by Ellen Andre
All wines listed offer great taste and great value, each under $20. This is a detailed summary to give you an idea of style and flavors. These selections are readily available in most wine shops.
Red Wines
Raymond Field Blend – strong notes of bright red fruit and berries. It blends majority of merlot with sirah, petit verdot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, petite syrah and malbec. It’s pretty unusual to see this many grapes blended together. It offers a touch of spice and toasted oak. This wine shines when paired with grilled foods including meats and vegetables.
Michael David Petite Petit – this blend of petite sirah and petit verdot is an explosion of deep purple color, dense and full-bodied. Notes of ripe berries, cherry plum, dark chocolate..so deeply satisfying. It is aged for 12 months in French and American oak creating a smooth, show stopping wine. It is delicious.
Josh Cabernet – juicy and full it has flavors of blackberry, toasted hazelnut and cinnamon. This cabernet is considered one of the best in this affordable price range. Great wine that can stand up to well-seasoned meats and indulgent chocolate desserts.
Vietti Barbera – this wine hails from Piedmont, Italy and is easy drinking. Although it is a small region it produces some fine , unique wines. Has hints of red cherry aromas, nice acidity and soft tannins. It is 100% Barbera and pairs well with antipasti, grilled vegetables pasta or veal.
Ferrari Carano Siena – a perfect pizza wine…it has richness and a touch of fruitiness to balance any spice. It is a flavorful, balanced wine that can pair with just about anything and is made in the Italian style.
White Wines
La Crema Sauvignon Blanc – a delightful, juicy wine with tropical fruit notes. It is not very tart like some sauvignon blancs but more crisp and pleasing. It’s especially nice on a hot summer day. Pairs amazingly well with any seafood or by itself.
Decoy Chardonnay – this is bright and inviting Chardonnay from California. It has lovely fruit flavors…pleasing with delicate acidity and richness. You’ll notice layers of green apple, hints of honeysuckle and cinnamon. Not heavy or oaky.
La Cana Albarino – Spanish white with a bright straw color. You’ll notice fresh fruits such as apricot, candied pears, notes of vanilla but also very light with slight effervescence. Pure, crisp and vibrant. Pairs well with cheeses and appetizers.
Aveleda Vinho Verde – this is a white wine from northern Portugal. Wildly popular locally. It is a light, refreshing wine with lots of floral notes and green fruit notes. You’ll notice it has a slight fizziness but is mostly dry.
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio – hailing from Italy it is clean, refreshing and dry. It has a delightful aroma of golden apples and is a refreshing start to any food experience. Pinot Grigio goes well with fresh cheese, white meats like chicken and pork and creamy souffles.
If you try these wines or have the chance to share others you enjoy, please let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
14 responses to “Winning Wines – 10 Exceptional Wines for the New Year”
I am definitely trying a few different ones. Thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge on wines.
Thanks, Scott. These are just a few sure things with little risk. I’ll buy.
Thanks Ellen
Love these recommendations
Have had a few of the wines listed and loved them
Will try the others on your list
Keep the articles coming your knowledge of wines and food pairing is amazing
Give them a try and share your feedback. Would love to hear your thoughts. Thank you for your encouragement and support.
Hi Ellen,
Great selection of wines. Thank you for sharing this info. Sometimes it’s overwhelming going into a wine shop. This helps tremendously. Happy New Year.
It can be very overwhelming, you’re right. Just a few ideas of wines worth a try, with little investment! Most labels don’t tell you much so it can be a guessing game. Same to you, Happy New Year!
Thanks as always for sharing your wine knowledge! I didn’t know you did this and look forward to seeing more articles and tips on wine and food pairing!
You are welcome. I hope it gives you a little information to try something new! There are two prior articles as well. Thank you.
Fantastic article Ellen! I am excited to pick up a bottle of the Michael David Petite Petit as I haven’t had it in years…but remember it fondly!!
The La Cana is an awesome Albariño!
Happy New Year and thank you for these great suggestions!
The Michael David PP is as good as ever. I am always surprised that it such a great wine for the price. The Michael David wines in general are very good, you won’t be disappointed. Earthquake Cab is another I love. La Cana a nice albarino for the price, has a little bubbly feel. Happy New Year, thank you so much for reading.
Ellen, you’ve never steered me wrong in the wine department!
Except for Josh, I am unfamiliar with these wines, but not for long!
I look forward to trying these varieties. Great job Ellen! Keep ‘em coming!
Hope you try a few new ones and give us some feedback. The thing about under $20’s is you might find something you really like and if a wine isn’t your favorite..still not bad for under $20! Thank you!
I’m always happy to taste one, or in this case – 10 of your wine recommendations. The price point makes it even easier to say, why not! Happy New Year!!
Liz, thank you for your comment. You will enjoy many of these wines and as you say… why not! A big part of the fun is tasting new things! Saluti!