Throughout 2020 and into 2021, I had the opportunity to attend both in person and virtual wine tasting classes. And while that does not make me a wine expert or sommelier by any stretch, I have enjoyed learning more about my likes and dislikes while exploring new types of wine. I highly recommend a wine membership at a local wine shop (for those of you in Raleigh, The Wine Feed is my go-to spot and there’s a discount code in this post) for opportunities to learn more about wine varietals. However, this post compiles my favorite fall red wines that are more widely accessible at your local groceries or Total Wine.
I will also take this opportunity to acknowledge that wine preferences depend on personal tastes. I tend to enjoy dry and spicier red wines, so you might notice a trend with my picks below. The 5 bottles I’ve included in this post are all under $30, and most under $15, so I hope that gives you the opportunity to explore a new wine and get to know what you like, what you don’t like, and what you might consider repurchasing the next time you’re running into the grocery store for a bottle to enjoy over the weekend.
5 Best Fall Red Wines Under $30
Alamos Malbec
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Tasting Notes: The nose offers bright black cherry aromas with light floral notes and a touch of toast. The mouthfeel is full and rich, with ripe, concentrated cassis and black raspberry fruit flavors interwoven with a touch of chocolate and sweet spice from light oak aging.
Biltmore Estate Pinor Noir Reserve
Region: North Carolina
Tasting Notes: This Pinot Noir thrived in the cool climate of California’s Russian River Valley, resulting in a complex expressive wine with an elegant, almost delicate mouth-feel. Strawberry, raspberry, vanilla and well-integrated oak aromas give way to supple fruit flavors.
Campo Viejo Rioja Tempranillo
Region: Rioja, Spain
Tasting Notes: A cherry red colour suggests a vibrant Tempranillo wine. On the nose, the rich aromas have a pronounced intensity with an initial scent of ripe fruits followed by gentle sweet notes of vanilla and spices. On the palate, it is perfumed, soft and fresh with a long finish.
Federalist Red Blend
Region: Northcoast, California
Tasting Notes: Dark fruits and spicy with a rich, round mouthfeel and long finish. Merlot, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon
Meiomi Pinot Noir
Region: Sonoma County, California
Tasting Notes: This beautiful Pinot Noir carries aromas of tobacco, dark red fruits and fresh berries. The rich cherry flavor is complemented by notes of cedar, raspberry and strawberry. Enjoy with turkey, salmon or beef dishes.
Here are 6 wines that I enjoyed during quarantine last year, too! Plus my favorite wine glasses.
Do you have any fall red wine favorites that aren’t included here? Please drop them in the comments below!
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