WineInk: $20 wines

Quick: Whose face is on the $20 bill?

Well, currently it is Andrew Jackson, who was the seventh president of these United States, having served a pair of terms from March 4, 1829, to March 4, 1837.

What does that have to with WineInk?

Well, as a wine scribe, the most frequent question I am asked is, “What’s a good wine for 20 bucks?”

I got the same question three times from three different lift mates while skiing this past weekend. It seems that $20 is a sweet spot for many wine drinkers. It is neither too much, nor too little. Most people don’t want to break the bank on an everyday bottle, but they will spend enough for an assurance that they are getting a bottle that will satisfy.

One thing to keep in mind when looking for a great value wine is to concentrate on some of the smaller regions of the world that have a reputation for producing solid wines. Think Paso Robles or Washington state instead of Napa, if you are looking for domestic wine in a more palatable price range. In France, for example, you might consider wines from the Rhône region instead of higher priced wines from Burgundy.

Also look for wines from Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa, as the southern hemisphere is a solid source for value. There is a whole world of wines out there for $20 or less. Oh, and also think about sticking with producers that have a track record for producing great wines at all price points. If a winery does well at higher price points, then it is not going to put swill in less expensive bottles bearing its name.

While it is pretty easy to walk into a wine shop and ask for a recommendation for a good wine, it really helps the salesperson to have an idea of how much you want to spend and perhaps a hint or two from you about what kind of wines you like to drink.

Telling the shop keeper, “I want a big red with a bit of spice and leather, and I’ve got a Jackson to spend” might illicit a response of “How about an Argentinian malbec?” He, or she, might escort you over to where the South American wines are kept and hand you a bottle of 2022 Bodega Catena “High Mountain Vines” Malbec, which should come in at right about that Jackson. Not including tax, of course.

Maybe you would prefer a domestic cabernet sauvignon-based wine for your $20? The Washington wines made by Rob and Deborah Griffin will fill the bill (pun Intended). One of the region’s most respected producers, the Barnard Griffin 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon made with grapes grown in the Columbia Valley, will set you back $18. Not bad for a wine that traditionally gets 90+ points from the critics and was awarded a spot on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wines.  

Love the wines of Italy? While many of the Chianti Classico wines of Tuscany have moved to higher priced tiers, there are still wines made in the Chianti region from the sangiovese grape that can be found right around that $20 a bottle mark. I have always loved the wines made by the Antinori family, and their 2022 Antinori Peppoli Chianti Classico is no exception. Fresh and floral, this estate-grown ruby red blend of sangiovese is a steal for the price at just $20.99 a bottle.  

France more your bag? Stick with great producers, and you can’t go wrong. While the high-end wines of Michel Chapoutier reflect the work of an artist, the more affordable offerings are worth time and attention, as well. The 2022 Belleruche Rouge by M. Chapoutier from the Côtes-du-Rhône is an intense blend of syrah and grenache that can be found for around $17, giving you a bit of change from your Jackson. And those little bumps on the label? All the Maison M. Chapoutier wine labels feature wine information in braille. They feel good in your hands.

The savvy white wine lover knows that there is tremendous value in the sauvignon blanc wines from the South Island of New Zealand. A $20 bill can go a long way in the land of the Kiwi, and $17 will get you a bottle of the Allen Scott Family Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2024, which is as good a deal as you’ll find from one of New Zealand’s top producers. It’s a great wine for spring and summer that won’t set you back.

Of course, there are those who want chardonnay of substance as the season changes, and one of the best values in the chardonnay world comes from Daou Vineyards in Paso Robles, California. While chardonnay prices are all over the price spectrum, ranging from single digits to triple figures, the 2023 Daou Chardonnay offers an outstanding interpretation of the grape for less than $20 — give or take — depending on where your wine buying takes place. Citrusy notes mingle with peach and pear on the nose and a hint of honey beguiles. Rich and lush but well-balanced on the palate, this is a wine that drinks well above its price range.

There you have it: A half a case of quality wines, each right around a $20 bill.  

Thank you, Mr. Jackson.