Affordable red wines
From big and bold to light and fruity, with so many flavors, aromas and colors in between, there’s a red wine for every taste, occasion and budget. While there are several luxury bottles of red that cost a pretty penny, red wine that’s inexpensive doesn’t mean it lacks excitement.
Our list below aims to prove just that, with a roundup of red wines that cost $20 or less. Some are popular varietals from trusted vineyards, while others are unique bargains for more adventurous and curious palettes. Cheers!
Cheap red wine
Care Tinto Sobre Lias Garnacha Syrah: $9.99 at Wine AccessFor those who shy away from big-bodied reds but still want to embrace a fruit-filled flavor, we recommend this Spanish Syrah and grenache blend that boasts plum and blackberry notes and a beautiful matching color. It’s more versatile and can pair well with several different types of meals and can even be enjoyed on its own after some decanting.
Dark Horse Pinot Noir: $9.99 at DrizlyThis popular bottle from a noteworthy California winemaker is on the lighter side. Though Dark Horse may seem to indicate a bolder option, this pinot noir is bright and vibrant, an easy-drinking wine that’s versatile enough to pair with just about any meal or drink by itself.
19 Crimes Red Blend: $10.99 at DrizlyWe enjoy all the varieties from this popular and iconically branded vineyard in Australia, but the red blend may be our favorite with its balanced oaky and fruit flavors. This signature bottle features Syrah, grenache, and cabernet sauvignon with a hint of jam and chocolate and touch of sweetness.
Concha Y Toro Frontera: $12.49 at SauceyWhile European winemaking regions get a lot of attention, often with higher prices because of their reputation, it’s worth looking to Argentina for terrific red wine options that are inexpensive. Case in point: this Frontera malbec that features a stunning color, red fruit notes and black fruit flavors. It makes for easy drinking and is definitely a bottle you’ll want to stock up on.
Lindeman’s Bin 40 Merlot: $12.49 at SauceyAnother vineyard that produces a wide range of quality varietals, we’re partial to the merlot offered by Lindeman’s in Australia. This medium-bodied wine is soft, velvety, and bursting with red fruit flavors and hints of oak.
Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Zinfandel: $13.49 at SauceyThis is another popular and ubiquitous winemaker that offers low-priced bottles that are more than satisfying. Flavorful and easy to drink, enjoy a glass with meats, cheese, pastas, and poultry. Choose this red if you like high tannin and acidity like a cabernet sauvignon, but with a lighter body.
La Vieille Ferme: $13.49 at SauceyThis wine is reserved for those who love black fruit flavors and a pinch of spice. The popular vineyard has been making quality, reliable wine for over a half century, and this iconic bottle is fresh, full, and highly enjoyable.
Almarada Malbec Uco Valley Mendoza: $13.99 at Wine Access (was $16.99)While we’re partial to the artistic label, the malbec within offers a beautiful blend of oakiness and fruity flavors. It features minty and rocky aromas, followed by blackberry and cocoa tastes. Naturally, the price is great too.
Monte Antico Toscana Rosso Tuscany: $15.99 at Wine AccessFor adventurous drinkers looking for something new and daring, we recommend looking into this rich and complex Tuscan red. It blends modern and rustic aging techniques resulting in flowery aromas, and earthy notes that blend with fruity flavors.
Esprit de Fonrozay Bordeaux: $16 at Wine Access (was $32)This slightly aged merlot is a great deal at its normal price, but even more of a steal on sale. From 2016, it’s a French red that’s lush and elegant, a smooth drink that you’ll want to savor as long as possible. Chill and decant to enjoy now and pick up an extra bottle or two to age for months or even years to come.
J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon: $16.99 at DrizlyThe cabernet sauvignon is the most popular varietal in the world. A trusted name out of California, this quintessential big and bold cab from J. Lohr features dark chocolate and oaky notes mixed with blackberry and blueberry flavors. Any full meals, particularly creamy and cheesy fare, will find its perfect match with this cab.
Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret: $17.99 at DrizlyDon’t be fooled by the price: it’s no accident that this option from Francis Ford Coppola is part of the Diamond Collection. Within the glossy bottle and gold netting is a wine that’s smooth and lush, a full-bodied California red with an earthy, European flair.
Viticcio Chianti Classico: $19 at Wine AccessIt’s not always easy to find an inexpensive Chianti that’s of high quality, but this bottle features all the beloved flavors and aromas that connoisseurs adore. Raspberry, cherry, cranberry and plum flavors mingle with flowery aromas for a textured taste. You’ll want to decant for 30 to 60 minutes first; for those seeking an investment, age now and enjoy something more complex and flavorful in years ahead.
Domaine de Piaugier Cotes du Rhone Villages Sablet Rouge: $19 at Wine AccessFor those who enjoy luxury wines from the famed Châteauneuf-du-Pape region of France, this bottle is so similar in taste and quality, that it will be hard to tell the difference — and it comes at a portion of the cost. This fruit-forward wine is spiced and textured, and best enjoyed alongside sumptuous meals.
Stay Home Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley: $20 at Wine AccessWe love this clever bottle that’s full of body, black fruit notes and layered tannins. You’ll also find hints of espresso, mocha and oak. Enjoy it right out of the bottle with charcuterie and cheese platters.
Anthony Marcusa is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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