I'm a big wine lover and I'm also a home winemaker. Many people like specific wine varietals, but I like almost all of them. There are obviously some I like more than others.
Anyhow. I recently made this list for some people I work with. So, all I need to do is preproduce it here. They are wines that I frequently keep on hand. There are many different types because I drink them with dinner. My dinner usually defines what wine I will have with dinner. I hope you guys find some enjoyment or even a new wine to add to your repertoire.
Oh, I'm in the US and some of my notes are due to the people I'm sending it too are also US based. So some of the comment are based on some of the commonalities of many US wine drinkers and may not reflect European or other non-US wine drinkers, so please take my comments with that in mind. Obviously, prices are in US dollars.
Bold Reds
Joel Gott Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel: $15 ~ $17
I almost always have a Zinfandel on hand. (with the exception of White Zinfandel, not a fan at all)
Michael David Petite Sirah - $15 ~ $17 (AKA Petite Petit)
Open, pour a glass and let it set for about an hour. Will drink like slightly fruity velvet.
La Flor Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon: $15~$17
A restaurant near my house has the Cabernet Sauvignon which is how I found this wine. I can’t get the Cabernet at my local wine shop, but they do have the Malbec which is also very good. I’m not a huge Malbec fan, but this is definitely one I do like and keep it around often. These wines are from Chile.
Bold Reds that are different for most red wines consumed in the US
Juan Gill Monastrell Jumilla: $12 ~ $14
You’ve heard of Cabernet, Zinfandel, etc. This is a Monastrell. A Spanish wine that has a distinctly different flavor that most reds people drink here in the states. Very good wine!
Breca Old Vine Grancha: $13 - $15
Breca is a Granche from Spain. More people in the US drink Granche than Monstrell, but these are very different from the normal too. Very full flavored just like the Monstrell yet distinctly different and very good.
Outstanding Pinot Noir
Elouan Pinot Noir: $17 ~ $20
Pour a glass, let it set for an hour and WOW! This wine is ALWAYS in my cellar! I do not know any other Pinot Noir wine that can touch this one is price to how good it is.
Meiomi Pinot Noir: $17 ~ $21
This is an extremely popular Pinot Noir. It has a semi-sweet edge to it so a lot of people who aren’t big wine drinkers really like it. I say a sweet edge, but it’s not specifically a sweet wine. If you try Elouan and this at the same time. You will see what I mean. I like it, but Elouan is my go-to Pinot Noir. Actually, I don't drink this one all that much.
White Wines
De Morgenzon Chardonnay (or DMZ): $15~ $17
De Morgenzon is a South African Chardonnay. It’s actually quite good if you prefer your chardonnay’s to not be heavily oaked. I enjoy this one quite a bit.
L’Ecole #41 (Chenin Blanc): $15 ~ $17
This is a very nice white wine with a lemony edge to it. Very good with bake chicken that may have lemon zest or even baked fish with lemon zest. I drink it all by itself too! This wine is from Washington State.
McManis Viognier: $8 ~ $11
Viognier is one of my favorite white wines. The best part, they are cheap! Most have a pear type taste to them. If you cannot find McManis, don’t fret. Just ask them what Viognier they have on hand! Most are good that I’ve tried and all have been cheap.