Best bargain bottles: 13 great wines for $20 or less

A blind tasting has the potential to unearth all sorts of surprises. When the results of the 2022 Royal Adelaide Wine Show were announced last week, the trophy for Best Pinot Noir in Show was Coles Liquor’s James Busby 2021 ‘Vineyard Series’ Tasmania Pinot Noir.

The national wine show attracted 2588 entries from 350 exhibitors and at $30 a bottle, the pinot noir is a top drop with a decent price tag.

Earlier this month, ALDI buying director Jason Bowyer had plenty to smile about when the $4.99 South Point Estate 2022 Pinot Grigio (available exclusively at the supermarket giant’s stores) took home the double gold award at the Melbourne International Wine Show.

Wine writer Katie Spain reveals the wines she can’t get enough of, at affordable prices. Photo: Ben Macmahon

According to judging rules, double gold is only awarded to a phenomenal product, as per a unanimous decision by panelists.

“We’re fair dinkum about out pricing,” Bowyer says. “People assume a wine won’t be so good when it’s at a lower price but when they taste the wines, they’re pleasantly surprised. We’re trying to deliver great value to bring shoppers in and we’re trying to do a raft of things to capture the imagination.”

Quality over quantity is a mantra we should all live by. Search hard enough, and you’ll find affordable gems fit for everyday consumption.

The price is laughable, double gold at the Melbourne International Wine Show is not.

$20 bangers

Bassham Wines 2021 Arinto, Riverland, $20

I can’t get enough of Bruce and Val Bassham’s alternative variety (and mostly certified organic and biodynamic) wines. The couple gets on with things quietly on their Riverland property, putting a great deal of care into their vineyards. The Arinto (originally from Portugal) thrives in hot climates and this zippy white has plenty of zing. Chill it and serve with fresh seafood and salads. At $20 a bottle, the Bassham Fernao Pires (from South Portugal) is also a great talking point, as is the Petit Manseng (from Southern France), Verdejo and organic Vermentino. The epitome of bang for your buck. 12 per cent alcohol. Find them at basshamwines.com

Scarborough Wine Co. 2022 Offshoot Tempranillo Rosé, NSW, $20

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A heavenly rosé from Hunter Valley’s delightful family-run Scarborough Wine Co. It’s like diving headfirst into a juicy watermelon cooler with a twist of lime. Summer loving, indeed.

10.8 per cent alcohol. Find it online via scarboroughwine.com.au

KATIE’S PICK
Wynns The Siding Cabernet Sauvignon, $20

Cabernet curious? This is a shining star of a wine. At an RRP of 20 bucks, this classic red from South Australia’s Coonawarra is astoundingly great value. Search hard enough (and time it right) and you’ll find it at some retailers for as low as $10 a bottle. Snap it up if you do. It is approachable, bright, has an earthy finish and will please the fussiest of connoisseurs.

13.9 per cent alcohol. Find it at: all major liquor retailers nationwide and at wynns.com.au

Ricca Terra 22º Halo 2022 Degree Halo Chill With The Moon, SA, $20

Riverland-grown shiraz, fiano, grenache blanc, tempranillo and moscato giallo hit the dance floor in this light red. It is designed to be chilled and consumed in the sun. A whole lot of berry flavour-packed fun for people who take down time seriously.

13.5 per cent alcohol. Find it at: riccaterra.com.au

From left: Saint-Hilaire Blanquette de Limoux Brut; Cat Amongst the Pigeons 2020 Fat Cat Shiraz; Lingo 2021 Adelaide Hills Barbera; Hoddles Creek Estate 2020 Sauvignon Blanc 2020; Yarran 2019 Shiraz. Photos: Supplied

$15 – $20

Saint-Hilaire Blanquette de Limoux Brut, France, $19.99

A winemaker pal recently turned up to dinner with this French sparkling, plonked it on the table next to the “good stuff” and said nothing. He found it for a steal at the local bottle-o but don’t let cheap stereotypes cloud our vision. Wouldn’t you know it, the traditional method bubbles from Blanquette de Limoux appellation held its own among the well-respected Champagne brands. I went out and purchased half-a-dozen.

