Summer Lovin': Wines Under $20

Is it just us, or is it getting steamy in Charleston? And there’s one thing that we all want to do when the weather gets warmer and the sun hangs around longer…

Drink a glass of wine, of course.

We asked you on Facebook what you wanted to read about when it comes to wine, and the answers were all the same: what are the best wines at the best prices?

So we asked the local experts. Because, like you, we’re bright eyed and bushy tailed to find out tips to delicious, easy-on-the-wallet summer drinking. Here’s what they gave us to swallow:

The new wine guru at Ted’s Butcherblock, Mal Jones, breaks down the big three:

Rose: Chateau Du Donjon Minervois Rose. $16
Blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Cinsault, 20% Grenache. Dry rose from Minervois in the Languedoc wine producing region of southern France. Perfect warm weather wine. Great for the porch, or pair with cheese, salads or charcuterie.

White: Santa Julia Torrontes. $10
This uniquely Argentinian grape makes a light-bodied crisp white wine that exhibits flavors of pear and white peach with a slightly spicy finish. Substitute for Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Perfect on its own or with chicken and seafood dishes.

Red: Flavium Crianza. $13
This medium bodied red comes from a little-known area of Spain called Bierzo. The grape is 100% Mencia and it drinks like a heavier Pinot Noir. Luscious blackcherry fruit, great balance and a smooth finish make this a great wine for summer. Pair with burgers, pizza, grilled chicken or anything else at the backyard BBQ.

Caviar & Banana’s Margaret Furniss gets political:

My favorite value white is called Hugues Beaulieu Picpoul de Pinet and  is one of the named crus of the Coteaux de Languedoc. Picpoul means “lip stinger,” which refers to the high acidity of its must. It offers flavors of lime, honeysuckle and white flowers with good minerality and a hint of grapefruit. It is a delightful little find that pairs well with seafoods – particularly shellfish as well as rich, soft cheeses. It is light and refreshing and perfect for the Charleston summer. At around $12 a bottle, it’s one you can enjoy every day!

Oh, and one other little fun fact about this particular wine is that it was the official white wine of the White House during Kennedy’s time there. So if its good enough for Jackie, well….

Social Wine Bar’s Brad Ball sets the scene, and brings back the box (all under $20):

For the beach: An awesome box wine (no glass) with easy to consume food (sand dilemma). The box wine is a killer project based out of Mendoza – besides being super affordable, it might be one of the single greenest wines known to man and it rocks.

For a plantation: A floral driven white (a Viognier) with a killer picnicky item

For late night on the dock or the Battery: A sweet sparkling wine with a yummy dessert

Now it’s your turn, Charleston. What is your favorite wine under $20? Share your insights with the (terribly) thirsty!

All of the above wines are available at their respective locales.
Ted’s Butcherblock
Caviar & Bananas
Social Wine Bar

Story by: Caroline Nuttall
Photos by: Karson Photography and provided