I’m starting to think that good white wines under $20 don’t exist. Maybe it’s not that they don’t exist, but that they aren’t dependable. The last seven bottles that I’ve bought are either entirely acidic, or they taste like cat pee; either way they’re bad. All of these wines have been European - French, German, or Spanish.
I guess I’ve just been spoiled on Oz and NZ reds that are certainly table quality and under $10. I would serve these wines to guests if they didn’t see the bottle, and they’d never know the difference.
So, I’m thinking about giving up on whites all together. Talk me out of it. Tell me about some good, dependable wine; the last one I had was a La Hoya.
Give Columbia Crest’s Grand Estates Chard a try. It’s inexpensive ($8-11) and pretty good - buttery feel like La Crema used to have. But make sure you get Grand Estates - they have others that aren’t so yummy. J. Lohr Chard is not too bad for around $10-12. Cambria is good for ~$20.
But you’re right, you can get much better bang for the buck with reds.
There was actually an article in the WSJ last week or so that said the same thing, that it is very difficult to find “good” white wines for under $20. They did list a few brands that sold for in the teens that they thought were the exception to the rule. If I can find the article, I’ll post it, but no guarantees.
I’m starting to think that good white wines under $20 don’t exist. Maybe it’s not that they don’t exist, but that they aren’t dependable. The last seven bottles that I’ve bought are either entirely acidic, or they taste like cat pee; either way they’re bad. All of these wines have been European - French, German, or Spanish.
Sounds like your bottle shop doesn’t sell the best wines. Try French Riesling from the Alsace, German Saar-Mosel Blauburgunder, Italian white wines from Toscany or Spanish Rebeiro from Galicia. All mentioned whites have a great flavor, are dry but still fruity, and not acidic at all.
Go for the German Auslese (if you like a sweet white wine). The ones from the Mosel-Saar Ruwer are the best.
Thanks for that! Mosel-Saar-Ruwer is where I live (the river Saar is only about 1 mile from here, the Mosel river 20 miles :-))! The wine I like most is a Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Blauburgunder. It isn’t sweet, but rather dry, the flavor is excellent and you can still taste the grapes! No acid, no headache the next morning…just an excellent white wine!
I’m starting to think that good white wines under $20 don’t exist. Maybe it’s not that they don’t exist, but that they aren’t dependable. The last seven bottles that I’ve bought are either entirely acidic, or they taste like cat pee; either way they’re bad. All of these wines have been European - French, German, or Spanish.
I guess I’ve just been spoiled on Oz and NZ reds that are certainly table quality and under $10. I would serve these wines to guests if they didn’t see the bottle, and they’d never know the difference.
So, I’m thinking about giving up on whites all together. Talk me out of it. Tell me about some good, dependable wine; the last one I had was a La Hoya.
If you like the La Hoya, there are other Chilean whites you might also like - Cuvee Alexandre for one.
The wine is excellent with a great finish and priced below $20. Real smooth. Plus their wine club is excellent and can even send to NY where I’m from. Great staff & really good pours if you visit the winery. Just be careful pulling out of there with the traffic. One of my favorite places to stop in Napa.
Dude - I’ve got 5 cases of Mosel wine stuffed into the closet in my spare bedroom. Can’t remember the name of the vintner, but it is good stuff! Next time I need wine, I’m coming to visit you.
