Anthony Gismondi: Here are the best 'cheaper' red wines to sip this fall
As we bid farewell to the carefree days of summer and welcome the cooler weather of autumn, it’s time to start stocking up on affordable workhorse red wines to pair with heartier meals. Finding value-for-money wines has become increasingly challenging in recent years, with rising production and shipping costs driving up prices around the globe. Despite the higher prices, the quality of many wines has not seen a corresponding improvement.
When it comes to budget-friendly red wines, certain regions continue to offer good value options. The Languedoc in southern France, central and northern Spain, parts of Portugal, South Australia, South Africa, and sections of Chile and Argentina are still producing wines that won’t break the bank. Even closer to home, British Columbia has some options in the $25 to $40 range that can compete with international counterparts.
Here are some affordable workhorse reds to consider for the fall season:
Australia:
– Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2020, South Australia – $19.99
– Yalumba Organic Shiraz 2019, South Australia – $19.99
– Wynns Coonawarra The Siding Cabernet Sauvignon – $26.99
France:
– Paul Mas Grenache, Pays d’Oc – $15.99
– Père Anselme La Fiole Côtes du Rhône – $17.99
– Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Rouge, Rhone Valley – $19.99
Italy:
– Famiglia Pasqua Romeo & Juliet Passione e Sentimento Rosso, Veneto – $18.99
– Cusumano Nero d’Avola, Sicily – $18.99
– Guffo Sangiovese Merlot, Abruzzo – $18.99
South America:
– Santa Julia Reserva Malbec, Valle de Uco – $19.99
– El Esteco Blend de Extremos Cabernet, Cafayate – $19.99
– Finca La Linda Private Selection Old Vines Malbec, Mendoza – $22.99
Spain:
– Campo de Borja Borsao Garnacha – $15.99
– El Petit Bonhomme Tinto, Jumilla – $17.99
– Laya Garnacha Monastrell, Almansa – $19.99
British Columbia:
– Narrative Red Merlot Cabernet Franc – $19.90
– Evolve Momento – $24.99
– Meyer Pinot Noir 2023 – $25.30
These wines should carry you through the first half of autumn, but don’t wait too long to stock up, as prices are unlikely to decrease any time soon. Happy hunting for your perfect workhorse reds for the fall season!
