<p>It&#39;s possible to find good cheap wines armed with sommelier skills. Madeline Puckette shows us how to drink well on a budget at Trader Joes.  Turns out, a little <a href="https://winefolly.com/courses/" title="Wine Folly Online Courses">wine education</a> goes a long way. </p>



It's possible to find good cheap wines armed with sommelier skills. Madeline Puckette shows us how to drink well on a budget at Trader Joes.  Turns out, a little [wine education](https://winefolly.com/courses/ "Wine Folly Online Courses") goes a long way. 

On The Hunt For Good Cheap Red Wine 

<p>Portugal’s Alentejo region could be the last wild wine frontier in Europe. Because <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/what-wines-to-drink-from-portugal-by-region/">the region</a> didn&#39;t invest in international varieties (you know, like <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/cabernet-sauvignon/">Cabernet Sauvignon</a> and <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/chardonnay/">Chardonnay</a>), it now specializes in rare, native grapes. </p>
<p>Here’s a closer look at the major grapes that define Alentejo’s unique wine identity.</p>
<h3 id="avant-tejo-blends">&quot;Avant Tejo&quot; Blends</h3>
<ul>
<li>A popular red wine style that emerged in Alentejo that blends the local and indigenous wine varieties such as <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/alicante-bouschet/">Alicante Bouschet</a> and Trincadeira, but is crafted in a modern way, much like Bordeaux.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="antão-vaz">Antão Vaz</h3>
<ul>
<li>Indigenous to the southern parts of Alentejo (called &quot;Beja&quot;) and especially prominent in Vidigueira.</li>
<li>As a white wine it&#39;s exceptionally well-suited to the region’s hot, dry climate; highly resistant to drought and disease.</li>
<li>Expect fuller-bodied white wines with notes of pineapple, citrus, and floral nuances. When it&#39;s made in Talha (<a href="https://winefolly.com/lifestyle/a-brief-illustrated-history-of-wine/">an ancient amphora</a>) it&#39;s even richer!</li>
<li>Antão Vaz is often blended with Arinto or Roupeiro for added acidity and structure.
Perfect for those who enjoy complex, <a href="https://winefolly.com/wine-pairing/getting-started-with-food-and-wine-pairing/">food-friendly whites</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/9dpm55oop5oi/U6toUw42VPH6oSQgg996P/8acfb7b6ab9287a5ac79f7c1d3c7d6d8/Mapped-Wine-Folly-Wine-Cycling-Show-Madeline-Puckette.jpg" alt="Mapped-Wine-Folly-Wine-Cycling-Show-Madeline-Puckette">
David Gluzman and Madeline Puckette explore Alentejo’s wine frontier by bike.</p>
<h3 id="arinto">Arinto</h3>
<ul>
<li>A versatile white grape grown throughout Portugal, valued in Alentejo for its ability to retain acidity in warm climates.</li>
<li>Wines are vibrant, with lively acidity, strong mineral character, and flavors of green apple, lime, and lemon.</li>
<li>Frequently used in blends to “lift” other varieties, but it shines as a single varietal wine. </li>
<li>Look around Évora and Portalegre for some of the freshest examples.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="alicante-bouschet">Alicante Bouschet</h3>
<ul>
<li>A rare “teinturier” grape with red flesh, producing wines of intense color and body.</li>
<li>Thrives in Alentejo’s climate, often made as a single-varietal wine or used to add depth to blends.</li>
