10 Great Holiday Wines For $30 Or Less
Uncork awesomely affordable bottles chosen by the experts at Wine Spectator.
Wine Spectator has unveiled its Top 100 Wines of 2020, the wine bible’s selection of the most exciting wines reviewed this past year. The top bottle is a classic Rioja, from Spain’s premier producing region, but the list spans a variety of fine wines from 15 countries. Here, 10 affordable holiday bottles–all except one are $30 or less–expertly selected from Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2020.
Invivo Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough X, Sarah Jessica Parker 2019
90 Points
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFmtYqBn-cQ
Yes, that SJP, star of Sex and the City, is making a crisp, lively white from New Zealand. From $20
Jermann Pinot Grigio Friuli 2017
91 Points
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFT2vOVn8UQ
If you enjoy the refreshing flavors of Pinot Grigio, take a step up in depth and complexity with this version from northeast Italy. From $30
Reata Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2018
90 Points
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7luUWlHY5E
Chardonnay is America’s favorite white wine, and this California version shows why; it’s rich, spicy and balanced. From $20
Klinker Brick Grenache Blanc Lodi 2019
90 Points
https://www.instagram.com/p/BygNhR2HPqP
The obscure grape, the undervalued region, the small, feisty winery – what’s not to like in this bold California white? From $15
El Cep Brut Cava Gelida Gran Reserva 2015
90 points
Holidays demand sparkling wine, and this Spanish version is zesty and expressive. From $20
Marchese de’ Frescobaldi Chianti Classico Tenuta Perano 2015
92 Points
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw9x9vqlQyX
The Frescobaldi family has been making wine in Tuscany for generations; their experience pays off in this savory red. From $24
Stoller Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2018
90 Points
https://www.instagram.com/p/CI0nIzMB7NR
Oregon has earned a great reputation for its Pinot Noir, which is arguably the most food-friendly red. The 2018 vintage produced excellent wines. From $20
Domaine Bousquet Malbec Tupungato 2019
90 Points
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFgOM6GnrNT
Argentina has found success with its bold, fruity reds from the Malbec grape. This one has textbook character at a great price. From $13
Bollinger Brut Champagne La Grande Annee 2012
97 Points
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9Hj_enq0Kg
For a lucky few, 2020 was “a great year,” as this classic sparkler is called. So go ahead and indulge yourselves – you’ve earned it. From $175
Chateau Cambon La Pelouse Haut-Medoc 2017
90 Points
This red Bordeaux is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, made from organic and sustainable vineyards, in a balanced, elegant style. From $20
To see the full list of Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2020, go here.