Sampling a range of good wines can be an expensive endeavor—especially if you have expensive taste. A single bottle can easily cost three digits, with many highly recommended wines costing well over $50 per bottle. Fortunately, there are other options. With a little bit of careful research and some shopping around, you can find all sorts of great wine choices for you without emptying your pockets. Here are some wines you have to try if you’re looking for a great bottle for less than $50.
Whites
Abbazia di Novacella Kerner ($20): If there’s one thing the monks of Abbazia di Novacella are known for, it’s making great wine. Their kerner is part riesling and part red grape, and the delicious combo will cost you only $20.
2012 Trimbach Pinot Gris Reserve ($22): Trimbach’s pinot reserve is a reasonably priced foray into the world of vintages.
2015 Clos des Lunes, Lune d’Argent ($20): If you’re looking for something a bit dryer, this Clos des Lunes Lune d’Argent is an excellent choice at just $20.
2015 Jordan Russian River Chardonnay ($32): Jordan Winery’s Russian River Chardonnay is one of our best chardonnay choices, thanks to its delicious flavor and balance.
Reds
2015 Domaine Barmes Buecher Reserve Pinot Noir ($33): Alsace is well-known for producing great wine, and this one is no exception. This is a nice, rich red with plenty of flavor.
2015 David Reynaud Domaine les Bruyeres Crozes-Hermitage Beaumont ($29): Reynaud is one of many great young winemakers in Rhone, and his syrah is an excellent choice.
2014 Chateau Cartier Saint-Emilion Grand Cru ($27): For only $27, you can dive into a deliciously fruity organic bordeaux merlot that’s delicious and sophisticated.
2015 Gabbiano Dark Knight ($17): If you need to get a few bottles of something affordable that will impress your guests, this blend of merlot, cabernet and sangiovese have plenty of flavor for a great price.
Champagnes
NV Geoffroy Expression Brut Premier Cru ($44): This delectable champagne has a pinot base that gives it a silky smooth texture and plenty of busy flavor that’s sure to impress any discerning tongue.
NV Larmandier-Benier Extra Brut Latitude ($48): If you prefer your champagnes start with Chardonnay, this is a great choice. It’s got a nice, creamy texture that makes this delicious champagne go down easy.
Sparkling Wines
2012 Domaine Carneros Estate Brut ($35): This vintage sparkling wine is an inexpensive alternative to champagne that still provides tons of great flavor.
2009 Mata I Coloma-Pere Mata Reserva Familia Brut Nature Cava ($26): For $26, you can’t go wrong with this vintage Spanish sparkling wine.
More Great Choices
2016 Tablas Creek Vineyard Dianthus Rose ($25): A deep, full-flavored rose, this Tablas Creek wine is an excellent way to get a high-end bottle for a reasonable price.
2013 Chateau Coutet ($46): Bordeaux makes great sweet wines, and this one is no exception. It’s an excellent choice for light sipping after a nice dinner.
1995 Kalin Cellars Sonoma County Chardonnay Cuvee CH ($46): This is about as cheap as you can get a chardonnay that’s been aged for this long, and the taste is absolutely worth the price tag.
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