Let’s set the record straight once and for all. A high price does not necessarily translate to high quality when it comes to wine. The single greatest factor contributing to the price of any bottle is the land on which it’s grown. Which is also why even the most pedestrian plonk from, say, Napa, will cost you a pretty penny. But fret not, friends, savor the flavor of savings as you search for these affordable summer wines on the shelves.
Affordable Summer Wines to Whisk You Away
Prince Alexandre Crémant de Loire Brut NV (Loire Valley, France)
Do you have Champagne taste without the Champagne budget? Look for “crémant” from France and you’ll have wines made in the very same style, just made in different regions around l’Hexagone (as the French call their home). This wine is an absolute steal for under $15 (and a Chairman’s Selection at PLCB stores). It’s full of zesty lemon, pear, and apple aromas and flavors, and the finish is as dry and dazzling as the finest from its more famous frères.
Quinta de Gomariz Vinho Verde Loureiro 2023 (Vinho Verde, Portugal)
The Loureiro grape, which means “laurel” in Portuguese, provides the pretty grapefruit and floral perfume of this pleaser. It’s fresh and crisp as diving into the swimming pool after a few hours in the sun. Again, you’ll find this beautiful bargain for under 15 bucks.
Jean-Claude Mas ‘Vinus’ Clairette du Languedoc 2023 (Languedoc, France)
Yes, you can find an under-$10 bottle in Pennsylvania that will surprise and delight. This bright and light white from the south of France is the perfect example. Vaguely tropical aromas and flavors of pear and pineapple are obvious upon opening, and there’s an herbal and floral quality that keeps things interesting and well-rounded.
Susana Balbo ‘Crios’ Rosé of Malbec 2023 (Mendoza, Argentina)
Susana Balbo has a reputation for making affordable wines without sacrificing quality, and this rosado is no exception to that rule. Made from the country’s flagship grape, this wine comes from the Andean foothills and is full of tart cherries and strawberries with a little bit of savoriness. Enjoy on its own or with summer salads and charcuterie.
Wilhelm Walch ‘Prendo’ Schiava Vigneti delle Dolomiti 2023 (Alto Adige, Italy)
A feather-light red wine that’s perfect for the season, pop this one in the cooler or the fridge and enjoy its subtle sensations of rose petals, bing cherries, and almond. Pair this with your grilled favorites, cured meats and cheeses, or all by itself on a summer’s evening.
Story by Adam Knoerzer
Photo Courtesy of Dina Makhmutova
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