Kroger: the best wines available at the US grocery chain
A selection of 12 wines to try from Kroger, the largest grocery retailer in the USA.
Kroger is the largest grocery retailer in the United States. With its recently announced merger with Albertsons, it now has a total of 4,996 stores in 48 states plus Washington DC. The business is America’s generalist grocery store covering many categories, including wine. Assortments in each store may vary and are tailored to the geographical location and local customers.
Wine is merchandised simply and with no frills. You will rarely see a shelf-talker with tasting notes or score. There are just shelves and shelves of wine with pricing listed below each bottle. As with many grocers, you’ll find large national wine brands at eye level, with lower prices brands lower on the shelves and higher priced brands on the higher shelves.
Decanter’s selection of top Kroger wines to try
The wines below are a current selection from the Kroger portfolio. Wines reviewed may not be available in all Kroger retail locations.
Related articles
- Marks & Spencer wines: top buys this winter
- Best Booths wines: 25 top buys for autumn and winter
- Best Sherries: top bottles to try
Bollinger, Special Cuvée, Champagne, France
If it’s good enough for James Bond, it’s good enough for you. Bollinger Champagne has made a number of cameos in James Bond films over...
Bollinger
Ernesto Catena Vineyards, Alma Negra Brut Nature Rosé NV, Mendoza, Argentina
89
A simple, linear Argentinean sparkling wine made in the traditional method. Fruity aromas of raspberries and strawberries. A strong acid backbone with the red fruit notes carrying over from the nose. Notes of lime zest on the palate add a brightness that gives this wine its food-friendliness.
Ernesto Catena Vineyards
B.R. Cohn, Chardonnay Sangiacomo Vineyard, Carneros, California, USA, 2021
A rich and full-bodied Chardonnay hailing from Sangiacomo Vineyard in Sonoma, which the Sangiacomo family has farmed for close to 100 years. Yellow apples and...
2021
B.R. CohnCarneros
Boekenhoutskloof, The Chocolate Block, Swartland, South Africa, 2020
A South African Syrah blend with impressive complexity and structure. Dark black fruit plus cigar box notes on the nose. The palate brings notes of...
2020
Boekenhoutskloof
Marqués de Cáceres, Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2014
This wine showcases immense complexity and layers typical of a quality Gran Reserva from Rioja. The nose opens up with baking spices, balsamic notes, and...
2014
Marqués de Cáceres
Castello Banfi, Magna Cum Laude, Tuscany, Italy, 2019
Castello Banfi is the legacy arm of Banfi Vintners, a family-owned wine import business founded in 1919. At the time, it was the largest importer...
2019
Castello Banfi
Acrobat, Pinot Noir, Oregon, USA, 2021
90
It is difficult to find a good quality Pinot Noir at or under $20. Why? The grape is notoriously finicky in the vineyard and requires handling with kid gloves. This Acrobat Pinot Noir delivers incredible value. Bright red fruit (cranberry and raspberry) and baking spices on the nose all persist through to the palate. A crowd pleaser of a Pinot Noir that is easy on the wallet.
2021
Acrobat
Domaine Bousquet, Reserve Organic Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2021
90
A versatile Malbec from Mendoza that is both organic and vegan friendly. Typicity is evident with the plumminess on the nose, plus baking spices from the slight oak influence. The palate brings notes of baked plums and prunes. A Malbec to serve with pizza and empanadas, a classic Argentine weeknight meal.
2021
Domaine Bousquet
Dow's, House of Dow Vale do Bomfim DOC Douro Red, Douro Valley, Portugal, 2020
90
A quintessential, easy-drinking Portuguese red blend that works on its own yet would shine with food. Black fruits and fresh cracked black pepper both on the nose and palate. Medium acid plus firm, medium tannins round out the structure of this versatile wine.
2020
Dow's
E Guigal, Côtes du Rhône, Rhône, France, 2019
90
A benchmark entry-level Côtes du Rhône from a classic Rhône Valley producer. A medium aromatic intensity of blackberries, spice, and black pepper. The palate is textured and serves the same dark fruit plus spice notes. The wine (like most Côtes du Rhônes) shines with food.
2019
E GuigalCôtes du Rhône
Bar Dog, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, USA, 2020
88
Easy like Sunday morning' is the headline for this Cabernet Sauvignon that drinks more like an easy-drinking red blend. The wine is fresh and fruity with light tannins. Serving aromas of both red and black fruit plus peppery notes. Non-serious and priced as such make it the perfect weeknight red when you don’t want to think too much.
2020
Bar Dog
Monte Antico, Toscana, Tuscany, Italy, 2018
88
A cheap and cheerful Sangiovese-based wine that is the perfect pairing for a weeknight pasta dish or pizza. Sour cherries permeate both the nose and the palate. A spicy little number giving both herbaceous/menthol notes plus liquorice notes on the palate.
2018
Monte Antico
