The best white wine under $15
What’s the best white wine currently in the US market for about $15? I’ll make a case for the 2010 Clos des Briords from Marc Ollivier (Domaine de la Pépière).
The 2010 is electric. After the 2009 had more ripeness, I find 2010 a reversion to the exciting norm of citrusy freshness and minerally, iodiney verve. Pairing it with seafood, particularly shellfish, is probably about as much fun as you can have with a $15 white wine. (search for this wine at retail) The wine comes from a single vineyard in Muscadet, one of vines planted in the 1930s. The wine stays on its lees up until bottling, which also helps account for more depth than your average Muscadet. It’s also particularly age-worthy, and I’m scouting out some magnums to tuck away. Emphasizing the minerailty over fruitiness means this wine isn’t for everyone. But for those who love wines so taut you could play a DVD on them, check out what is the best white value out there.
A runner-up would certainly be the Terres Dorées Beaujolais Blanc, a Chardonnay, also from 2010 (above, left). The wine is a perennial better value, but the 2010 exhibits a value chardonnay in its minerally, unadorned form that is stunning. (On a related note, I was a huge fan of the 2009 red Terres Dorees, but didn’t find the 2010 red to have the same snap.)
Which wine would you nominate as the best white wine around $15 in the market today?
On September 23rd, 2011 at 10:43 am ,Aaron wrote:
Dr. Loosen “Dr. L” Riesling… $9-12 in most U.S. stores. Real Mosel Riesling taste (from purchased fruit, I believe) that goes with a wide variety of foods. Compared to a $10 domestic Chard or SB, it isn’t even close.
On September 23rd, 2011 at 11:36 am ,Robin C wrote:
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Domaine Drouhin Laforet Chardonnay, Desiderio Jeio Prosecco Brut
On September 23rd, 2011 at 12:00 pm ,Tish wrote:
Pine Ridge Chenin-Viognier
Benoit Gautier Vouvray
Macon-Lugny Les Charmes
Montgras Sauvignon Blanc, Chile
Salneval Albarino, Spain
These are five under-$15 wines I pour a lot at events that rarely fail to please…
On September 23rd, 2011 at 12:31 pm ,JBH wrote:
Raats Original Chenin Blanc (South Africa). Refreshing and balanced, without sacrificing all its fruit at the altar of minerality. I think the current release is 2010 and it’s reasonably easy to find–usually around $12–between DC and Boston.
When I can’t get it I go for Ken Forrester Petit Chenin.
On September 23rd, 2011 at 1:18 pm ,John Gillespie wrote:
All the above are good, but I would add Caves de Pomerols Picpoul de Pinet HB 2010 – which is under $10 – fresh, lovely fruit, light, tart, and delicious
On September 23rd, 2011 at 1:37 pm ,Giuseppe C wrote:
I agree with the Dr. L choice, very good wine for the price. I would also include Chateau Pajzos Furmint Tokaji. On a side note the Terres Dorees bottle in Quebec is listed at $22! That’s what happens with a government monopoly!
On September 23rd, 2011 at 4:12 pm ,David B. wrote:
Navarro Anderson Valley (CA) dry Gewurztraminer. The 2010 is about to be released. So, I have not tasted it yet, but prior vintages have all been outstanding. A real extrovert aromatically with good acid. It works well with a wide variety of food including those with spice.
On September 23rd, 2011 at 5:47 pm ,Ned Towle wrote:
Alois Lageder “riff†2010 Pinot Grigio Venezie, Italy
Around $8 at Grapes the Wine Company – my idea of a good Pinot Grigio, just light, crisp, touch of citrus and spice – nothing fancy, but very refreshing
On September 24th, 2011 at 10:47 am ,geoff miller wrote:
I’ll take the Crios or La linda Torrontes any day !
On September 24th, 2011 at 1:40 pm ,Robert Dwyer wrote:
How about the King Estate Signature Pinot Gris for something in a little more fruit forward?
Love that wine every time.
On September 24th, 2011 at 1:48 pm ,Jameson wrote:
The Dr. L sparkling is great, too, for under $15.
On September 25th, 2011 at 1:55 am ,seriously? wrote:
Bodegas Pinord Marrugat Semi Seco is absurdly delicious. Red Newt makes awesome riesling in the Finger Lakes, some of which hits under $15.
On September 25th, 2011 at 7:46 pm ,JAcob wrote:
Montenovo, a valdesil winery white wine made from the obscure and rare spanish white grape variety called GODELLO.
Mineral, fruit-driven wine with a great body in an elegant way, showing what pure Godello fruit is about.
On September 28th, 2011 at 10:32 pm ,Tom wrote:
I infrequently drink the same wine more than once a year because I’m always looking to try new items. The exception is the Clos des Briords.
On August 8th, 2012 at 8:47 am ,Ann wrote:
I am a fan of wines from Southern Italy. It is unusual to find good white wine there, but I lately tasted a Malvasia Bianca, Terre di Guagnano. Amazing for a relatively low price.