<p>It&#39;s possible to find good cheap wines armed with sommelier skills. Madeline Puckette shows us how to drink well on a budget at Trader Joes.  Turns out, a little <a href="https://winefolly.com/courses/" title="Wine Folly Online Courses">wine education</a> goes a long way. </p>



It's possible to find good cheap wines armed with sommelier skills. Madeline Puckette shows us how to drink well on a budget at Trader Joes.  Turns out, a little [wine education](https://winefolly.com/courses/ "Wine Folly Online Courses") goes a long way. 

On The Hunt For Good Cheap Red Wine 

<p>Ever find yourself reaching for the same bottle of wine? You&#39;re not alone. While <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/cabernet-sauvignon/">Cabernet Sauvignon</a> and <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/chardonnay/">Chardonnay</a> dominate wine shelves, some seriously amazing wines are waiting to rock your world. Here are 10 exceptional wines that deliver serious bang for your buck.</p>
<h2 id="nero-davola-sicilys-bold-red">Nero d&#39;Avola: Sicily&#39;s Bold Red</h2>
<p>This <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/nero-davola/">powerhouse red</a> from <a href="https://sicily.guides.winefolly.com">Sicily</a> offers the boldness of Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of Mediterranean swagger. Despite being one of Italy&#39;s top 10 grapes, it remained overlooked while Sicily focused on Marsala production. This sun-loving grape pumps out gorgeous cherry, black plum, and tobacco notes with polished tannins. The best part? You can snag amazing bottles for under $20.</p>
<h2 id="touriga-nacional-portugals-hidden-strength">Touriga Nacional: Portugal&#39;s Hidden Strength</h2>
<p><a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/what-is-port-wine/">Port</a>&#39;s secret weapon has gone solo; <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/touriga-nacional/">Touriga Nacional</a> is an inky, powerful red grape that produces dry wines with intense blueberry, violet, and plum flavors. Its concentrated character and aging potential rival many prestigious wines at a fraction of the price.</p>
<h2 id="carignan-frances-comeback-kid">Carignan: France&#39;s Comeback Kid</h2>
<p>Once the most planted grape in France, <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/carignan/">Carignan</a> fell from grace due to bulk wine production. However, <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/why-old-vine-wines-are-so-special/">old-vine examples</a> showcase incredible complexity with flavors of black cherry, tobacco leaf, and baking spices backed by mouthwatering acidity. Perfect for BBQ lovers who dig bold reds.</p>
<h2 id="montepulciano-italys-misunderstood-red">Montepulciano: Italy&#39;s Misunderstood Red</h2>
<p>Not to be confused with Tuscany&#39;s <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/italian-red-wines/">Vino Nobile di Montepulciano</a>, this <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/montepulciano/">crowd-pleasing grape</a> from Abruzzo delivers rich black plum, boysenberry, and sweet spice notes. When properly produced, it offers the kind of depth usually associated with much pricier wines; it&#39;s one of Italy&#39;s best-kept secrets.</p>
<h2 id="cinsault-the-mediterraneans-elegant-red">Cinsault: The Mediterranean&#39;s Elegant Red</h2>
<p>Meet Pinot Noir&#39;s Mediterranean cousin. <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/light-red-wine/">Light, bright</a>, and seriously food-friendly, <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/cinsault/">this red</a> brings strawberry-perfumed elegance without the Pinot price tag. Look for bottles from old vines in Southern France or <a href="https://winefolly.com/wine-regions/south-africa/">South Africa</a>.</p>
<h2 id="pinotage-south-africas-unique-expression">Pinotage: South Africa&#39;s Unique Expression</h2>
<p>South Africa&#39;s <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/pinotage/">signature grape</a> has grown up. Forget what you heard in the past - modern Pinotage (a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault) is all about rich blackberry, dark chocolate, and subtle smoke. Some serious winemaking has transformed this underdog into a world-class performer boasting complexity and character.</p>
<h2 id="chenin-blanc-loires-versatile-white">Chenin Blanc: Loire&#39;s Versatile White</h2>
<p>Often typecast as just a sweet wine grape, <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/chenin-blanc/">Loire Valley&#39;s chameleon</a> can do it all - <a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/4-tips-on-finding-awesome-sparkling-wine/">sparkling</a>, <a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/wine-sweetness-chart/">sweet</a>, and killer dry whites. Honey, quince, and zippy acidity make Chenin Blanc the wine insider&#39;s white of choice. Its <a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/white-wine-aging-chart-best-practices/">aging potential</a> and complexity rival fine <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/white-burgundy-tasting-pairing-and-french-chardonnay/">white Burgundy</a>.</p>
<h2 id="vermentino-italys-coastal-beauty">Vermentino: Italy&#39;s Coastal Beauty</h2>
<p>This <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/vermentino/">Mediterranean white</a> offers all the zesty appeal of Sauvignon Blanc plus distinctive minerality and texture. Coastal examples show bright citrus flavors with a characteristic salty finish that screams for seafood.</p>
<h2 id="albariño-spains-atlantic-gem">Albariño: Spain&#39;s Atlantic Gem</h2>
<p>Recently gaining international attention, this <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/albarino/">Spanish white</a> delivers bright fruit flavors and distinctive minerality. Its combination of refreshing acidity and surprising depth makes it a worthy alternative to <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/pinot-gris/">Pinot Grigio</a>.</p>
<h2 id="marsanne-roussanne-rhônes-dynamic-duo">Marsanne-Roussanne: Rhône&#39;s Dynamic Duo</h2>
<p>These traditional white <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/cotes-du-rhone-wine-with-maps/">Rhône varieties</a> create age-worthy wines with remarkable complexity. Together, they offer rich texture and elegant aromatics that develop fascinating nutty and quince notes with age.</p>
<p>Here&#39;s the truth bomb: following the crowd means missing out on some of wine&#39;s best-kept secrets. These alternatives aren&#39;t just cheaper - they&#39;re unique, delicious wines with stories to tell. Ready to break out of your wine rut? Grab one of these bottles and prepare to impress both your palate and your wallet.</p>


