10 Delicious Wines for Under $15

So you’re in the wine shop and there are shelves and bins piled high with bottles of wine. The problem is, your wallet isn’t piled with much of anything. Well fret not! Here are ten picks for some great bottles that you can purchase without breaking the bank. And no, Yellowtail is not on here (you know who you are).

RED

5. Folie a Deux- Menage a Trois 2005- $12
This was one of my go-to wines in college. Though I’ll admit to drinking my fair share of Franzia, I regularly purchased my own bottles and this was often one of them. This wine delivers a tremendous amount of bang for your buck. Before you giggle uncontrollably, the name stems from the blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in the wine. It has rich flavors and firm tannins (a chemical compound imparted by the skins of the grapes, creates a drying sensation in your mouth) from the Cabernet with some roundness imparted by the Merlot and a hint of spice from the Zin. A great value wine.

4. La Grange 2005 Bordeaux- $9.95 at WineExpress.com
Here is a wonderful example of an affordable Bordeaux that really expresses the region. This is a Bordeaux blend that is heavy on the Merlot with a composition of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet and 5% Malbec. It has ripe berry with some delicate herbal nuances.

3. Ca’ del Solo Big House Red 2004, California (Bonny Doon)- $8.99
Here is another of my college faves. This wine is made from a blend of some unique grapes: Carignane, Petite Sirah and Sangiovese. The fruit is ripe and well integrated. Despite its modest price, it was rated 90 points by Wine Enthusiast Magazine and was awarded a “Best Buy” designation.

2. Simonsig Pinotage 2002, South Africa - $12.99
A full bodied, fruit forward Pinotage with notes of smokiness. I tried this wine in class and I really enjoyed it. Pinotage is the signature red wine grape of South Africa.

1. Chianti 2004 Fattoria Faltoganano- $8.95 at Wineexpress.com
A round, ripe Chianti that pairs beautifully with every day Italian foods like pizza and pasta. The nose has some black fruits and spice while the tannins (a chemical compound imparted by the skins during the winemaking process, creates a drying sensation in the mouth) are well integrated, making it very smooth.

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5. Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc, Private Bin. Marlborough, New Zealand 2006- $12.99
I have a particular affinity for Villa Maria because we stayed at the winery’s lovely guest house during a trip a few years ago. During that time we sampled the wide range of wines that they produce and there are some real winners. This is a lovely, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with citrus and tropical fruit notes. It is very versatile and pairs well with exotic foods.

4. Alsace Willm Gewurztraminer 2005 -$11.99
I’ve enjoyed this wine a lot recently as I had a few bottles in my apartment. It is really a steal with a beautiful aromatic nose and a nice smooth, long finish. If you have yet to try out a bottle of Gewurtz, this is a nice entry point.

3. Richard Hamilton Riesling, Slate Quarry McLaren Vale Australia 2006- $14
This is a really nice example of a dry, limey Australian Riesling with good acidity. If you are of the misconception that Rieslings are sweet- try this one out.

2. Torresella Pinot Grigio 2004- $8.99
This is an easy drinking, simple Pinot Grigio that goes down easy without a lot of thought. It has some apple and citric aromas with some floral notes.

1. Chateau Ste Michelle Chardonnay 2004, Columbia Valley Washington- $9.99
Usually I don’t go for Chardonnay but I know most people like it so I had to suggest one. This Chard is a great value with nice oak on the nose and fruit forward flavors of citrus, apples and pears.

Now you have no reason to drink bad wine. Enjoy

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