Well, if your table wines are Classified Growth Bordeaux wines, then your definition of a “nice” wine, and your budget, is very different from mine. My definition of nice is a wine that complements my everyday dinner and I enjoy drinking it every time I open a bottle. Finding those wines at really attractive price points has been a long time quest, and this blog will share 13 of the best finds. And they range in price from $8 all the way up to $15.
The challenge will be finding some of these wines. Three of them come only from Trader Joe’s, but none of them are “2 Buck Chuck”. The Trader Joe’s where I live in Maryland cannot sell wine, so I drive 30 minutes into Virginia to get these three wines, and I am very happy to make that trip to have these three wines in my cellar. Two others have only a few places in this country that are selling them now. For each of the wines I have some suggestions on where to find it and at the end of the blog I have a link to my earlier blog post on suggestions for finding wines that are not on the shelf at your local liquor store.
If you have been following some of my blogs on wine then you know that I think Americans drink their white wines way to cold and their red wines too warm. The link below shares some ideas on how to get your wines to show their full tastes and aromas.
Below is a short write up on each wine with a picture of the bottle to help you see if your local store has that wine. I also have a list that you can download at the end to take to the store with you. The first five of them are white wines and the last eight of them are red wines. All of them are dry wines, but for one of them there are options for three different degrees of sweetness.
White Wines
Picpoul de Pinet: This is lovely dry white wine with medium body from the very southern shores of France down on the Med. Its full name is Les Costières de Pomerols “Hugues Beaulieu” Picpoul de Pinet but everybody just calls it by the last three words in that name, and often just Picpoul for short. It comes in a tall thin green bottle and for a while years ago it was the house white wine at the Inn at Little Washington, one of the top 10 restaurants in the world. The price has gone up from when we first started enjoying this wine over 30 years ago, it is now all the way up to $10 a bottle. It is one of several seafood wines that we enjoy, and it is a great wine to serve before dinner or at a cocktail party.
Where to get this wine: It has enough of a following that a reasonably good wine store might have it on the shelf. Total Wine has it in many stores for $11. Wine-searcher.com has a large number of resellers for this wine who ship to most states. Their prices range from $10-13. Wine.com has it on their site for $17. In Maryland the Montgomery County Liquor stores have this wine for $12.
Château Martinon – Bordeaux Entre-Deux-Mers – This lovely white wine is from the Bordeaux region of France. While known most for its very famous red wines, there are very good white wines made in Bordeaux. Some of them sell for hundreds of dollars a bottle, gut this one is just $11. The Entre-Deux-Mers on the label translates to between the two waters and defines the region between the two famous Bordeaux locations, the Left Bank and the Right Bank. If you want a simple introduction to the different regions of Bordeaux, the link below might be of interest.
Most white Bordeaux wines are a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes. This one is 60% Semillon, 25% Sauvignon Blanc, 13% Sauvignon Gris, and 2% Muscadelle. James Suckling describes it as “This is showing aromas of chopped herbs, gooseberries and acacia flowers. It’s bright and floral with a medium body and a crunchy, clean finish.” I think it pairs well with any poultry dish and with pork for those who prefer white over red wines.
Where to get this wine: It is unfortunately not widely available. I was introduced to it by my favorite wine store in DC, Calvert Woodley. Total Wine does not appear to carry this wine. On the Wine-searcher.com website mentioned in the download at the end of this post you will see two reputable retailers that carry this wine and ship to most states. Wine.com does not carry this wine. In Maryland the Montgomery County Liquor stores do not carry this wine.
Javier Sanz Nanclares Rueda – This is a GREAT white wine from Spain. My favorite Spanish white wine comes from the Rueda region on the Duero River, east of the famous Rioja region. Rueda wines are made with the Verdejo grape, and we’ve been enjoying them for about 25 years now. Javier Sanz is an excellent winemaker and, when we visited Spain 5 years ago, we had a tasting lunch there and got to meet Javier. He makes 10 different white wines, one of them a Sauvignon Blanc. We have been enjoying his Rueda and his Malacorta Rueda since that trip. Both are in the $20 range and highly recommended. We only recently tried his entry level wine, the Nanclares Rueda and at $11 we think it is a Best Buy. The Rueda wines have good character and can stand up to very flavorful dishes like seafood Paella or spicy poultry. It is also my sipping white wine in the fall and winter months.