10 Wines You Oughta Try in 2025

<p>Sweet wines often get a bad rap, but as it turns out, they’re some of the world’s most fascinating and collectible wines. From the high-acid, delicately sweet Rieslings of Germany to the rich, syrupy decadence of Pedro Ximénez, there’s a whole world of flavor ready for exploring.</p>
<p>In this video, we break down what makes these underappreciated wines are so special and why they deserve a place in your glass.</p>
<h2 id="prädikat-riesling-spätlese-germanys-best-kept-secret">Prädikat Riesling (Spätlese): Germany’s Best-Kept Secret</h2>
<p>Not all sweet wines are syrupy! One of Germany’s most prized styles, <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/understanding-german-riesling-by-the-label/">Spätlese Riesling</a>, strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity. Grown in the <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/mosel-valley-wine-guide/">Mosel Valley</a>, where <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/riesling/">Riesling</a> reigns supreme, these wines result from grapes left on the vine a little longer to develop richer flavors.</p>
<p>With around 30–60 g/L of <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/what-is-residual-sugar-in-wine/">residual sugar</a>, Spätlese Rieslings often taste more balanced than outright sweet, thanks to their naturally high acidity. Expect flavors of ripe peach, apricot, and lime, with a backbone of slatey minerality. These wines age exceptionally well — 20 to 30 years in a cellar is not uncommon — and offer an outstanding value compared to high-end <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/cabernet-sauvignon/">Cabernet Sauvignon</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Why Try It?</strong> If you love complexity and vibrant fruit flavors with a crisp finish, this is a great introduction to sweet wines.</p>
<h2 id="20-year-tawny-port-portugals-liquid-legacy">20-Year Tawny Port: Portugal’s Liquid Legacy</h2>
<p>Before dry wines took over fine dining menus, sweet wines were the pinnacle of luxury. One of the oldest examples? <a href="https://winefolly.com/wines/port/">Port wine</a>, specifically <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/styles-tawny-port-wine/">Tawny Port</a>, aged for decades in oak barrels to develop deep, nutty complexity.</p>
<p>Produced in Portugal’s <a href="https://winefolly.com/wine-regions/portugal/">Douro Valley</a>, this fortified wine is made from a blend of native grapes like <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/touriga-nacional/">Touriga Naciona</a>l and <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/touriga-franca/">Touriga Franca</a>. Brandy is added during fermentation, halting the process and preserving the grape’s natural sugars. Over 20 years in oak, the <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/the-truth-about-oxygen-and-wine-aging/#">wine oxidizes</a>, creating flavors of dried fruits, hazelnuts, caramel, and orange peel, with a silky-smooth texture.</p>
<p>At around 100–130 g/L of residual sugar, Tawny Port is indulgent yet balanced, offering an aged-wine experience at a fraction of the cost of other collectibles.</p>
<p><strong>Why Try It?</strong> If you enjoy whiskey or aged spirits, you’ll love the deep, nutty complexity of a well-aged Tawny.</p>
<h2 id="moscato-dasti-italys-most-popular-sweet-wine">Moscato d’Asti: Italy’s Most Popular Sweet Wine</h2>
<p>Everyone talks about <a href="https://winefolly.com/wines/barolo/">Barolo</a> when discussing Piedmont, but <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/moscato-wine/">Moscato</a> is the region’s true champion in terms of plantings and popularity. Moscato d’Asti, a lightly sparkling (frizzante) wine, is known for its fragrant aromatics and low alcohol (around 5.5%).</p>
<p>Made from <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/muscat-blanc/">Moscato Bianco</a> grapes, this wine delivers flavors of fresh peach, mandarin orange, honeysuckle, and citrus blossom. Despite having 80–150 g/L of residual sugar, the effervescence and bright acidity make it feel refreshing rather than heavy.</p>
<p><strong>Why Try It?</strong> It’s the perfect first step for those who claim they don’t like wine. Plus, at around $20, it’s an affordable indulgence.</p>
