10 Alternative Red Wines Under $20
By Maureen C. Petrosky
Wine lover or not, you know the names Cabernet, Merlot and maybe even Syrah, but settle for these three and you're missing out on the best part of wine — exploring it. There are so many types and grapes to choose from other than the standard glass of house red. Below you'll find a list of alternative reds that are sure to spice up your cellar and save your glass from boredom.
1. Francis Coppola, Claret, 2005, $17
This Claret (the name usually indicates Cab-based blends), in its sleek black bottle laced in gold mesh, combines Cabernet, Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec for a wine as rich as its wardrobe. Red berries and sweet spices fill your glass with a red to remember.
2. Summers Estate Winery, Charbono, 2006, $20
Calistoga, nestled above Napa Valley, is said to be the "sweet spot" for this uncommon grape. Only 80 acres are planted and each gives way to this yummy wine. Intense fruit flavor without tons of tannins makes this red easy to swallow. Serve with roasted pork loin and cornbread with dried cherry stuffing for a pleasing pairing.
3. Bogle Vineyards, Plantation, Phantom Red, 2005, $19
This is a blend of three grapes that are interesting on their own but stellar when combined. Petite Sirah, Old Vine Zinfandel and Old Wine Mourvedre mix it up for a spicy sip, featuring black pepper in the nose and sweeter notes like clove and anise that arise upon swirling, topped off with plum-rich fruit flavors that fill your mouth. It's a bit hot now but will blossom after a nap in the cellar.
4. Croix du Mayne, Cahors, 2005, $15
These days a Malbec-Merlot blend is not so unusual when talking Argentina. Many Malbec admirers don't know it's originally from France, and this sip from Cahors will have them swooning for more. Each drop is drenched in raspberries and ripples of dark chocolate. Great form and awesome acidity and tannins that tickle your tongue make this Malbec-Merlot memorable.
5. Francis Coppola, Alicante Bouschet, 2007, $17
Robed in its Magenta Label, this super-sexy Alicante Bouschet is something rare. Here we have a grape even many wine professionals don't know well. Start to finish, this red is luscious, jammy and begging to date a steak. Though it's wearing Paris Hilton pink, there's nothing frivolous about the pour. If you're a Zinfandel fan, this Coppola production is for you.
6. San Marco, Dolcetto D'Alba, 2007, $12
Having doubts seeking an alternative red? If so, head straight for the Italian section of your wine shop. Italy has so many succulent reds and whites off the beaten vineyard path. This little red is straightforward with fruit and a little finesse, but don't look for layered aromas or flavors. This is an easy drinking, food-friendly wine that's always a favorite of Italian locals, and that should tell us all we need to know.
7. Langhe, Nebbiolo, 2004, $15
Don't let the price fool you — this wine is a big-boy red that rocks. Nebbiolo is an Italian varietal that is used in Baroli and Barbareschi, but here you can savor it for a fraction of the price. Pouring from the Piedmonte region, this wine is like sipping a bowl full of cherries with a tinge of sweet black licorice.
8. Di Majo Norante, Contado Aglianico, 2004, $15
A steal for under $20, this seductive red oozes Old World charm with layers of berries, herbs and soft tannins that caress the palate. Like most Italian reds this doesn't forget the importance of acidity, making a sip that's perfect for food pairings from pastas to porterhouse steak.
9. La Mano, Mencia, 2006, $7
Mencia pours from the often-overlooked Bierzo region of Spain. The Mencia grape makes a red wine bursting with aromas of berries, cherries and spice. For under $10 you'll be thrilled at the wine found under this cork. Sips like this are reason enough to keep going back to taste what Bierzo has to offer.
10. Fairview, Pinotage, 2007, $12
Pinotage is the little red grape that calls South Africa home. Don't let the name fool you. It's more like a mix of Syrah and Merlot than anything resembling a Pinot. The Fairview Pinotage, in particular, has lots of clean fruit flavors like blackberry and plum, rounded out with hints of vanilla and a good mineral characteristic. If you love spicy Indian dishes like lamb vindaloo, this red is perfect. Go with creamy coconut curries if you prefer a little less sweat on the brow.
*Prices listed are based on the standard 750 ml bottle, unless otherwise noted and may vary depending on location and proprietor.
Maureen C. Petrosky is author of The Wine Club: A Month-By-Month Guide to Learning About Wine With Friends.
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