<li>Wines are full-bodied with <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/what-are-wine-tannins/">firm tannins</a>, moderate acidity, and flavors of dark berries and earthy undertones.</li>
<li>Known for its <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/how-wines-age/">aging potential</a> and appeal to those who love bold, concentrated reds.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="touriga-nacional">Touriga Nacional</h3>
<ul>
<li>Widely regarded as Portugal’s finest red grape; originally from the north but now thriving in Alentejo.</li>
<li>Produces deeply colored, structured wines with rich tannins, floral and fruity aromas (black currant and violet).</li>
<li>Perfect for those seeking intense, complex reds with elegance.</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/9dpm55oop5oi/1TUvAdZ48UmtZc4AYHdIZl/75d43d29d4f23a990668bc97eaf791de/Portugl-Alentejo-Wine-Varieties-WineFolly.jpg" alt="Portugl-Alentejo-Wine-Varieties-WineFolly">
The major grapes of Alentejo in Portugal offer new varieties to discover. </p>
<h3 id="aragonez-tempranillo">Aragonez (Tempranillo)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Known as <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/tempranillo/">Tempranillo</a> in Spain and Tinta Roriz in northern Portugal, Aragonez is a staple in Alentejo blends.</li>
<li>Adapts well to Alentejo’s hot, dry conditions, producing wines with higher alcohol and lower acidity.</li>
<li>Aromatic profile includes cherry, plum, wildflower, and spice; wines are medium to full-bodied with good tannic structure.</li>
<li>Great for lovers of balanced, fruit-driven reds with aging potential.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="trincadeira">Trincadeira</h3>
<ul>
<li>Native to Portugal and especially important in Alentejo.</li>
<li>Produces wines with red fruit aromas and a mineral-earthy quality.</li>
<li>Wines generally have higher acidity and a spicy palate.</li>
<li>This wine is for those who enjoy lively, food-friendly reds.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="alfrocheiro">Alfrocheiro</h3>
<ul>
<li>Adds freshness, color, and acidity to Alentejo blends.</li>
<li>Wines are aromatic, with notes of red berry fruit and baking spice, and offer good aging potential.</li>
<li>Wines made from Alfrocheiro are great for the cellar due to their elevated acidity.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="moreto">Moreto</h3>
<ul>
<li>A lesser-known but distinctive red grape thriving in Alentejo’s heat.</li>
<li>Produces elegant, lighter-bodied reds reminiscent of <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/pinot-noir/">Pinot Noir</a>, yet adapted to the region’s hot climate.</li>
<li>Wines are soft, with subtle fruit and earthy notes, offering something unique for adventurous wine drinkers.</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/9dpm55oop5oi/15SSX74pmd5lQDAqlNDsgC/357b7271a65af46c19d83dcaf21592b7/Wine-Alentejo-Bold-Reds-Madeline-Puckette.jpg" alt="Wine-Alentejo-Bold-Reds-Madeline-Puckette">
Madeline Puckette regards the “big legs” on Tiago Cabaço’s 100% Alentejo Syrah. </p>
<p>Alentejo’s wines are as diverse as its landscape, offering something for every palate. Whether you’re drawn to fresh, vibrant whites or bold, age-worthy reds, exploring these grape varieties is the perfect way to experience the heart and soul of Portugal’s wine country.</p>