Where to get this wine: The problem with this wine is that it is VERY hard to find. Even the online retailers that I use are not yet carrying it. Calvert Woodley has it for those in the DC area. The other two Javier Sanz wines I mention above are more readily available and, if you are not yet a Rueda fan, try both of them and see if you enjoy them. If yes, keep your eye out for the Nanclares as it earns shelf space. Total Wine does not appear to carry any Javier Sanz wines. Wine-Searcher.com has retailers for a number of the Javier Sanz wines but not the Nonclares yet. Wine.com does not have any Javier Sanz wines currently in stock. In Maryland the Montgomery County Liquor stores do not carry any Javier Sanz wine.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling – Riesling is generally thought of as a German wine, but the largest producer of Riesling wine in the world is Chateau Ste. Michelle in the State of Washington. They have a number of different Rieslings at different price points and different taste profiles. But their entry level Riesling comes in three versions, all of them about $10 at most retailers. It is much more expensive if you order from the company website as they try to protect retailer margins, so buy it locally. The Dry Riesling is my favorite, and it has a lemony palate with crisp acidity. The bottle that just says Reisling has just a little sweetness and if I have company that enjoys a sweet wine, this is one we can both enjoy. The bottle that says Sweet Riesling is what most people think of as a Riesling. I keep some in the cellar for parties where I know some of the people prefer sweet wines so I can have that for them along with a dry white for those who do not like sweet wines. I enjoy the Riesling as a change of pace white wine. In a restaurant with a limited wine list, it is a safe bet. Just make sure the label is what you are looking for: Dry Riesling, Riesling, or Sweet Riesling.
Where to get this wine: Very widely available, including at supermarkets that carry wine. Total Wine has the three Rieslings in stock in many of the stores for $9. Wine-searcher.com has a large number of resellers with prices around $9 and some of them may be local to you. Wine.com carries many Chateau Ste. Michelle wines but not these three inexpensive Rieslings. In Maryland the Montgomery County Liquor stores carry the Ch St Mich Dry Riesling and Riesling for $16 but do not carry the Sweet Riesling.
Picton Bay Sauvignon Blanc – This is my wife’s go to wine. It comes from New Zealand, and we get it at Trader Joe’s for $8. It is made by a family-owned-and-operated winery in the northeast corner of the South Island. A handful of online retailers have for around $13 if your Trader Joe’s does not sell wine, or if you just can’t bring yourself to buy wine at a Trader Joe’s. It is very nice Sauvignon Blanc for that price with the characteristic hint of grapefruit on the tongue. Trader Joe’s describes it as “fresh and vibrant with clean grassiness, concentrated fruit and a crisp, lingering finish. It kind of reminds us of a Granny Smith apple: green, crisp and tart, with flavor that makes your mouth water just thinking about it. In that way, we describe it as approachable. Bright and light, Picton Bay Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect apéritif. It really gets the appetite going.” We fully agree with that description.
Where to get this wine: Almost always on the shelf at the Trader Joe’s that can sell wine. Total Wine and Wine.com do not carry Picton Bay. Check the download at the end of this post on using wine-searcher.com to have wines shipped legally to you at good prices. Wine-searcher.com has four resellers that will ship this wine to many states. In Maryland the Montgomery County Liquor stores do not carry this wine.
Red Wines
Domaine Coudoulet – Pinot Noir Pays d’Oc – Although the finicky Pinot Noir grape tends to prefer cooler-climate areas like Burgundy, Oregon, and New Zealand’s Central Otago, this wine comes from a family winery in Minervois, located in warm South of France. It opens with a captivating bouquet of red berries and black raspberries. On the palate, it bursts with the joy of young Pinot Noir, with flavors of macerated cherry and dark plum infused with wild violets, all supported by a sensual finish of polished tannins. Most of my Pinot Noir wines are aging to develop the character and complexity that make Pinot Noir unique. And they command the price that good young Pinot Noir from Burgundy and Oregon deserve. Although this $11 wine has the structure to age for an additional year or two, it’s just too delicious to wait on and well worth that price. Enjoy it now with classic red Burgundy accompaniments such as confit de canard, roast duck in cherry sauce, leg of lamb, and veggie dishes.
