Finding great red under $10 can sometimes feel like you are rolling the dice to try out your luck. With some of the tips and suggestions below, it might steer you in the right direction.
Firstly, consider cleanskins. As much as they are a lucky dip, there are some great quality ones out there. Just keep in mind that as cleanskins are surplus stock from suppliers, they won't be around forever of that particular kind and are replaced by a different producer.
Also consider bulk buying at six or more to receive a discount of up to 20/30% depending where you go. Pick up the ones on special too for an even further discount. (For example, Hardys Oomoo Shiraz generally sits at around $19. When on special goes to around $13/14, so with 20/30% off on top of that you are near that under $10 mark.) Split it with a friend or two if you can so you are not committing so much.
One of the great things about wine in general is that the rule of "the more you pay, the better the quality" is thrown out the window when it comes to examples of the below in red wine. These are perfect for that night in when you have ordered take-away pizza to go with watching a few movies.
2008 Mount Hurtle Grenache Shiraz Mourverde. $8.99
Due to these type of grape varietal blends being unpopular/old-fashioned (aka- not trendy at the moment like alternative whites are) not too many winemakers choose to do them, so the price stays down (At least I think that is the reason why). This is a fruit driven red with a savory finish. This is my top pick for a red under $10 (Should be more expensive in my opinion, but thankfully it isn't!). It's awesome, try it.
2008 DeBortoli Sacred Hill Cabernet Merlot. $6.99
In 2005 this won the best red under $20 at the Darling Harbour Wine Show in a blind tasting. An easy drinking red that is worthy of being part of your weekly mix.
2009 Angove Long Row Cabernet Sauvignon. $9.99
What you'd expect of a good Cabernet Sauvignon; Full bodied and with a lingering finish. Definitely one to crack open with a take away pizza or pasta.
2010 Yellowtail Merlot. $9.99
It doesn't get much more commercial than Yellowtail, but who cares? This Merlot delivers and holds good character for a soft, dry red.
2009 Tyrrells Wines Old Winery Pinot Noir. $8.99
I use to drink this all the time as my first choice in a cheap red. Think olives, light herbaceous characters and yeah, that is this Pinot. An excellent starting point for anyone wanting to try Pinot.
I have a wine blog (gradsguidetowine.blogspot.com) that focuses on wines in the under $15 range and the Bogle Petite Sirah is a red under $10 that's really fantastic. You should give it a try.
ReplyDeleteThanks Aaron!!
ReplyDeleteKelsey, that's not much use for us Antipodeans