We’re getting excited for the annual Charleston Wine + Food Festival this March! We’ll be set up in Marion Square with our pop-up Bottles Wine Shop throughout the week of the festival. As we start counting down to kickoff (four weeks to go!), we’ll be sharing some of our favorite wines for different occasions here on the Bottles blog. Today, our wine buyer Mike van Beyrer shares his recommendations for the top ten wines under $30.
Lioco Chardonnay 2014 ($19.99)
This Sonoma County pick is brilliant, focused and nuanced, with plenty of citrus, lemon peel, white pepper and orchard fruit nuances. Vinfication and aging in steel keeps the flavors fresh throughout. One of the very best values in California Chardonnay you’ll come across.
Lioco “Sativa” Carignane 2014 ($29.99)
The 2014 Sativa, 100% old-vine Carignan from Mendocino County, is one of the most striking wines in this price range. A host of inky blue and purplish-hued fruits, mint, spices and leather make a strong impression. It has a rating of 92 points from Vinous.
Felino Malbec 2015 ($20.99)
This Malbec is always a terrific value, showcasing Mendoza fruit with a California style, and at a great price. Paul Hobbs and Nicolas Catena are behind this gem.
Vina Sastre Ribera del Duero 2014 ($19.99)
Lots of flowers on the nose, particularly violets and lavender, and also some roasted coffee notes. Smooth with mellow tannins, this wine is savory and lightly smoky. The finish is long and mineral with an iron quality. A perfect pair for grilled lamb chops, sausages, and chickpea stew.
Patton Pinot Noir 2014 ($22.99)
A pale red. Lively, sharply focused aromas of redcurrant and strawberry accented by white pepper and orange zest. Refreshingly brisk and racy on the palate, with weightless bitter cherry and red berry flavors taking a sweeter turn on the back half. This distinctly graceful Pinot finishes with very good lift and spicy cut, leaving berry skin and allspice notes behind. This bottle has a rating of 90 points from Vinous.
Omero Pinot Noir 2014 ($23.99)
This sublime Oregon Pinot comes from a tiny family owned winery in Carlton, OR. Everything is organic, hand harvested and hand crafted at Omero and this is their largest production offering at just 2100 cases. Cinnamon, vanilla and sandalwood compliment the opulent cherry fruit along with notes of rhubarb and sassafras.
Adelaida Zinfandel 2013 ($21.99)
Aromas of dried cherries, anise, and Christmas spice. Flavors of crushed raspberries, cranberries, grated nutmeg, chocolate shavings. Pairs well with barbecued tri-tip with caramelized onions, grilled lamb chops with pistachio salsa verde, carnitas tacos with tomatillo salsa.
Patricia Green Reserve Pinot Noir 2015 ($27.99)
A deep red. Expansive red berry and floral pastille scents and flavors show impressive energy and pick up a hint of smokiness as the wine opens up. Smooth and fleshy but lively as well; a late jolt of white pepper adds spicy bite. Generous but vibrant in character, finishing very long and sweet, with gentle tannins lending shape and subtle grip. This wine delivers exceptional bang for the buck.
Kivelstadt Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc 2015 ($19.99)
Expressive scents and flavors of Meyer lemon, quince and pungent herbs, along with notes of ginger and chalky minerals. Silky and expansive in the mouth, with a floral quality adding complexity. Finishes focused and dry, with dusty citrus pith and mint nuances clinging.
Kivelstadt Red Blend 2013 ($23.99)
Rhone style blend made from 50% Syrah from our estate vineyard, 25% Grenache, and 25% Carignane from Venturi Vineyard. The Carignane and Grenache bring high tone fruit, approachability and energy to balance out the earthier Syrah in the blend. The wine sees 10% new French oak for 16 months and is our bistro style red wine – versatile with an array of cuisine.