Where to get this wine: Calvert Woodley in DC has the best price on this. The Wine House in San Francisco is a good online retailer who will ship to most states and has it for $15. You can find them on wine-searcher.com. Total Wine and Wine.com do not carry this wine. In Maryland the Montgomery County Liquor stores do not carry this wine.
Cap Royal – Bordeaux Supérieur – Made by Château Pichon Baron, a top quality 2nd growth estate in the Pauillac region of Bordeaux, Cap Royal is a classic oak aged 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot blend from the Médoc region on the Left Bank It is classified as a Bordeaux Superior, that sells for around $14. If you are not familiar with the different classifications in Bordeaux, the document available in the link above about the Chateau Martinon white wine will be of interest. Cap Royal has a beautiful intense red color with purple reflections. The nose exhibits aromas of blackberry and blueberry jam with spicy and toasted notes. On the palate, the richness of the wine is evident through a creaminess enhanced by vanilla notes brought by the aging in oak barrels. A powerful, rich and fresh ‘everyday’ Bordeaux. The 2022 vintage is on the shelves now and drinkable if decanted for a few hours. Letting it sit for a few years or buying the 2020 or 2019 vintages will give you an even better wine.
Where to get this wine: Total Wine and wine.com do not carry Cap Royal. Wine-Searcher.com has about 10 retailers that ship to most states. I have used Saratoga Wine Exchange several times and have been very happy with them. It is on the shelf at Calvert Woodley. In Maryland the Montgomery County Liquor stores do not carry this wine.
Ménage à Trios Red Blend – There are a number of California bulk wine producers such as Dark Horse, Barefoot, and Cupcake. I think Menage a Trois makes the best wine of all of these bulk producers. The name comes from choosing to blend three different grapes with Zinfandel being one grape that most of the other bulk producers don’t use. California makes some excellent Zinfandel and that probably should be a future blog. Menage a Trois makes at least 14 different red wines, and I enjoy most of them. We started with Red Blend and that is what we like the best, especially the $8 price tag. Here is what the Menage a Trois website says about Red Blend: “Our original Red Blend exposes the fresh, ripe, jamlike fruit that is the calling card of California wine. Notes of blackberry and raspberry jam are accompanied by a generous mouth feel with rich flavors and firm tannins. Ménage à Trois Red brings together three varietals: Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. To add complexity and retain character, each variety was fermented separately, then blended prior to bottling. Zinfandel is a saucy tease that brings blackberry and raspberry jam to the mix. Merlot, with its generous mouthfeel and red fruits, fits perfectly in the middle. The rich flavors and firm tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon make it the ideal candidate for the final layer of the trio.”
Where to get this wine: Widely available at liquor stores and supermarkets that sell wine. Total Wine has it in most stores for $8. Wine-searcher.com has over 1,900 resellers for this wine in the US, some of them may be local to you. Wine.com does not carry this wine. In Maryland all of the Montgomery County Liquor stores carry this wine for $13.
Marietta – Old Vine Red – Back in the early 80’s my father gave us a bottle of a wine he tasted while on a business trip to California and really enjoyed. None of us had heard of a vineyard called Marietta. The Old Vine Red became an immediate family favorite. With the big OVR at the top of the label, Old Vine Red is a proprietary red wine made to replicate the field blends of many of the old vineyards in Sonoma and Mendocino counties. There are different lot numbers designating the release, but I just buy which ever one is on the shelf. Predominantly comprised of Zinfandel, different lots will blend in some different amounts of Syrah, Petit Syrah, Carignan, Grenache, and Barbera. It combines pure fruit, a supple mouth feel and a rich, solid structure. Prices generally range from $13-15.
Where to get this wine: Many good wine ships will have this on the shelf. Most Total Wine stores will have this on the shelf. Wine-Searcher.com has about 70 retailers that ship to most states. Wine.com sells it for $15. In Maryland the Montgomery County Liquor stores do not carry this wine.
