If you love red wine, you’ve likely spent a fair amount of time stalking up and the down the aisles of your local wine store inspecting unfamiliar bottles. When buying red wine, you’re always wondering which one might just be your next favourite. As different wine regions emerge with promise each year, and certain vintages come of age, it can be hard to stay on top of new develops and know where your hard-earned money is best spent.
Thankfully, there are many outstanding red wines that you can buy on the regular without breaking the bank. Here are ten of the best budget red wines that are priced under the $15 mark:
1. Bodegas Nekeas Vega Sindoa Tempranillo
A lovely wine that isn’t too heavy, this Spanish Tempranillo boasts red-fruit flavors and just a bit of spice at the end. Along with a nice dry bouquet and hints of leather and pepper, it is the perfect red to serve with beef, lamb, or veal and it is even bold enough to stand up to barbecue.
2. Elsa Bianchi Malbec
Malbec has been popular in recent years and known as the best budget red wine in the market. This delicious wine made with grapes from the Doña Elsa vineyard is rich, packed with berry flavour and comes in at a very reasonable price point. It is perfect for sipping on its own but is also juicy enough to be a nice accompanying for a cheese plate or a variety of appetizers.
3. Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages Combes Aux Jacques
Sometimes, the Beaujolais gets a bad rap, but you’d do well to try this 2017 harvest from the Louis Jadot winery and decide for yourself. Slightly higher in acidity and lower in tannins, it is easy to drink, while containing enough complexity to keep things interesting.
With touches of everything from licorice to rose flower, you’ll find something new to discover about this wine whether you pair it with grilled fish or beef brisket. And all of that for less than 15 dollars a bottle.
4. Banfi Col di Sasso
If you’re looking for a well-priced crowd pleaser to share at your next dinner party, this Cabernet-Sangiovese blend is a good bet. It is rich and rewarding with aromas of cherry and other dark fruit. Perfect to sip while mingling and sampling different bites of food.
5. Luzón Verde
Apparently 2015 was a very good year, and this Monastrell further confirms that. You wouldn’t guess the low price while enjoying the bold red berry flavours in this organic wine that is decorated with floral tones and mineral touches. Perfect served with vegetable stew of roast beef.
6. Loios Vinho Tinto Alentejano
A delightful wine hailing from one of the most notable up and coming regions of Portugal, this one is a real testament to how promising the future of Europe’s most western country really is. It has an appealing, herb-laden aroma that comes together thanks to a carefully crafted blend of the Aragónez, Trincadeira and Castelão varieties.
7. R Collection by Raymond Field Blend
For around 10 dollars a bottle, you can get your taste buds dancing with this eclectic blend of Cabernet, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Syrah. A typical California blend, this accessible wine offers exceptional balance and a velvety texture, ultimately culminating in a long, satisfying finish.
8. Bogle Petite Sirah
Truly a steal at this price point, Bogle’s Petite Sirah boasts intense blueberry and dark fruit aromas, without ever seeming too dense or heavy. Aged in an American oak barrel, this rich and decadent wine even reveals subtle tasting notes of cocoa and brown sugar.
