Since I started this blog, my “15 Military Friendly Napa Wineries” post has by far been the most popular. But, since I moved away from California, I get to visit Napa once a year…if that. Because I don’t have access to Napa anymore, I’ve explored wines available at the local grocery stores. While I’ve found awful wines, I’ve also found some pretty good wines at great prices and some Napa wines in grocery stores. When I’m in the middle of nowhere and can’t get to a Total Wine and More (or when I just want to grab something quick and cheap) these are my go-to brands:
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Starborough $11 New Zealand
Pair with Goat Cheese and Rosemary Crackers
My best friend, Rhia, introduced me to this Sav Blanc. She paired it with goat cheese and rosemary crackers from Trader Joe’s. I usually don’t care for goat cheese, but I really liked it with Starborough’s Sav Blanc. The grassiness of the wine is amazing with the earthiness of the rosemary and goat cheese.
Upscale Grocery Store:
St Supery $18 California
Pair with Shrimp, Grapefruit, Avocado and Watermelon Radish Salad
SPARKLING
Korbel Brut $13 California
Pair with Champagne Chicken
Upscale Grocery Store:
Mumm Napa $20 California
Brie
Sparkling wine can’t be labeled “Champagne” unless it comes from the Champagne region of France. Although Korbel and Mumm aren’t true Champagnes, they’re made in the Méthode Champenoise or Méthode Traditionnelle, which is how real Champagne is produced. They have the fine bubbles and yeasty characteristics of true Champagne.
RIESLING
Shelton Vineyards $11 North Carolina
Pair with Pad Thai or Shrimp Cocktail
If you’re lucky enough to live in North Carolina, give Shelton’s Riesling a try. It’s by far my favorite Riesling produced in the United States. If you live outside the Carolinas and can’t find Shelton, Washington State makes some good Rieslings too.
MALBEC
Alamos $8 Argentina
Pair with Espresso Bellavitano and Melba Toast
Alamos Malbec with Espresso Bellavitano was my go to pairing while in Guam. I didn’t even mind that I was drinking a full bodied red when it was 90 degrees outside with 100% humidity. It’s delicious and cheap!
PINOT NOIR
Josh Cellars $13 California
Pair with Turkey and Cranberry Sauce
I’ll be honest, the reason I first tried this wine was because of the name. Being married to a Josh, I was curious about the wine. This is my go-to Thanksgiving wine because I love how it pairs with turkey, and it’s so affordable–I can serve it and not run out 🙂
Upscale Grocery Store:
Meiomi $18 California
Great all by itself, sweeter than traditional Pinot
I discovered Meiomi at a sushi restaurant in Las Vegas. Please don’t pair this with sushi! Let me explain…I don’t usually drink wine with sushi, so I ordered Meiomi to drink all by itself before I got my sushi. Josh usually doesn’t like Pinot, but when he took a sip of this wine, he ordered one for himself. It doesn’t taste like a true Pinot, so don’t expect to get one. It’s cut with grapes like Riesling and Gewürztraminer, so it’s a sweetish wine that can stand alone.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Federalist $15 Lodi, California
Pair with Steak or Aged Gouda on Crostini
It took me a long time to find an affordable Cabernet that I liked. I like Napa Cabs and Bordeauxs, so finding a Cab that was under $20 was a challenge. I tried Kendall Jackson, 14 Hands and many others without success. You’d think I would have discovered Federalist when I lived 40 minutes from Lodi in Sacramento, but no. I FINALLY found this wine when Josh ordered it at Outback Steakhouse.
CHARDONNAY, MERLOT, ETC…
I haven’t found a grocery store Chardonnay that I love yet, and I haven’t made the effort to find a good Merlot. If you know of any affordable, widely available wines (especially Chardonnay and Merlot), please let me know about them in the comments section. I’d love to give them a try!
Cheers,
Rae
Now write about bougie wines.
Yes Ma’am!