Heat waves and lockdowns? Reach for the glou-glou. These bottles have case-friendly prices, so there’s no need to be shy.
Out of 542 wines tasted by our panels for the August 2020 issue, these are the best bottles we found for $12 or under.
For $8
2019 VINHO VERDE ANJOS DE PORTUGAL
Green and clean, with flavors of lime and fresh pea shoots; for sautéed prawns with green olives.
Grape2Glass, Newark, NJ
For $9
Ca’ del Sarto
2019 FRIULI PINOT GRIGIO
Inviting in its rich texture and tart apple fruit, this is an easy pour for summer barbecues.
Enotec Imports, Denver, CO
For $10
Adega de Monção
2019 MONCAO E MELGACO ESCOLHA
A 50-50 blend of green-apple-scented alvarinho and floral trajadura; to chase down freshly shucked clams.
Aidil Wines & Liquors, Newark, NJ
For $11
2019 VINHO VERDE ALVARINHO-LOUREIRO TRAJADURA
This is all about brisk green-pear flavor, with a scrub of acidity that keeps it bone dry.
Grape2Glass, Newark, NJ
2019 COLUMBIA VALLEY ROSÉ
Savory and bright, this offers fresh cherry fruit and a hint of scallion that will match cold sesame noodles.
J. Lohr
2018 MONTEREY VALDIGUIE
A brisk, peppery red with blackberry flavor and lean, edgy tannins; full of nerve and character.
Quinta das Arcas
2019 VINHO VERDE ARCA NOVA ROSÉ
Pack this along for dim sum, where its clean, fresh, crunchy red-berry flavors will cut through spicy lamb dumplings.
Wine Bridge Imports, Davis, CA
For $12
Dio Fili
2019 SIATISTA XINOMAVRO ROSÉ
Pack this along for dim sum, where its clean, fresh, crunchy red-berry flavors will cut through spicy lamb dumplings
Wine Bridge Imports, Davis, CA
Santa Carolina
2019 LEYDA VALLEY CAROLINA RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC
Luscious and oceanic in its briny notes, tart fruit and generous, juicy texture; for grilled oysters or branzino.
Carolina Wine Brands USA, Charleston, SC
2019 MACEDONIA KYKLOS XINOMAVRO ROSÉ
A pretty rosé, from its carnation-pink hue to its floral scents and wild-strawberry flavor; refreshing with a fried-chicken picnic.
Celina Imports, NY
2019 CASABLANCA VALLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC
Pungent with passion fruit and lime flavors and silken in texture, this is bold enough for nut-crusted fish.
Brazos Wine Imports, Brooklyn, NY
The Best for $12 or Less wines are the top picks for specific price points from all of the August 2020 tastings. After our editors made their selections, we offered wineries the opportunity to promote their recognition with a bottle image and link to their site.
This story appears in the print issue of August 2020.
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