<h2 id="sauternes-the-magic-of-noble-rot">Sauternes: The Magic of Noble Rot</h2>
<p>Mold on grapes? Sounds terrifying — until you taste <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/sauternes-wine-guide/">Sauternes</a>. This French dessert wine from <a href="https://bordeaux.guides.winefolly.com">Bordeaux</a> depends on a special fungus called B<em>otrytis cinerea</em> (or “<a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/they-call-it-noble-rot-botrytis/">noble rot</a>”), which shrivels the grapes and concentrates their sugars and flavors.</p>
<p>Made primarily from <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/semillon/">Sémillon</a> and <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/sauvignon-blanc/">Sauvignon Blanc</a>, Sauternes wines offer intense notes of honey, apricot, and butterscotch. With 120–190 g/L of residual sugar, they are incredibly sweet but still maintain balance through a subtle bitter edge from the noble rot process.</p>
<p>Aged for decades, Sauternes offers collectors a unique, long-lived wine with unmatched complexity.</p>
<p><strong>Why Try It?</strong> If you love rich, golden-hued wines with layers of complexity, Sauternes will blow your mind.</p>
<h2 id="vin-santo-tuscanys-time-honored-tradition">Vin Santo: Tuscany’s Time-Honored Tradition</h2>
<p>Think wine takes a long time to make? <a href="https://winefolly.com/wines/vin-santo/">Vin Santo</a>’s fermentation can last up to five years! This Italian dessert wine, made from dried <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/malvasia-fina/">Malvasia</a> and <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/trebbiano-toscano/">Trebbiano</a> grapes, follows the ancient “passito” method, where grapes are left to dry before fermentation, concentrating their sugars.</p>
<p>After fermentation, Vin Santo is aged in small barrels called caratelli, allowing flavors of honey, dried fruit, vanilla, and almond to develop. With around 270 g/L of residual sugar, it’s a lusciously sweet, amber-hued wine that pairs beautifully with biscotti.</p>
<p><strong>Why Try It?</strong> For a taste of tradition with an unmatchable depth of flavor, Vin Santo is a must-try.</p>
<h2 id="rutherglen-muscat-australias-sweet-powerhouse">Rutherglen Muscat: Australia’s Sweet Powerhouse</h2>
<p>Think fortified wines are all about Port? <a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/4-super-underrated-fortified-wines/">Think again</a>. <a href="https://winefolly.com/wine-regions/australia/">Rutherglen, Australia</a>, is home to one of the most distinctive sweet wines in the world: Rutherglen Muscat. Made from Muscat à Petits Grains Rouge, this wine undergoes an extensive aging process, developing bold, caramelized flavors.</p>
<p>Boasting 200–400 g/L of residual sugar, this is one of the sweetest wines on the planet. But thanks to its fresh acidity and complex aging process, it remains balanced. With flavors of rose petals, dried apricots, and raisins, it’s a powerhouse of rich, concentrated sweetness.</p>
<p><strong>Why Try It?</strong> If you love dessert wines that pack a punch, Rutherglen Muscat is a must-have experience.</p>
<h2 id="pedro-ximénez-spains-black-gold">Pedro Ximénez: Spain’s ‘Black Gold’</h2>
<p>And now for the grand finale — Pedro Ximénez (PX) from Spain’s Montilla-Moriles region. Known as the richest and sweetest wine style in Spain, <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/pedro-ximenez/">PX</a> clocks in at an eye-popping 400 g/L of residual sugar. That’s nearly syrup territory!</p>
<p>Made from sun-dried grapes, PX wines develop intense flavors of molasses, figs, and coffee. Traditionally used as a sweetener in sherry blends, on its own, it’s a dessert in a glass.</p>
<p>Why Try It? If you love deep, dark, and rich flavors (think caramelized sugar and dried fruit), this is your ultimate indulgence.</p>
<h2 id="sweet-wines-a-world-of-flavor">Sweet Wines: A World of Flavor</h2>
<p>Sweet wines are anything but simple. They span an incredible range of styles, from delicate and refreshing to rich and luxurious. Exploring the crisp balance of a Spätlese Riesling or diving into the intense, syrupy depths of PX can reveal flavors you never expected.</p>