Oxte The Silence Red Blend – This is the second Trader Joe’s wine on this list of recommended wines. It is probably the best $6 wine I have ever had and worth the effort to get to a Trader Joe’s that is allowed to sell wine. It comes from Spain, and it adds some Cabernet Sauvignon to the classic GSM blend (Grenache, Syrah, & Mourvedre) that made the Rhone red wines famous. It is very nicely balanced with a full body. I enjoy this wine with most beef dishes and spicy dishes. I had it recently tried it with the spicy Merguez sausage that I made, and it held its own.
Where to get this wine: It appears that Trader Joe’s has the exclusive rights to this wine in the US. With the other two wines on this list that are only available at Trader Joes, I have no issue driving 30 minutes to a Trader Joe’s that sells wine. Don’t be afraid to try a $6 wine. In Maryland the Montgomery County Liquor stores do not carry this wine.
Lazy Bones Cabernet Franc – Here is a link to a post that I recently did celebrating the return of this wine at Trader Joe’s. https://billwinetravelfood.com/2025/05/14/the-best-buy-for-cab-franc-is-finally-back/. I won’t repeat the details that were in that blog, only that this is the best $8 wine I have ever had. There was enough pent-up demand that it appears that many of the stores sold out quickly. I am hoping that additional shipments will arrive soon, and it will not be another 3 year hiatus until we see it again.
Where to get this wine: It appears that Trader Joe’s has the exclusive rights to this wine in the US. With the other two wines on this list that are only available at Trader Joe’s, I have no issue driving 30 minutes to a Trader Joe’s that sells wine. In Maryland the Montgomery County Liquor stores do not carry this wine.
Monte Antico Tuscana – This is our Go To wine with Italian food. It is a Rosso, or blend, from Tuscany that generally sells for $11-12. Monte Antico, which means “ancient mountain”, was crafted as a tribute to Tuscany. The wine makers have styled the quintessential Tuscan grape Sangiovese, highlighting all it has to offer and complementing it with just enough Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to bring it all together. The blend is 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. James Suckling says “This is one of the best value Italian red wines on the market. Medium to full body with dried cherry, milk chocolate and light chili aromas and flavors. Long and delicious. Caressing mouthfeel. Bright acidity.” I find this wine really opens up and shows all its great flavors when decanted for at least two hours before serving and served around 60° F.
Where to get this wine: Widely available. Most Total Wine stores will have it on the shelf. Wine-searcher.com has over 70 resellers that carry this wine. Wine.com is out of stock on this wine. In Maryland the Montgomery County Liquor stores all show that they have limited availability of this wine.
Château de Ségriès Côtes du Rhône – I am ending this set of recommendations with probably the best wine on this list. It has long been one of our favorites and was $8 when we first fell in love with it. Between inflation and growth in popularity, it can now generally be found for $15 and is a great wine at that price. It comes from the Cote du Rhone in France, the third of the great wine making regions of France along with Bordeaux and Burgundy. It is made in the southern region of the Rhone valley where their blended red wines have garnered worldwide acclaim and demand. The most common blend is Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre which created the popular GSM acronym. If you want a nice red wine with your meal at a restaurant, and get the attention of a knowledgeable wait staff, ask them if they have a nice GSM they would recommend with your meal. Segries has their variation of this blend with 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, and 10% Carignan. The Grenache starts you off with a great full mouthful of taste. The Carignan and Cinsault then add some depth and complexity while you are enjoying it in your mouth. Then the Syrah kicks in with the really long finish that makes me love Rhone wines. A couple hours of decanting will round out the tannins and let the Syrah show its great character. This is an excellent choice with any red meat dishes and can stand up to any sauces that accompany the entree.
Where to get this wine: Pretty good availability. Most Total Wine stores will have it on the shelf. Wine-searcher.com has a handful of resellers who carry this wine. Wine.com does not carry this wine. In Maryland the Montgomery County Liquor stores do not carry this wine.
You can download a list of these wines with the prices I generally see for them using the link below if you want to take that list to the store with you. Or print out this blog so you have pictures of the bottles to help you find them on the shelf.
In addition to the notes on where to get each of these wines, you might find my earlier blog post Where Do I Find The Wines That Are Being Recommended? of interest and you can find it with this link. https://billwinetravelfood.com/2023/07/29/where-do-i-find-the-wines-that-are-being-recommended/
I hope you enjoy some of these wines as much as Beth and I do. I welcome your feedback.
Bill's Thoughts on Wine, Travel, and Food 