National Wine Day: 15 wines under $50 to celebrate
A great selection of wines and ideas to celebrate National Wine Day....
25th May marks National Wine Day in the US, so we’ve picked some great wines to celebrate with – mainly from some top US retailers including Wine.com, K&L Wines and Zachys wines.
We’ve chosen $50 as our top price limit, with wines at the top of the scale including the Domaine les Pallières, Les Racines, Gigondas, Rhône 2017 which is ‘packed with concentrated blackcurrant, raspberry and olive tapenade flavours’. Or the André Clouet, Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV which is ‘incredible value for a blanc de noirs grower Champagne from the grand cru vineyards of Bouzy,’ coming in at under $40.
However many of these wines come in at below $30, 0r even $20 – such as the Domaine La Bernarde, Les Hauts de Luc Rosé, Côtes de Provence 2019, ‘an alluring rosé which carries plenty of aromatic interest’ and only $16.99.
Other ways to celebrate National Wine Day: Wineries and wine bars to visit
With the world opening up again, perhaps it’s better to celebrate wine by venturing out.
Visit a stunning Napa winery, such as Raymond, one of the ‘most talked-about wineries in northern California due to its unique and provocative design’, as Aidy Smith writes in our guide.
Or pay a visit to a wine bar to help those hospitality businesses that have been suffering. For a great glass of Bordeaux in New York, particularly from organic and biodynamic producers, and mostly served from magnums, try Bacchus, an unpretentious Brooklyn-based bistro.
Or in Napa, Carpe Diem – which was badly hit in the 2014 Napa earthquake – is a ‘classic, dimly lit wine bar, isn’t flashy or pretentious and the wine list has bottles for every budget,’ says Jess Lander in her picks of best Napa and Sonoma wine bars.
Our US readers can also save 20% on a Decanter Premium subscription this National Wine Day, by using the code WINEDAY – but act quickly, as this is a one day only offer.
National Wine Day: 15 wines under $50 to try
André Clouet, Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne, France
92
Incredible value for a blanc de noirs (100% Pinot Noir) grower Champagne from the grand cru vineyards of Bouzy. It shows gorgeous aromas of stone fruit, citrus and strawberry, with complex brioche nuances, remarkable balance, ongoing elegance and a rich, refined, persistent finish.
André Clouet
La Crema, Rosé Brut, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley, California, USA
90
Lithe and light, this delightful blend of Pinot Noir (65%) and Chardonnay reveals ripe red fruit and perfumed floral notes. Bright acidity on the balanced, engaging palate brings focus to the citrus and spice-infused finish.
La CremaSonoma County
Mumm Napa, Brut Prestige, Napa Valley, California, USA
90
A snappy sparkling that begins with a seriously fresh nose of green apple, orange blossom, citrus and gingerbread. These continue on the palate, driven by vibrant acidity and the unmistakable tang of freshly baked bread. Medium-bodied, balanced, crisp and complex, with a lengthy finish.
Mumm NapaNapa Valley
Morgen Long, Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA, 2018
93
Fruit is sourced from six dry-farmed vineyards for this concentrated but elegant Chardonnay, given tang from wild yeast fermentation. Meyer lemon mingles with ripe pear and peach on the lively palate, where vibrant acidity brings clarity and finesse while subtle spice echoes against a bright, mineral finish.
2018
Morgen LongWillamette Valley
Mullineux, Old Vines White, Swartland, South Africa, 2019
93
Built primarily on Swartland’s hallmark old-vine Chenin Blanc, fruit for this elegant white blend is strategically sourced from a variety of terroirs, including shale, schist and granite. Enticing citrus and stone fruit grace the palate, which boasts a rich, round texture and remarkable concentration.
2019
Mullineux
Frank Family Vineyards, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Los Carneros, California, USA, 2018
91
With fruit primarily sourced from the clay loam soils of the Lewis Vineyard, which sits adjacent to the San Pablo Bay, this cool-climate Carneros Chardonnay shows engaging apple, pear and citrus fruit characters with rich, buttery brioche notes and a swirl of vanilla. Full-bodied with a creamy texture and a zap of bright acidity, it has a long, elegant finish.
2018
Frank Family VineyardsNapa Valley
Chateau Ste Michelle, Eroica Riesling, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA, 2018
91
Stunning value for a versatile, off-dry Riesling with vivid expression and concentrated aromas and flavours. A splendid mix of honeysuckle, lime zest, green apple and ripe peach exude from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with engaging acidity, a sleek texture and a refreshing, clean finish.
2018
Chateau Ste MichelleColumbia Valley
Amalaya, Blanco de Corte Torrontes-Riesling, Calchaquí Valley, Salta, Argentina, 2019
90
A fresh white that marries the intense aromatic characters of Torrontes (85%) and Riesling: juicy peach, zesty citrus and a touch of mango. Zippy acidity means this easygoing, versatile, well-priced wine is perfect with a wide range of dishes.
2019
AmalayaCalchaquí Valley
d'Arenberg, The Hermit Crab Viognier-Marsanne, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia, 2018
90
Intense aromatics of lemon curd, candied pear and ginger spice. The round, rich mouthfeel proves how well Viognier and Marsanne dance together: this is an elegant, balanced wine boasting ripe exotic fruit, plump texture and a linear, but full-flavoured finish.
2018
d'ArenbergMcLaren Vale
Domaine La Bernarde, Les Hauts de Luc Rosé, Côtes de Provence, Provence, France, 2019
91
An alluring rosé which carries plenty of aromatic interest, marrying bright grapefruit, fresh strawberry and thread of savoury spice. Lively acidity runs through more ripe berry and citrus fruit on the palate, leading to a crisp, clean finish. Bring on summer!
2019
Domaine La BernardeCôtes de Provence
Domaine les Pallières, Les Racines, Gigondas, Rhône, France, 2017
94
Racines is made mainly from the oldest Grenache vines (averaging 60 years) from one of the southern Rhone’s oldest estates. The full-bodied, richly textured palate is packed with concentrated blackcurrant, raspberry and olive tapenade flavours, backed by savoury spice and plush tannins. Fresh and focused.
2017
Domaine les PallièresGigondas
Bodegas Muga, Reserva, Rioja, Rioja, Spain, 2016
93
From a fantastic vintage and reliable producer, this well-composed Reserva carries the power and elegance of black and red fruits, ripe tannins and integrated acidity. It shows remarkable balance and persistence on the finish.
2016
Bodegas MugaRioja
Calera, Pinot Noir, Central Coast, California, USA, 2017
92
Enticing, vivid aromas of ripe red fruit and delicate floral characters. On the medium-bodied palate, velvety tannins cloak dried herbs and plush cherry and strawberry flavours, while subtle minerality and earthy nuances linger on the finish.
2017
CaleraCentral Coast
Poliziano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy, 2017
92
Opening with rich, intense aromas of dark plum, black cherry and a deep vein of dried wild herbs. To taste, exotic spices mingle with more of the same black fruits, along with a hint of dark chocolate and a vibrant swirl of liquorice and vanilla. All linger on a full-throttle finish.
2017
PolizianoVino Nobile di Montepulciano
Patrick Piuze, Terroir de Chablis, Chablis, Burgundy, France, 2019
91
<p>Fruit for this engaging Chablis is sourced from the north-facing slopes of the Vaillons and Montmains premiers crus, among others. 2019 was a relatively warm, dry vintage which delivers a richness to the palate with dense fruit and fresh herb characters, a round texture and lingering elegance.</p>
2019
Patrick PiuzeChablis