Sweet Wines Aren't What You Think

<p>Did you know that wine tasting can boost your brainpower? It&#39;s true! In this video, Madeline Puckette of Wine Folly dives into the science behind <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/where-wine-flavors-come-from/">wine aromas</a> and how training your sense of smell and taste can sharpen your mental agility. Whether you&#39;re a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, you&#39;ll discover why wine smells the way it does and how to pick out those aromas like a pro. Plus, join Madeline on a surprise field trip to a winery where she puts her skills (and nose) to the test!</p>
<h2 id="wine-aromas-theres-more-than-just-grapes-in-your-glass">Wine Aromas: There&#39;s More Than Just Grapes in Your Glass</h2>
<p>Wine is more than fermented grape juice — it’s an explosion of aromas! As wine <a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/winemaking-from-start-to-finish-told-in-pictures/">ferments and ages</a>, thousands of compounds form, creating scents that can remind you of strawberries, chocolate, or even green bell pepper. It’s not just your imagination — these scents come from real chemical compounds that develop over time.</p>
<h2 id="impact-compounds-the-key-to-blind-tasting">Impact Compounds: The Key to Blind Tasting</h2>
<p>Ever smelled black pepper, coconut, or even kerosene in wine? These are examples of “<a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/impact-compound-aromas/">impact compounds</a>,” specific aroma molecules strongly associated with certain wines or winemaking processes. Here are a few to remember:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Rotundone:</strong> Found in red wines like <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/syrah/">Syrah</a> and <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/grenache/">Grenache</a>, giving black pepper notes.</li>
<li><strong>Pyrazines:</strong> Responsible for green bell pepper aromas in <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/cabernet-sauvignon/">Cabernet Sauvignon</a> and <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/sauvignon-blanc/">Sauvignon Blanc</a>.</li>
<li><strong>TDN:</strong> The compound behind the petrol-like scent in aged <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/riesling/">Rieslings</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Cis-Oak Lactone:</strong> Found in wines aged in American <a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/how-wine-barrels-affect-the-taste-of-wine/">oak barrels</a>, imparting coconut and dill aromas.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="a-sensory-adventure-field-trip-to-a-winery">A Sensory Adventure: Field Trip to a Winery</h2>
<p>To put theory into practice, Madeline takes us on a field trip to Silver Oak Winery. Here, she explores their American oak barrels, which contribute unique aromas like vanilla and coconut to their wines. She even uncovers how barrel toasting levels influence these flavors. </p>
<p>During her tasting session, Madeline identifies key impact compounds like pyrazines (green peppercorn) and beta-ionone (violet florals) — key clues that help reveal what&#39;s in the glass.</p>
<h2 id="how-to-train-your-nose-and-taste-buds">How to Train Your Nose and Taste Buds</h2>
<p>Building your aroma skills doesn’t happen overnight, but here’s how you can start:</p>
<ol>
<li>Use a <a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/the-importance-of-a-proper-wine-glass/">bowl-shaped glass</a> to collect and concentrate aromas.</li>
<li>Swirl the wine to release its smells.</li>
<li>Close your eyes and take slow, deliberate sniffs to focus on individual scents.</li>
</ol>
<p>And don’t stress if you don’t get it all right away—wine tasting is like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets!</p>
<h2 id="the-science-behind-it">The Science Behind It</h2>
<p>Here’s where things get wild: Studies show that professional sommeliers actually have more gray matter in their brains, specifically in the entorhinal cortex (which controls memory and navigation). Basically, training your sense of smell is like giving your brain a workout—so consider that next tasting session a form of self-improvement!</p>
<h2 id="your-challenge-can-you-identify-these-aromas">Your Challenge: Can You Identify These Aromas?</h2>
<p>Next time you try a glass of wine, be it red or white, take your time and try to identify 5 individual aromas. (By the way, this is much easier in higher-quality wines with added complexity.) </p>
<h2 id="join-the-journey">Join the Journey</h2>
<p>Wine is more than just a drink — it’s science, art, and adventure all rolled into one! Whether you’re swirling at home or exploring wineries, there’s always more to discover.</p>


On The Hunt For Good Cheap Red Wine

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