Wine has been associated with food for thousands of years. But, it’s not until recently people have begun to really pay attention to the quality of our foods and wines. A common mantra of yesteryears has been “red wine with meat, white wine with chicken and fish.” Today, we know that is not true and the art of pairing wine with food can be quite complex and expensive. It is commonly believed that the older and more expensive a bottle of wine is the better it will be. That is not true! There are a plethora of good quality wines for under $20.
When purchasing a bottle of wine you want to consider the three “S’s” of wine tasting. The swirl, the smell, and the sip. Swirling allows you to see the wine’s texture and color. Young red wines will be a bluish red, whereas, an older red wine will warm to a ruby, then garnet, and finally brick red. As you swirl the wine, an older wine and those high in alcohol will descend in sheets or “legs” on the inside of the glass. Swirling also opens up the wine to oxygen to release its’ aromatics. All wines should exhibit strong fruit aromas, but many other aromas may be present as well, such as spice, herbs, and earth.
Different varieties of grapes and strains of yeast produce different types of wine. Some of the most common red wines found at the dinner table are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel.
THE BEST RED WINES UNDER $20
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the result of an unintended cross between Cabernet Franc (red) and Sauvignon Blanc (white). Cabernet Sauvignon has a high ratio of grape skin to pulp, which gives the wine its deep red color, large seeds that provide a higher level of tannin that gives the wine its long longevity, and a good tolerance for different growing climates. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are grown in regions varying from Russia to southern France to Argentina.
The Menage a Trois Cabernet Sauvignon has bold, dark fruit flavors with silky tannins. The grapes come from three regions in California’s North Coast region and are aged in French and American oak barrels. For about $14 a bottle, this wine is a steal.
The Root: 1 Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep garnet color with ripe berries, cassis, plum and dark cherry aromas. It is a full-bodied wine with hints of red berry and mocha. It pairs well with red meat, roasted vegetables, and spicy soups. It can usually be found for $10-15 a bottle.
Merlot
Merlot wines are some of the most expensive wines in the world, with the most sought after wines priced as high as $2,000 a bottle! Merlot is the most widely planted grape in the Bordeaux region of France. Merlot differs from Cabernet Sauvignon in that it is softer and smoother on the palate. Quality Merlots come from northeastern Italy, California, Israel, and Washington State.
The 2004 Chateau Tour de Mirambeau is a ripe, generous French wine with fresh black currant flavors over soft tannins produced by the Despagne family in the heart of Entre-deux-Mers, Bordeaux. Bottles go for about $19 a bottle.
The 2003 Alois Lageder Merlot is a steal of an Italian wine at $15 a bottle. It is compact, clean, and crisp in the mouth. It has a hint of red berry, cappuccino and vanilla bean aromas.
Malbec
Malbec is a purple grape that tend to produce an inky dark color wine with robust tannins. Malbec is commonly grown in France and Argentina. French Malbec wines tend to be a more “rustic” version of Merlot. In Argentina the wine is softer with riper tannins and juicy fruit notes.
The 2010 Valentin Bianchi Malbec Mendoza is the perfect bottle of Malbec to bring to a dinner party. It has the semblance of a juicy blackberry pie with firm tannins. This $17 bottle of wine also offers spicy, peppery flavors balanced with chocolate sweetness.
The 2009 Trivento Reserve Malbec is a great option at $9 a bottle if you’re working on a tight budget. This wine has aromas of red raspberry with a little spicy, oaky vanilla sweetness. This wine pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Pinot Noir
The Pinot Noir grape is native to the Burgundy region of France where it has mutated into many of world’s famous white grapes. Pinot Noir requires cool and fog-prone growing conditions mixed with volcanic or marine sedimented soil. Next to the Burgundy region, Pinot Noir comes from California and Oregon and New Zealand.
The 2006 Pencarrow Martinborough Pinot Noir from New Zealand is a gamey, grapey bold red from the Martinborough region. The Pencarrow is the less-expensive second label of the region’s respected Palliser Estate. This wine will only set you back $18.
The Bouchard Aine & Fils Pinot Noir is a bargain from Burgundy at $13 a bottle. It is made exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes and offers up floral notes along with a bright red berry fruit flavor. This is a versatile and food-friendly wine that can be served aside everything from roasted game to smoked salmon.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel has a unique story. It was thought to have made its debut in a New York nursery in 1816. However, it wasn’t until recent genetic testing determined that the grape is a clone of the Italian Primitivo grape. The best Zinfandels originate from California, where many top Zinfandel producers specialize in this variety.
The 2012 Ravenswood Vintners Blend “Old Vine” Zinfandel is a great buy at $10 a bottle. It has notes of black cherry, raspberries, and blueberries and features a subtle hint of smoke that gives it more body. It’s a great addition to any spicy meat or any hearty pasta dishes with veggies and tomato sauces.
The 2011 Hahn Pinot Noir from Monterey, California is a lighter-bodied wine with aromas of fresh cranberry, raspberry, and cherry with secondary notes of lavender, violet, and spices. It pairs well with fish, poultry, or pasta. At $16 a bottle it makes a great hostess gift for any dinner party.
Buying wine for a dinner party or gift doesn’t have to be expensive. A good bottle of red wine can be purchased for under $20! Bon appetit!