The Grapes Putting Alentejo on the Map

<p>Ever find yourself reaching for the same bottle of wine? You&#39;re not alone. While <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/cabernet-sauvignon/">Cabernet Sauvignon</a> and <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/chardonnay/">Chardonnay</a> dominate wine shelves, some seriously amazing wines are waiting to rock your world. Here are 10 exceptional wines that deliver serious bang for your buck.</p>
<h2 id="nero-davola-sicilys-bold-red">Nero d&#39;Avola: Sicily&#39;s Bold Red</h2>
<p>This <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/nero-davola/">powerhouse red</a> from <a href="https://sicily.guides.winefolly.com">Sicily</a> offers the boldness of Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of Mediterranean swagger. Despite being one of Italy&#39;s top 10 grapes, it remained overlooked while Sicily focused on Marsala production. This sun-loving grape pumps out gorgeous cherry, black plum, and tobacco notes with polished tannins. The best part? You can snag amazing bottles for under $20.</p>
<h2 id="touriga-nacional-portugals-hidden-strength">Touriga Nacional: Portugal&#39;s Hidden Strength</h2>
<p><a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/what-is-port-wine/">Port</a>&#39;s secret weapon has gone solo; <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/touriga-nacional/">Touriga Nacional</a> is an inky, powerful red grape that produces dry wines with intense blueberry, violet, and plum flavors. Its concentrated character and aging potential rival many prestigious wines at a fraction of the price.</p>
<h2 id="carignan-frances-comeback-kid">Carignan: France&#39;s Comeback Kid</h2>
<p>Once the most planted grape in France, <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/carignan/">Carignan</a> fell from grace due to bulk wine production. However, <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/why-old-vine-wines-are-so-special/">old-vine examples</a> showcase incredible complexity with flavors of black cherry, tobacco leaf, and baking spices backed by mouthwatering acidity. Perfect for BBQ lovers who dig bold reds.</p>
<h2 id="montepulciano-italys-misunderstood-red">Montepulciano: Italy&#39;s Misunderstood Red</h2>
<p>Not to be confused with Tuscany&#39;s <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/italian-red-wines/">Vino Nobile di Montepulciano</a>, this <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/montepulciano/">crowd-pleasing grape</a> from Abruzzo delivers rich black plum, boysenberry, and sweet spice notes. When properly produced, it offers the kind of depth usually associated with much pricier wines; it&#39;s one of Italy&#39;s best-kept secrets.</p>
<h2 id="cinsault-the-mediterraneans-elegant-red">Cinsault: The Mediterranean&#39;s Elegant Red</h2>
<p>Meet Pinot Noir&#39;s Mediterranean cousin. <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/light-red-wine/">Light, bright</a>, and seriously food-friendly, <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/cinsault/">this red</a> brings strawberry-perfumed elegance without the Pinot price tag. Look for bottles from old vines in Southern France or <a href="https://winefolly.com/wine-regions/south-africa/">South Africa</a>.</p>
<h2 id="pinotage-south-africas-unique-expression">Pinotage: South Africa&#39;s Unique Expression</h2>
<p>South Africa&#39;s <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/pinotage/">signature grape</a> has grown up. Forget what you heard in the past - modern Pinotage (a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault) is all about rich blackberry, dark chocolate, and subtle smoke. Some serious winemaking has transformed this underdog into a world-class performer boasting complexity and character.</p>
<h2 id="chenin-blanc-loires-versatile-white">Chenin Blanc: Loire&#39;s Versatile White</h2>
<p>Often typecast as just a sweet wine grape, <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/chenin-blanc/">Loire Valley&#39;s chameleon</a> can do it all - <a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/4-tips-on-finding-awesome-sparkling-wine/">sparkling</a>, <a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/wine-sweetness-chart/">sweet</a>, and killer dry whites. Honey, quince, and zippy acidity make Chenin Blanc the wine insider&#39;s white of choice. Its <a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/white-wine-aging-chart-best-practices/">aging potential</a> and complexity rival fine <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/white-burgundy-tasting-pairing-and-french-chardonnay/">white Burgundy</a>.</p>
<h2 id="vermentino-italys-coastal-beauty">Vermentino: Italy&#39;s Coastal Beauty</h2>
<p>This <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/vermentino/">Mediterranean white</a> offers all the zesty appeal of Sauvignon Blanc plus distinctive minerality and texture. Coastal examples show bright citrus flavors with a characteristic salty finish that screams for seafood.</p>
<h2 id="albariño-spains-atlantic-gem">Albariño: Spain&#39;s Atlantic Gem</h2>
<p>Recently gaining international attention, this <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/albarino/">Spanish white</a> delivers bright fruit flavors and distinctive minerality. Its combination of refreshing acidity and surprising depth makes it a worthy alternative to <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/pinot-gris/">Pinot Grigio</a>.</p>
<h2 id="marsanne-roussanne-rhônes-dynamic-duo">Marsanne-Roussanne: Rhône&#39;s Dynamic Duo</h2>
<p>These traditional white <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/cotes-du-rhone-wine-with-maps/">Rhône varieties</a> create age-worthy wines with remarkable complexity. Together, they offer rich texture and elegant aromatics that develop fascinating nutty and quince notes with age.</p>
<p>Here&#39;s the truth bomb: following the crowd means missing out on some of wine&#39;s best-kept secrets. These alternatives aren&#39;t just cheaper - they&#39;re unique, delicious wines with stories to tell. Ready to break out of your wine rut? Grab one of these bottles and prepare to impress both your palate and your wallet.</p>


