Let's Drink to the 10 Best Red Wines Under 20 Dollars
When I was a senior in college I took a wine tasting course and it changed my life. No, really it did. Up until that point I was what my professor so lovingly called a “moscato princess” i.e. someone who only drinks sweet white wines that taste eerily similar to grape juice. It was in that course that I took my first sip of a red that I could actually stand, and the rest is history. However, as a working young adult who loves wine it's hard to find a cheap red wine price that is just right. I simply don’t have the budget to go and buy a $60 bottle (and we all know most of it is gone within a night or two anyways). For all my fellow penny pinching vino fanatics out there, here is a list of the best red wines under 20 dollars.
1. Reata Three County Pinot Noir 2013 $16.99
- Central Coast, California
- 14% abv
- Black cherry and pomegranate notes with a medium to full bodied taste. Vanilla aroma with a deep ruby color. A delectable cheap red wine for any occasion.
- Buy Here
2. Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz 2015 $6.67
- South Africa
- 12.5% abv
- Fruity, semi sweet wine with hints of blackberries. This inexpensive red wine is great for pairing with sweet or savory foods. I recommend anything chocolate or if pairing with something savory, steak or beef wellington.
- Buy here
3. Haras de Pirque Hussonet Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 $12.99
- Maipo Valley, Chile
- 14% abv
- Black currant character with blackberry and peppery notes. Great for pairing with grilled food making this cheap red wine is another perfect summer wine.
- Buy here
4. Luigi Bosca Malbec 2013 $17.99
- Argentina, South America
- 14% abv
- A very earthy wine, this inexpensive red wine is complemented by bark and blackberry flavors. A great vino to pair with venison and red meats. I’m picturing this in autumn and winter with hearty meals and good company.
- Buy here
5. Metz Road Pinot Noir 2012 $19.99
- Central Coast, California
- 14% abv
- Black cherry and raspberry flavors define this cheap red wine with notes of vanilla and butterscotch. Layered with exciting flavors.
- Buy here
6. Errazuriz Max Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $12.39
- Chile, South America
- 14% abv
- Bright ruby colored wine with red fruit and mint aromas, this cheap red has a velvety but firm palate.
- Buy here
7. Beckmen Cuvee Le Bec 2013 $15.95
- Central Coast, California
- 15% abv
- Smoky inexpensive red wine with a plethora of berry and spice flavor. Sweet cherry finishing notes with a well balanced acidity. Great to pair with meats due to its earthy hints.
- Buy here
8. Murphy-Goode Liar's Dice Zinfandel 2012
- Sonoma County, California
- 15.5% abv
- A bold inexpensive zin, this wine has a nose of black cherries, black currant, and vanilla. Juicy, and full of dark fruit notes. Perfect to pair with your summer BBQ.
- Buy here
9. Artezin Mendocino Zinfandel 2012 $14.99
- North Coast, California
- 14.8% abv
- A magenta wine inspired by boysenberry, raspberry flavors, and notes of peppers and spices such as cinnamon. A perfect cheap red wine pairing for grilled meats as well as bold cheeses such as Gouda and Bleu.
- Buy here
10. Woop Woop Shiraz 2013
- South Australia, Australia
- 14.5% abv
- A deep hues wine with licorice and cherry cola aromas. Fun notes of blackberry jam and dark note flavors in this inexpensive red.
- Buy here
