Tuscan wine. Nowadays, I could easily enjoy this red blend by the case. Comprising 70% Sangiovese and 30% Merlot, both sourced from high-altitude vineyards in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, it offers incredible value at approximately $17 per bottle.
Intrinsic Red Blend
If the striking yet moody label art doesn't entice you to grab a bottle of this wine, the adventurous spirit of its winemaking should. Winemaker Juan Muñoz-Oca, who grew up in Argentina under the guidance of his cellar master grandfather, has crafted 22 vintages across five countries. His experience has led him to blend traditional winemaking methods with a relentless pursuit of innovation and boundary-pushing in his craft.
The outcome? A wine like the Intrinsic Red Blend. This captivating blend of cabernet sauvignon and malbec hails from Washington's Columbia Valley, with half sourced from the prestigious Horse Heaven Hills AVA. It's a bold, luscious red wine with a flavor profile as rich and intense as its label implies. Techniques such as extended maceration—allowing the juice to remain on the grape skins for enhanced texture, color, and flavor—partial barrel fermentation, and aging in concrete and oak contribute to this wine's distinctive complexity and structure. In short, it offers exceptional value at around $24 a bottle.
Primus The Blend
Chile consistently stands out as a dependable source for high-quality wines at great prices. The country is flanked by the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains, with additional smaller coastal ranges and valleys interspersed throughout. This distinctive geographical setting fosters a variety of growing conditions and offers natural defenses against numerous diseases and pests, including Phylloxera—the pest that devastated a significant portion of the world's vineyards in the 19th century. The region has also been profoundly shaped by French winemaking traditions, thanks to early vine cuttings brought by affluent Chilean landowners and French investors who recognized the area's potential due to its natural immunity to the Phylloxera that had ravaged many of their vineyards.
Consequently, Chile is celebrated for its wines crafted from classic Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Another hallmark grape of the region is Carménère, which serves as a delightful alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon and pairs beautifully with it. Primus was the pioneer in Chile to create a blend featuring this promising grape alongside Cabernet Sauvignon. Made from grapes cultivated using organic and biodynamic practices, The Blend primarily consists of Carménère and Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller amounts of Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, and it serves as Primus' flagship wine. Rich and full-bodied, this wine is infused with flavors of dark berries, chocolate, and baking spices, exemplifying the exceptional quality of contemporary Chilean wines. Priced at approximately $18 per bottle, it represents an accessible luxury suitable for any occasion.
Trivento Maximum Red Blend Reserve
The Mendoza region in Argentina is primarily recognized for its malbec, but it also produces excellent Bordeaux varieties such as cabernet sauvignon and merlot. This area accounts for 76% of the nation's vineyards and boasts the highest concentration of wineries in Argentina, establishing it as a significant contributor to both Argentine wines and the global wine industry. Trivento, named after the three winds that shape the region's climate, has been a prominent force in Mendoza since its founding in 1993, with its Reserve Malbec becoming the top-selling Argentine wine in Europe in 2013.
The Maximum Red Blend, a 50-50 combination of malbec and cabernet sauvignon, is named after Trivento's winemaker, Maximiliano 'Maxi' Ortiz. Priced at around $11 per bottle, this blend is an approachable and uncomplicated wine, bursting with flavors of blackcurrant and raspberry compote, accented by notes of black licorice, cinnamon, and a hint of black pepper. If you've ever had the pleasure of attending a traditional Argentine Asado—a classic gathering featuring a variety of grilled meats, salads, and sauces—you'll recognize that this wine perfectly complements such rustic cuisine.
Pasqua Romeo and Juliet Passimento Rosso
Established in 1925, Pasqua Vigneti e Cantine has nearly a century of winemaking tradition in Italy's Veneto region. In 2023, Wine Enthusiast Magazine honored Pasqua with the title of "Innovator of the Year," acknowledging its dedication to promoting change, creativity, sustainability, and leadership within the wine sector.
The Pasqua Romeo & Juliet Passimento Rosso is a delightful blend featuring equal parts of two indigenous Italian grapes, Corvina and Croatina, combined with 40% Merlot. Utilizing the traditional appassimento method, the grapes are handpicked and naturally dried in wooden crates, which decreases their water content and enhances their sugars, aromas, and flavors. The fermentation of these partially dried grapes results in a wine that is rich, flavorful, and often has a slightly elevated alcohol content. The vinification occurs in steel tanks, followed by blending and aging in large oak barrels for six months, which contributes complexity and texture without overpowering the wine with oak characteristics. The outcome is a luxurious, velvety wine with prominent fruit flavors, complemented by hints of exotic spice and mocha, culminating in a beautiful, layered finish. This exceptional wine is a remarkable find for under $20, and even more so for under $30.
Tablas Creek Vineyard Patelin de Tablas
Nestled in California's Paso Robles region, Tablas Creek Vineyard is widely recognized for putting the area on the map as a leader in Rhône-style blends. This winery is a collaboration between the Perrin family, known for their esteemed Château de Beaucastel in the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape region of France, and Robert Haas, an American wine importer and the founder of Vineyard Brands. In essence, this cult-favorite winery boasts an impressive lineage.
The Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas is a highly acclaimed Rhône-style blend from California, composed of 54% syrah, 29% grenache, 13% mourvèdre, with a hint of counoise and terret noir. This classic combination showcases the strengths of each grape: syrah contributes dark, peppery fruit; grenache adds freshness and brightness; mourvèdre provides weight and structure; while the remaining varietals enhance complexity and impart that elusive je-ne-sais-quoi that makes this wine so captivating. It’s an incredibly drinkable wine, bursting with juicy fruit and balanced by just the right touch of earthiness and spice. Priced at $28, be sure to grab a bottle or two of this highly-rated wine quickly, as Tablas Creek's offerings often sell out. Additionally, it is available in a 3-liter box, perfect for entertaining a crowd.
Esporão Reserva Red
One of my favorite regions to explore for affordable, delicious, and truly intriguing wines is Portugal. There are numerous reasons why so many people are flocking to Instagram to share their vacation photos from this vibrant European destination, not least of which is its remarkable wine culture. While the vast array of challenging-to-pronounce indigenous grapes can seem overwhelming, don’t let that deter you from discovering the distinctive table wines that Portugal has to offer.
The Esporão Reserva was the inaugural wine produced by Esporão back in 1985. Hailing from the emerging Alentejo region in Southern Portugal, it is a blend primarily composed of alicante bouschet, touriga nacional, aragonez, trincadeira, and cabernet sauvignon, aged for a year in both French and American oak. This medium-bodied wine boasts enticing flavors of red and purple berries, plum, cedar, chocolate, and baking spices. It pairs beautifully with classic local Portuguese dishes, making it a perfect choice for when you, inspired by those social media posts, decide to board a plane and experience the region firsthand.
Recommended
Natural Wine, Explained By A Sommelier
The Easiest Ways To Decarbonate A Drink Using Pantry Items
One Simple Trick Will Make Store-Bought Eggnog Taste Homemade
The Pro-Tip For Making Frozen Cocktails That Don't Melt Instantly
Next up