This month, I set four clear goals for my wine recommendations. First, the wines had to be top of their class. Second, they needed to deliver exceptional value: priced under $20 and offered at prices better than you’ll find elsewhere. Third, I wanted the entire lineup to feature red wines. Finally, each bottle had to be something I would confidently bring to a great BYOB or serve at a nice dinner at home.
The wines below are the result of sorting through thousands of bottles available across the Philadelphia metro area to identify the absolute best buys. That’s how I spend my weekend. Enjoy!
Keith
Clotilde Legrand 2022 “Les Lizières” Saumur-Champigny (Loire)
Cabernet Franc grown on the limestone and tuffeau soils of Saumur-Champigny shows impressive purity in this sulfur-free bottling from Clotilde Legrand. Aromas of cassis, crushed violets, and wild berries are lifted by subtle pepper and herbal notes. Stainless-steel fermentation preserves freshness, allowing juicy red- and black-fruit flavors to glide across a supple frame of silky tannins and bright acidity. The finish is airy and mineral-driven, highlighting the Loire Valley’s hallmark balance of freshness and elegance.
Food pairing: roast chicken with thyme or grilled portabello mushrooms
PA Price: $15.33
Typical U.S. Price: $22–$26
Tenuta delle Terre Nere 2023 Etna Rosso (Sicily)
Drawn largely from high-elevation vineyards on Mount Etna’s northern slope, this Nerello Mascalese captures the energy of Sicily’s volcanic terroir. The nose offers red cherry, crushed rose petals, and clove, layered with hints of smoke and mineral dust. On the palate, vibrant acidity and fine tannins frame bright wild-berry fruit, creating a texture that feels almost Pinot-like in its elegance. The volcanic soils add tension and lift, carrying the wine through a long, mineral finish.
Food pairing: grilled lamb chops or roasted eggplant
PA Price: $22.53
Typical U.S. Price: $24–$32
https://www.finewineandgoodspirits.com/tenuta-delle-terre-nere-etna-rosso-2023/product/100034096
Boutinot 2020 “Les Coteaux Schisteaux” Séguret Côtes du Rhône Villages Rouge
From schist soils in the hills around Séguret, this Grenache- and Syrah-based blend delivers the depth and warmth typical of Rhône Villages wines. Aromas of blackberry, cocoa, and toasted spice lead into a dense palate layered with black cherry, smoky herbs, and hints of anise. Full-bodied and structured, the wine balances robust tannins with a subtle mineral edge that keeps the finish lively and persistent. It’s a dark, savory Rhône red with impressive concentration for the price.
Food pairing: rosemary-rubbed pork or grilled sausages
PA Price: $15.33
Typical U.S. Price: $17–$22
Bodegas Leza Garcia 2022 Graciano Rioja Crianza
Graciano rarely stands alone in Rioja, but this bottling highlights the grape’s intensity and aromatic lift. Fermented and aged in oak, the wine opens with notes of wild cherry, blueberry, and baking spice layered with hints of tobacco and dried herbs. The palate is structured yet lively, with dark-fruit flavors supported by vibrant acidity and firm, powdery tannins. The finish lingers with spice and berry notes, showing both freshness and power.
Food pairing: grilled steak, chorizo, or manchego
PA Price: $14.99
Typical U.S. Price: $16–$20
Maquis 2020 “Lien” Red Colchagua Valley (Chile)
Sourced from vineyards in Palmilla within Chile’s Colchagua Valley, this blend of Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc is aged for 18 months in French oak. Aromas of blackberry, plum, and dark chocolate mingle with eucalyptus, balsamic, and cedar. The palate is broad and structured, with plush tannins supporting layers of dark fruit and savory spice. Despite the challenges of the vintage, the wine remains balanced and polished, finishing with persistent blackberry and herbal notes.
Food pairing: grilled ribeye or braised short ribs
PA Price: $18.03
Typical U.S. Price: $20–$25
https://www.finewineandgoodspirits.com/maquis-lien-red-blend-colchagua-valley-2020/product/100041178
Sella & Mosca 2020 Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva (Italy)
Produced from Cannonau grown in Sardinia’s Mediterranean climate, this Riserva balances freshness with depth. Aromas begin with cranberry and hibiscus before deepening into plum, tobacco, and hints of chocolate and vanilla from oak aging. The palate is silky yet lively, driven by bright acidity that highlights ripe wild-berry fruit and subtle herbal notes. Fine tannins add structure while maintaining a supple texture, finishing with lingering spice and a touch of licorice.
Food pairing: roasted lamb or aged pecorino
PA Price: $14.33
Typical U.S. Price: $18–$28
https://www.finewineandgoodspirits.com/sella-mosca-cannonau-riserva-2020/product/100036120
Jean-Marc Burgaud 2022 Beaujolais-Lantignié
From old Gamay vines grown on granite soils in Lantignié, this Beaujolais delivers a structured expression of the region’s signature grape. Aromas of sour cherry, wild strawberry, and blood orange mingle with subtle hints of vine smoke and crushed stone. Fermentation and aging in concrete tanks preserve the wine’s purity and freshness. The palate is sleek and vibrant, balancing juicy red fruit with crisp acidity and youthful tannins that carry the wine through a long, mineral-tinged finish.
Food pairing: charcuterie, roast duck, or mushroom risotto
PA Price: $13.53
Typical U.S. Price: $16–$22
https://www.finewineandgoodspirits.com/jean-marc-burgaud-beaujolais-lantignie-2022/product/100030752
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