Getting into wine can be a bit intimidating, especially if you're starting with a small budget. Luckily, there are some great beginner-friendly wines that don't sacrifice flavor and won't break the bank.
In this article, we will explore some of the best options for beginning oenophiles, we'll highlight six of the best type of wines to try and provide some tips on how to taste them like a pro.
If you're looking for a refreshing white wine that is both delicious and affordable, Sauvignon Blanc is a great place to start. This wine is known for its bright acidity and flavors of citrus, green apple, and grass. It pairs well with seafood, salads, and light pasta dishes.
To taste Sauvignon Blanc like a pro, start by looking at the wine's appearance. The color should be pale yellow with hints of green. Next, give the wine a good swirl to release its aromas. Take a whiff and see if you can detect any citrus or herbal notes. Finally, take a sip and let the wine coat your palate. Look for flavors of lemon, lime, and green apple.
"There are many delicious and affordable Sauvignon Blancs available. For example, the Heritance 2018 Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley is rated 92 points and costs $18, while the Spy Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is around $17. The Alpha Estate Sauvignon Blanc Fumé 2021 is rated highly and costs under $50, while BV Costal Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley at an astonishing $10 and 2021 Round Pond Estate Sauvignon Blanc from Rutherford, Napa Valley is also rated 92 points and costs under $30."
Debora Sadler
Another popular white wine that is perfect for beginners is Pinot Grigio. This wine is light and easy to drink with flavors of green apple, pear, and citrus. It pairs well with seafood, chicken, and salads.
To taste Pinot Grigio like a pro, start by looking at the wine's appearance. The color should be light and clear. Next, give the wine a swirl to release its aromas. Take a whiff and see if you can detect any fruity or floral notes. Finally, take a sip and let the wine coat your palate. Look for flavors of apple, pear, and lemon.
"There are many delicious and affordable Pinot Grigio. For example, the Kurtatsch Penon Pinot Grigio 2020, from Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy, is rated 92 points by James Suckling and costs under $20. The 2021 Cantina Terlano Tradition Pinot Grigio, also from Alto Adige is rated 90 points and costs under $25. A nice tropical and balanced Pinot Grigio from Central Coast, CA, USA is 2021 SeaGlass Pinot Grigio, just $10. "
Debora Sadler
View our wine review for Kurtatsch Penon Pinot Grigio
Chardonnay is a classic white wine that can vary in style from light and crisp to rich and buttery. Unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay is a good choice for those on a budget. This wine pairs well with chicken, fish, and salads.
To taste Chardonnay like a pro, start by looking at the wine's appearance. The color should be pale yellow with hints of gold. Next, give the wine a swirl to release its aromas. Take a whiff and see if you can detect any flavors of apple, pear, or vanilla. Finally, take a sip and let the wine coat your palate. Look for flavors of lemon, butter, and oak.
"There are many delicious and affordable Chardonnay available. For example, the 2020 Bonterra Chardonnay from Mendocino County, USA is rated 88 points by Wine Spectator and costs $13, while the Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay is around $15. The The Vincent' Board Track Racer Chardonnay 2019 is rated 90 points by Wine Enthusiast and costs under $20, while Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay at an astonishing $11. The Kendall Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay from CA, USA is the most sold chardonnay nationwide for over 25 years, also 91 points by Wine Enthusiast and costs under $15."
Debora Sadler
If you prefer red wine, Merlot is a great choice for beginners. This medium-bodied wine is known for its soft tannins and flavors of black cherry and plum. It pairs well with beef, lamb, and pasta dishes.
To taste Merlot like a pro, start by looking at the wine's appearance. The color should be deep ruby red. Next, give the wine a swirl to release its aromas. Take a whiff and see if you can detect any flavors of black cherry, plum, or vanilla. Finally, take a sip and let the wine coat your palate. Look for flavors of black cherry, plum, and a hint of spice.
"There are many delicious and affordable Merlot available. For example, the 2018 Markham Vineyards Merlot from Napa Valley, USA is rated 91 points by Wine Spectator and costs $25, while the 2019 Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Merlot is around $19. The 2018 Freemark Abbey Merlot is rated highly and costs under $50, while 2018 Sterling Vineyards Vintner's Collection Merlot at an astonishing $12".
Debora Sadler
Another popular red wine that is perfect for beginners is Cabernet Sauvignon. This full-bodied wine is known for its bold flavors of black currant and blackberry. It pairs well with beef, lamb, and strong cheese.
To taste Cabernet Sauvignon like a pro, start by looking at the wine's appearance. The color should be deep ruby or purple. Next, give the wine a swirl to release its aromas. Take a whiff and see if you can detect any flavors of black currant, blackberry, or oak. Finally, take a sip and let the wine coat your palate. Look for flavors of blackberry, currant, and a hint of vanilla.
"There are many delicious and affordable Chardonnay available. For example, the 2018 Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington, USA is rated 91 points by Wine Enthusiast and costs $13, while the 2019 Beringer Vineyards California Collection Cabernet Sauvignon is around $10. The 2019 Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is rated highly by Jancis Robinson and Wine Spectator and costs under $100."
Debora Sadler
If you're looking for a fruity and spicy red wine that pairs well with barbeque and grilled meats, try Zinfandel. This wine is known for its bold flavors of raspberry, blackberry, and pepper. It pairs well with spicy foods, barbeque, and grilled meats.
To taste Zinfandel like a pro, start by looking at the wine's appearance. The color should be deep ruby or purple. Next, give the wine a swirl to release its aromas. Take a whiff and see if you can detect any flavors of raspberry, blackberry, or pepper. Finally, take a sip and let the wine coat your palate. Look for flavors of raspberry, blackberry, and a hint of spice.
"There are many delicious and affordable Chardonnay available. For example, the 2020 Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel from Sonoma County, USA is rated 90 points by CellarTracker, and 88 points by Decanter, and costs $24, while the 2019 Omen Origins Zinfandel is around $20. The 2020 Williams Selyem Bacigalupi Vineyard Zinfandel from Russian River Valley, USA is rated highly and costs under $100, while 2020 Cline Cellars Old Vine Zinfandel at an astonishing $13."
Debora Sadler
Whether you're new to wine tasting or just looking for some delicious and affordable wines to try, these six wines are a great place to start. By following these tips, you'll be able to taste the different flavors and aromas of each wine like a pro. Remember, wine is subjective, and what one person finds delicious may not be the same for someone else. It's always a good idea to try different wines to figure out what you like. So, grab a glass and start tasting! Cheers!
