Perusing the bottles at your local wine shop will always be fun (free samples!) but shopping for vino from the comfort of your couch—and having it delivered to your doorstep—can be pretty sweet, too.
The only downside? Buying wine online means you’re faced with a near-endless selection, and no expert shop owner to steer you towards something you’ll love.
That’s where these picks come in. We chatted with four sommeliers to find out their favorite bottles that you can buy on Amazon. All of them are delicious, so you can’t go wrong. And for $20 or less a pop, you just might want to toss a few in your cart.
Happy shopping, and of course, happy sipping. Cheers!
(Pair your wine with a one of the tasty, nutritious recipes from our Runner's World Cookbook.)
Best sparkling wine: NV Gruet Brut
American sparkling wines tend to be less expensive than their European counterparts, with this pick being one of the best values out there, says Hannah Grossman, beverage director at Chicago’s Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio. With light notes of bread and citrus, it’s the perfect sip for kicking off a meal. “It would be great with a crudo platter,” she says.
Buy now: $17, amazon.com
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Best sophisticated, easy to drink wine: Dry Creek Vineyard Dry Chenin Blanc Clarksburg
Smooth, fruity flavors of melon and pear and a refreshing acidity make this white a real crowd pleaser. “It’s a no oak, relaxing, anytime wine,” says Richard Vayda, director of wine and beverage studies at the Institute of Culinary Education. Have a glass solo before dinner, or serve it with sautéed chicken or white fish. (Our recipe for pan-roasted mackerel makes the perfect pairing.)
Buy now: $15, amazon.com
Best affordable version of a usually pricey red: Gouguenheim Malbec Mendoza
“Many Malbecs can be found in this price range, but few are actually this nice,” says Gretchen Thomas, Barteca Restaurant Group wine and spirits director. The blackberry, blueberry, vanilla, and herbal notes bring out the best in grilled red meats and roasted veggies.
Buy now: $13, amazon.com
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Best refreshing white: Terlano Pinot Bianco
Like your whites clean, crisp, and mineral-y? This is the pick for you, says Jennifer Foucher, head sommelier at Fiola in Washington D.C. “It has flavors of fresh apple and pear, and it’s a great pairing with seafood or white meat dishes,” she says. It also makes for a nice hostess gift.
Buy now: $19, amazon.com
Looking to mix more booze into your cooking? These six recipes are even better with beer:
Best full-bodied white: La Spinetta Toscana Vermentino
Not all white wines are light. If you’re after something with a fuller body, try this rich, creamy pick from Tuscany, recommends Grossman. “With its natural weight, it’s great with chicken roasted with citrus and fresh herbs,” she says.
Buy now: $18, amazon.com
Best heavy-hitter red: Durigutti Cabernet Franc Clasico
Braised and barbecued meat are rich and require an equally hefty wine—and this flavorful, full-bodied red meets the mark. “It combines intense, dark red berry fruits with a bit of spicy wood and earthy notes,” Vayda says.
Buy now: $16, amazon.com
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Best wine for meatless meals: Albet I Noya Xarello Classic
Finding a bottle of wine that complements vegetarian dishes isn’t always easy. But this citrusy white, which hails from Spain’s longest certified organic winery, fits the bill. “It’s fresh, floral, mildly aromatic, and perfect for Pinot Grigio drinkers,” Thomas says.
Buy now: $10, amazon.com
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Best red to make you feel like you’re at an Italian restaurant: Produttori del Barbaresco Langhe Rosso
Go ahead and break out the red and white checked tablecloth for this vino, which hails from Italy’s Piedmont region. It boasts floral, cherry flavors, along with a tasty surprise: earthy truffles. “this would be delicious with a stuffed pasta,” Grossman says. (Might we suggest Prevention’s spinach-stuffed shells?)
Buy now: $19, amazon.com
Best wildcard: Casal de Armán Ribeiro DO Red
If you’re in the mood to move outside of your comfort zone, try this funky red blend. “This is a red wine for wine geeks,” Thomas says. “It has red and black fruit aromas, as well as being earthy, herbal, and high acid.” Save it for an after-dinner treat with a wedge of soft cheese or dark chocolate. Yum!
Buy now: $20, amazon.com
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The article The 9 Best-Tasting Wines on Amazon for Under $20, According to Sommeliers originally appeared on Prevention.
