10 Wedding Wines Under $20
By Maureen C. Petrosky
Most wedding guests sip throughout the entire event, so wine selection should be a major focus. Yet for some reason wedding wines tend to be an afterthought. When choosing wines for a wedding, you need to keep in mind your guests, food and budget. Even with cost being a factor, there's no reason to compromise on taste. The following list consists of bubbles, whites and reds, with most priced under $15 a bottle.
When buying in bulk, remember to shop at locations that offer case discounts; this usually adds another 10 to 15 percent savings. If the wedding venue doesn't allow you to bring wines of your choosing, make sure to do a tasting of their offerings well before the big day.
1. Sofia Sparkling Blanc de Blancs, 2007, $19
If you're looking to kick off the event with a champagne toast but don't want to spend $50 a bottle, this is a great pick. I find it to be even more fabulous for a wedding than something French because it's so feminine and flirty. Its bouquet oozes romance with notes of honeysuckle and ripe melon. This bubbly is ideal for a garden wedding and a must for any bridal-party suite.
2. La Marca Prosecco Di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, 2007, $12.99
Prosecco, the Italian sparkler, is always a hit with large crowds. Priced just right, this mouthful of playful bubbles and citrus is celebratory in itself. It's dry, with great minerality and a clean, crisp finish.
3. Castelfelder Pinot Grigio, 2007, $13
When choosing wedding wines, you want to find sips suitable for lots of palates and a variety of foods. With its aroma of fresh pears and apples, this wine fits the bill perfectly.
4. Santi Sortesele, Pinot Grigio, 2007, $11.99
Since Pinot Grigio has spiked in popularity, you can't go wrong choosing this grape as your wedding white. This one in particular is elegant and feels rich on the palate.
5. Monsieur Touton Sauvignon Bordeaux, 2007, $8
This is a light and lovely white that gets your mouth watering and looks good to boot. The fancy gilded French label will have your guests thinking you splurged for the big day, yet this Bordeaux is a steal and sure to please.
6. Georges DuBoeuf Morgon 2007, $10
Here's a Cru Beaujolais pour you'd expect from the Gamay grapes; it's a light and lively red that's easy to drink. The mouth is full of juicy cherries, and the light body makes for a red wine that can be sipped all night without tiring your taste buds.
7. Maison Louis Latour, Domaine Valmoissine, Pinot Noir, 2006, $12
Pinot Noir is a great red to pair with a variety of hors d'oeuvres. This one is satiny smooth with strawberries and an Old World herbaceous hint, giving this easygoing red some subtle layers. This sip also works well with surf and turf or salmon.
8. Da Vinci Chianti, 2006, $12
Chianti is made to be a food-friendly wine, which is why this is a great pick for a wedding. You don't have to be Italian to enjoy the ripe fruit flavors and the balanced acidity of this red. The Da Vinci is always a party pleaser on its own or alongside something to nosh.
9. Monsieur Touton Grande Reserve Merlot, 2005, $9
Most people like Merlot even if they won't admit it. This one is smooth with supple red fruit and just gets better as it's swished and swirled. At this price it's a sure thing when buying for a big crowd.
10. Protocolo, Spanish Red Wine, 2006, $6
Many people think Cabernet is the best choice for a wedding, since people know it and like it; however, Cab can be too big for most cocktail-hour items and often overwhelms main-course choices. Go for a red like this sassy pick from Spain and your guests will thank you. It's bright, juicy and at this price, it can't be beat.
*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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