Wines to Love Under $40

February 2022
Written By: 
James Ginley
Photographs by: 
courtesy of the wineries

And to share with your Valentine

Frank Family Chardonnay California 2019
Calistoga, CA $29.99

Bright straw color, with light aromas of lemon rind and brioche. Thee crisp taste starts with apple, pear, plus melon and white peaches, for a classic, juicy, mediumbodied style. Beautifully balanced, with nicely integrated acidity and a clean, lengthy finish. Enjoy over the next two to three years with fresh fish, chicken or pork.

Domaine Rene Malleron Sancerre 
Loire Valley, France $27.95

Pale green color, with pungent aromas of gooseberry and grass. The mouthfeel begins with bracing acidity, then citrus and passionfruit notes highlight the flinty minerality. Sancerre is the epitome of the Sauvignon Blanc grape and is best shared with shellfish, oysters and lightly seasoned fish dishes.

Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc N/V
St. Helena, CA $34.99

In 1965, this sparkling wine was the first commercially produced Chardonnay in the U.S. Small lots of barrel fermented wines are added to stainlesssteel fermented wines to create a proprietary blend for a dry and crisp taste profile. Fruity and lively with a bold finish, pair with fresh oysters, shellfish and other seafoods. 

BV Tapestry Reserve Red Blend 2016
Rutherford, CA $39.99 

A True Bordeaux blend, mostly cabernet and merlot, with a bit of cab franc, malbec and petite Verdot. The result is a complex wine with intense aromas of violet and sage, layers of blackberry, cassis and dark cherry flavors, while bold tannins lend a rich mouthfeel in the finish. Perfect for grilled or roasted beef dishes. Rated 93 points by James Suckling, an American wine critic.

Silvio Grasso Barolo 2017
Piedmont, Italy $37.99

The Grasso family is noted for their red wines, and this Barolo comes from 100% Nebbiolo grapes. The 2017 vintage offers tar and roses in the nose, with a dense palate of ripe cherry and plum. The concentrated fruit blends with fine tannins for a lingering finish. A wine worthy of any fine Italian cuisine. Rated 92 points by Wine Advocate. 

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