12.5 per cent alcohol. Find it at: Dan Murphy’s

Cat Amongst the Pigeons 2020 Fat Cat Shiraz, SA, from $18

A consistently scrumptious Barossa Shiraz heaving with a medley of blueberries, plum and blackberries. A bit of spice makes it just right. A people pleaser, if ever there was one.

From $18 at the likes of Dan Murphy’s and BWS

Lingo 2021 Adelaide Hills Barbera, SA, $17.99

Barbera is a red grape with heritage that dates to the 11th century, where it grew in the shadows of a cathedral in Monferrato, Piedmont, Italy. When this Australian-grown drop was placed in a tasting line-up of more than 40 examples from across the globe recently, it shone bright and juicy. Pair it with pasta topped with a tomato-based sauce.

13.5 per cent alcohol. Find it at Dan Murphy’s

$10–$15

Hoddles Creek Estate 2020 Sauvignon Blanc 2020, $15

Vigneron Franco D’Anna and the Hoddles team are known for over-delivering on quality-meets-price. Whack a bottle of their estate-grown sauvignon blanc in the fridge and you’ll be good to go when unexpected guests drop in for a sundowner (or you fancy a splash while cooking). At $19.99 the Wickams Road Pinot Noir is a steal, too.

Find them at hoddlescreekestate.com.au

Yarran 2019 Shiraz, from $15, Griffith NSW

The Brewer family’s Yarran wine brand was named wine critic James Halliday’s “Darkhorse Winery of The Year” for 2021. Take a gander at their website and you’ll find the new release 2022 Chardonnay, 2022 Organic Pinot Grigio, 2022 Sauvignon Blanc and 2021 Merlot kicking around at $16 a bottle. The tasty, well-balanced 2019 Yarran Shiraz is also available for $15 on Different Drop. It was made using fruit from Victoria’s Heathcote and Bendigo and NSW’s Hilltops. Simply yum.

14.2 per cent alcohol. Find it at yarranwines.com.au

Corte Carista Prosecco DOC; Loire Valley Cabernet Franc Rosé; South Point Estate Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV Sparkling; South Point Estate 2022 Pinot Grigio. Photos: Supplied

Under $10

Corte Carista Prosecco DOC, Italy, $9.99

Close your eyes and think of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy. This lively, crisp fizz is great solo or for an Aperol spritz component that won’t break the bank. It won gold at this year’s Melbourne International Wine Show and, as word spreads, it’ll most likely fly off shelves.

11 per cent alcohol. Find it at ALDI

Loire Valley Cabernet Franc Rosé, France $8.99

If you haven’t visited the Loire Valley, shift it to the top of your French to-do list. It’s known as “The Garden” for good reason. Experience the floral and wild strawberry vibes via this pretty pink rosé. For those who prefer it off-dry. A solid wine for the price tag.

12 per cent alcohol. Find it at ALDI

South Point Estate Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV Sparkling, $5.99

Chardonnay and pinot noir from south-eastern Australia made their way into this ridiculously cheap fizz. The sparkling won double gold at Melbourne International Wine Show this month. If you’re on a hard-core budget but still like to kick off brunch with a mimosa or two, this is just the ticket.

11 per cent alcohol. Find it at ALDI

South Point Estate 2022 Pinot Grigio, $4.99

The price is laughable, double gold at the Melbourne International Wine Show is not. Pinot grigio isn’t for everyone but if pear and citrus flavours float your boat, this is a winner. All you need is a pink banknote. My tip: add soda water and ice (like they do in Argentina) and sip it slow while you flip snags on the barbecue.

12 per cent alcohol. Find it at ALDI