Creating the Perfect Collection
Drinking good wine doesn’t have to cost a lot of money – contrary to popular belief, expensive wine isn’t necessarily better than more affordable bottles. In fact, finding a tasty, good value wine can be even more exciting than cracking open a high-priced vintage – the trick is developing your palate and knowing what to look for.
Our list of must-have wines can get you started on your way to building a collection that will suit any occasion. Or, if wines aren’t your thing, check out our recommended spirits and mixers to get your home bar ready to entertain.
White
Yalumba Y Series Unwooded Chardonnay
This South Australian chardonnay is light and fresh, bursting with tropical fruit and melon flavors. Since it’s unoaked, it’s not your typical chardonnay – in fact, even people who wouldn’t normally choose a chardonnay could find themselves picking up a second (or third!) bottle of this one.
Charles Smith Wines Kung Fu Girl Riesling
The refreshing flavors of mandarin orange and white peach that dominate this crisp wine are a perfect complement for Netflix on the couch with Thai or Chinese takeout. The high acidity in this bright Riesling from Washington State makes it a solid and inexpensive addition to your collection.
Tohu Sauvignon Blanc Awatere Valley Marlborough
New Zealand is known around the world for its exceptional Sauvignon Blancs, and this one is a definite winner. With a dry finish and zesty minerality, this award-winning wine offers flavors of pink grapefruit, green apple, and sweet lime. Try it paired with feta or goat’s cheese.
Cantina di Gallura “Canayli” Vermentino di Gallura
This refined Italian wine showcases rich floral notes along with flavors of apple, orange peel, and minty herbs. Gin drinkers especially will appreciate its botanical aromas. If you’re having fish for dinner, you won’t go wrong drinking this delicate white along with it.
2012 Zeitgeist Trousseau Gris Russian River Valley
Lemon zest and ginger bring out vibrant stone fruit and tropical lychee flavors in this fresh, mouth-watering wine. We recommend enjoying this balanced white with roasted squash or another root vegetable – but you won’t be disappointed if you drink it alongside French fries or pork belly, either.
Red
Knez Anderson Valley 2014 Pinot Noir
California is famous for its delicious Cabernet Sauvignon, but this Pinot Noir proves there’s more to the region than just one grape. This medium-bodied red offers juicy red fruit flavors – tart cherry, pomegranate, and raspberry – accented by notes of clove and cinnamon. Light on tannins and high in acidity, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a roast chicken or turkey dinner.
2014 Château de Landiras Rouge, Graves
If you’re craving a steak, you might want to pick up a bottle of this red blend (75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon) to have with it. With medium tannins and bright acidity, it’s a great complement to a beef-heavy meal. Get ready for notes of black cherry, blueberry, nutmeg, and vanilla – and maybe even a little mint.
2015 Vigne de Fer Côtes du Rhône
This French blend of 40% Carignan, 30% Grenache, and 30% Syrah boasts a rich complexity and juicy flavor, making it an ideal companion for a barbecue. It’s bold, earthy, and succulent, and very underpriced – with this wine, you can fool almost anyone into thinking they’re drinking a $50 Zinfandel.
Luccarelli Negroamaro Puglia IGP
A velvety Italian red, this negroamaro packs both freshness and coziness into one ruby colored drink. Notes of black currants and berries are complemented by an intense spiciness and rich mouthfeel. It’s best paired with pasta and medium aged cheese – the perfect excuse for a night in with some comfort food.
Te Mata Estate Vineyards Gamay Noir Hawke’s Bay
Even an exclusively white wine drinker will appreciate the vibrant character of this fresh New Zealand red. Best when served lightly chilled, gamay smells like a ripe strawberry – but this dry wine provides juicy fruit flavors without heavy sweetness. You can serve it with an oily fish like salmon… or just enjoy it on its own, because it’s really that good.
Rosé & Sparkling
2016 Fabien Collonge Beaujolais Rosé
Fresh berry, orange zest, and peppery herbs in a vibrant pink wine. There’s really nothing better than that. You can’t go wrong with this refreshing rosé – it’s dry, mineral-driven, and will please even the harshest critic.
Château Gassier “Esprit Gassier” Côtes de Provence Rosé
Almost clear with the slightest hint of peach, this gorgeous wine has the perfume of exotic fruits, fine spices, and light florals, but it tastes like white fruits and candy. You’ll get hints of raspberry, tangerine, and banana – and you’ll probably be disappointed when you’ve finished the bottle. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
This bottle is so beautiful, you might not want to open this one – but when you do, you’ll be in for a treat. This bone-dry rosé is made from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and a touch of Rolle, and is perfect paired with light appetizers or a lamb dish. It’s crisp, fragrant, and incredible value for the money.
Mas Codina Cava Brut Reserva Penedès
This elegant Spanish Cava blend is crisp and dry, with balanced minerality and fine, soft bubbles. With flavor notes of golden apple, nectarine, and a slight nuttiness, it’s ideal served with manchego and parmesan. This one drinks far above its price point.
Launois “Cuvée Reserve” Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Delicate bubbles and delicious flavor make this classic Chardonnay champagne a true delight to drink – whether you have it in the evening with appetizers or in your mimosa at brunch. You’ll taste bright Meyer lemon, toasted brioche, and subtle hazelnut, accented by gentle acidity and balanced tartness.
These wines are so good, they’ll taste great even out of a coffee mug, but for best results, we recommend using glasses from either Zalto or Stölzle Lausitz. Drinking your wine out of these glasses will help the aromas and flavors emerge – and they’ll make a stylish addition to your home bar décor.