Wine-ing About Wine Prices - Let's start with Sauvignon Blancs

(Credit: Chiyacat via iStock)

So... I don't claim to be an expert on wine (though some might disagree if they saw my recycle bin) but I love finding great wines at reasonable prices.  If you're like me you can't discern the difference between a $25 bottle of wine and a $150 bottle - at least not enough of a difference to warrant the cost - and that's where this blog comes in.

My goal is to share the great wine buys that I've found (and those I will find, I promise to leave no wine bottle uncorked in the name of research) and where to get them. I live in the Sarasota area so my "where to get" will be relative to my area.  If you don't have the stores I list near you, you may need to do a little sleuthing.  Most of the wines will be around the $10 mark (some are are a little more, some less).  Again, I am no Sommelier, but this is meant for the average person who is simply looking for an enjoyable glass of wine.

I'll probably alternate between whites and reds, but to start things off, I am beginning with my personal favorite: Sauvignon Blanc (unorthodox, I know).

My go-to wine is Nobilo from New Zealand.  It's not only reasonable but it also received an 89-point rating from Wine Spectator (among many other accolades).

It's available at Total Wine and Norman's for around $10.  It's also available at Publix, but you'll pay $2-3 more there.

It pairs great with mild cheeses (may I suggest Geit-in-Stad, available at WineStyles in Lakewood Ranch?) and seafood.


A few other favorites of mine in this category are:

Anakena (Total Wine)

At $7.99 this Chilean wine is a bargain and was even named a Best Value by Wine Spectator in 2010.

Chateau Ste Michelle (Total Wine)

This wine is $8.99 and comes from Washington State.  It's available at Total Wine but hard to find most other places. The Riesling is carried most everywhere but the Sauv Blanc is much more elusive.

Brancott (Total Wine)
Like Nobilo, Brancott comes from New Zealand (those Kiwis know their Sauvignon Blancs...).  It received 91 points from Wine & Spirits and is $9.99.





I hope that you get to try (some, or all) of these and find them are great as I do - and by all means if you have a favorite Sauvignon Blanc in the $10-range I would love to hear from you.  Until next time, cheers!