In a normal year — will there ever be another "normal" year? — April 15 would be the deadline to file income taxes. Even though that date has been pushed back to May 17, money is tight for many of us, and a good value is paramount approximately 365 days a year.
So what better time to check out some wines that punch well above their price point. We've unearthed a dozen $15-and-under bottles (actually 11 bottles and a can) that are tasty on the palate and easy on the wallet.
The good news: Even wines from France and Spain that were dunned by recent tariffs meet our criteria. Here, in red, white and pink order, are wines worth seeking out, suggestions on where to find them and what to enjoy with them:
Torre Oria Gran Reserva 2013: This cabernet-tempranillo blend is somehow both rich and rustic, with a nice, firm grip and enduring finish. Hearty enough for cooler weather and refreshing enough for spring, it emanates from Valencia, which makes it a great pairing with paella or Spanish sausages and hams. $13; Cork Dork and Elevated, Minneapolis; Haskell's, Minnetonka.
Chateau des Acacias Bordeaux 2018: This dusty red offers up Pomerol's classic herb/red-fruit interplay that lingers almost incessantly. There's more than a little malbec in the blend, so fans of that grape will enjoy this wine, too. Break out the grill and plop on a nice steak, lamb chops and/or a thick slice of portobello mushroom. $13; Sentyrz and Zipp's, Minneapolis; The Wine Thief, St. Paul; Liquor Boy, St. Louis Park.
Sogrape Silk & Spice Red Blend 2019: Silky? Somewhat. Spicy? Yes. Tasty, plummy and crowd-pleasing? Absolutely. This Portuguese red is both quaffable and complex, a rarity at this price. Burgers and brats are ideal matches. Oh, and dark chocolate. $11; Hennepin Lake, Minneapolis; Brightwines, North St. Paul; Morelli's, St. Paul; Lunds & Byerly's, several locations; Eden Prairie municipal liquor stores; Winestreet Spirits, North Oaks.
Pavette California Cabernet Sauvignon 2018: A cab with "California" on the label (meaning the grapes come from around the state) usually has fruit bomb written all over it. Not this lean-ish, balanced, currant-y red. I'd go for pork chops or charred grilled veggies with this one. $14; France 44 and Lowry Hill, Minneapolis; Vinifera, Plymouth; G-Will, three locations; the Vintage, Chanhassen.
Sans Wine Co. Finley Road Vineyard Lake County Sauvignon Blanc: Ignore the fact that this California wine comes in a can and is quite cloudy in the glass, and simply enjoy its citrus-stone fruit tastiness and persistence. This is a patio natural, perfect on its own or with salty, savory appetizers. $10; South Lyndale and North Loop, Minneapolis; Lake Aire, Duluth.
