A World of Wine Values

Despite the fact that wine prices continue to rise, there are still some amazing wine values to be found from all around the world. Many of the wines on our best-value list have been great values for almost 30 years, and there are also some exciting new wines that have been added to the list.

France has some of the highest-priced wines in the world, but they also have some of the best wine values.

FRANCE

DOMAINE DU CLOS FIEF JULIENAS CUVEE TRADITION: Domaine du Clos Fief is run by Michel Tete and his son, Sylvain. This is a fourth-generation Cru Beaujolais vineyard. The Tete wines are are beautiful examples of terroir-driven reds. This Julienas is made from 50-year-old vines. It is a beautiful, soft, smooth wine with bright flavors of clean fleshy fruit. The perfect summer red, that can be served with a slight chill.

DOMAINE PAUL BLANCK PINOT BLANC D’ALSACE: The Paul Blanck estate dates back to the 17th century. This delicious white wine is a consistent good value year after year. It is a bright, beautiful wine with flavors of melon, flowers and peach. It is very lively and approachable, with great minerality. Pair this wine with seafood, lightly sauced dishes, fish, soup or poultry.

DOMAINE MICHEL BARRAUD MACON-VILLAGES: This wine is produced from old vines of Chardonnay, it has great clarity and brilliance, with flavors of apple, pear and spice. Crisp, clean, with pure flavors. Always on our best-value list!

More great values from around the world:

SPAIN

TINEDO TEMPRANILLO JA! A 100 percent estate-grown and certified organic wine.

It has violet, cherry and spice notes, good balance with a delicious fresh finish. From the Alvarez family of La Mancha. An amazing value!!

AH-SO ROSADA: This crisp, clean, delicious wine happens to come in a can. Wine in cans have become extremely popular; they are perfect for a day at the beach, bay, boating, or sitting by the pool. This Spanish rose is made from Garnacha grapes, it is fresh, crisp, and very drinkable.

GRANBAZEN ALBRINO: This is an elegant, dry wine with crisp acidity and aromas of green apple, grass and citrus. It has a very pleasing salty aftertaste.

CALIFORNIA

Michael Sullberg started producing wines in California in 1990. For decades, Sullberg and his family worked hard at producing high-quality wines at affordable prices. Today, the winery is run by Michael’s daughter Leah, who continues the tradition of very good and affordable wines.

MICHAEL SULLBERG CHARDONNAY: A medium-bodied classic Chardonnay with aromas of stone fruit, citrus and toast. It has exceptional depth and flavors.

MICHAEL SULLBERG MERLOT: A juicy wine with clean flavors of ripe cherry, blackberry, plum, with a hint of spice and white pepper. The finish is soft and velvety smooth.

MICHAEL SULLBERG CABERNET: This is a pretty, ruby-colored wine with juicy flavors of cherry and blackberry with a hint of spice, and a long, pleasant finish.

ITALY

PAOLO SCAVINO VIN ROSSO: This is a delightful wine from the famous Barolo producer Paolo Scavino. This Rosso is a blend of Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Merlot. It is a fresh supple wine that will drink well over the next year or two. Pair with vegetarian, light antipasta, white meat, and fresh goat cheese.

LISINI SANGIOVESE IGT TOSCANA SAN BIAGIO: The Lisini-Clementi family has owned land in the Montalcino area since the 16th century but did not start planting vines until the 1930s. This a delicious pure Sangiovese from Montalcino that is not classified to be Brunello but is farmed in the same way. This is a delicious pure Sangiovese that emphasizes bright, fresh fruit and is very approachable.

GERMANY

VON WINNING RIESLING DRY: A beautiful Riesling with the perfect balance of fresh fruit, crisp acidity, and minerality. Antonio Galloni scored this wine 90 points in Wine Advocate, and writes, “This Riesling is a delight! … succulent and subtle with a creamy palate and mouthwatering spice, and a mineral finish.”

SELBACH-OSTER INCLINE RIESLING: The name incline refers to the steep slopes of the Mosel region. This is a fresh and fruity wine, very clean and vibrant, with fresh citrus flavors.

SOUTH AFRICA

JOOSTENBERG LITTLE J WHITE: Another outstanding value! This South African gem is a blend of Chenin Blanc and Viognier. This is a fresh, fruity and unpretentious wine, perfect as an aperitif, or served with Asian dishes, fish or summer salads. Perfect for summer sipping.

NEW YORK

HERMANN J. WIEMER RIESLING DRY: Hermann Wiemer is one of the pioneers of viticulture and winemaking in the Finger Lakes of New York. Wiemer’s ancestors had a history of winemaking in the Germany’s Mosel Region for 300 years. After arriving in New York, he found the climate and gravelly soil of the Finger Lakes to be similar to that in the Mosel Region. In 1976, he planted one of the first vineyards on Seneca Lake. The Wiemer wines are known for their distinctive mineral qualities, and refreshing acidity.

All of these wines retail for less than $20 and many sell for less than $10. Most of these are not overly complex wines, but they are perfect to share for those last big outside meals of the summer.

Enjoy!

Please drink responsibly.