10 Wines You Oughta Try in 2025

<p>Sweet wines often get a bad rap, but as it turns out, they’re some of the world’s most fascinating and collectible wines. From the high-acid, delicately sweet Rieslings of Germany to the rich, syrupy decadence of Pedro Ximénez, there’s a whole world of flavor ready for exploring.</p>
<p>In this video, we break down what makes these underappreciated wines are so special and why they deserve a place in your glass.</p>
<h2 id="prädikat-riesling-spätlese-germanys-best-kept-secret">Prädikat Riesling (Spätlese): Germany’s Best-Kept Secret</h2>
<p>Not all sweet wines are syrupy! One of Germany’s most prized styles, <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/understanding-german-riesling-by-the-label/">Spätlese Riesling</a>, strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity. Grown in the <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/mosel-valley-wine-guide/">Mosel Valley</a>, where <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/riesling/">Riesling</a> reigns supreme, these wines result from grapes left on the vine a little longer to develop richer flavors.</p>
<p>With around 30–60 g/L of <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/what-is-residual-sugar-in-wine/">residual sugar</a>, Spätlese Rieslings often taste more balanced than outright sweet, thanks to their naturally high acidity. Expect flavors of ripe peach, apricot, and lime, with a backbone of slatey minerality. These wines age exceptionally well — 20 to 30 years in a cellar is not uncommon — and offer an outstanding value compared to high-end <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/cabernet-sauvignon/">Cabernet Sauvignon</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Why Try It?</strong> If you love complexity and vibrant fruit flavors with a crisp finish, this is a great introduction to sweet wines.</p>
<h2 id="20-year-tawny-port-portugals-liquid-legacy">20-Year Tawny Port: Portugal’s Liquid Legacy</h2>
<p>Before dry wines took over fine dining menus, sweet wines were the pinnacle of luxury. One of the oldest examples? <a href="https://winefolly.com/wines/port/">Port wine</a>, specifically <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/styles-tawny-port-wine/">Tawny Port</a>, aged for decades in oak barrels to develop deep, nutty complexity.</p>
<p>Produced in Portugal’s <a href="https://winefolly.com/wine-regions/portugal/">Douro Valley</a>, this fortified wine is made from a blend of native grapes like <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/touriga-nacional/">Touriga Naciona</a>l and <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/touriga-franca/">Touriga Franca</a>. Brandy is added during fermentation, halting the process and preserving the grape’s natural sugars. Over 20 years in oak, the <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/the-truth-about-oxygen-and-wine-aging/#">wine oxidizes</a>, creating flavors of dried fruits, hazelnuts, caramel, and orange peel, with a silky-smooth texture.</p>
<p>At around 100–130 g/L of residual sugar, Tawny Port is indulgent yet balanced, offering an aged-wine experience at a fraction of the cost of other collectibles.</p>
<p><strong>Why Try It?</strong> If you enjoy whiskey or aged spirits, you’ll love the deep, nutty complexity of a well-aged Tawny.</p>
<h2 id="moscato-dasti-italys-most-popular-sweet-wine">Moscato d’Asti: Italy’s Most Popular Sweet Wine</h2>
<p>Everyone talks about <a href="https://winefolly.com/wines/barolo/">Barolo</a> when discussing Piedmont, but <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/moscato-wine/">Moscato</a> is the region’s true champion in terms of plantings and popularity. Moscato d’Asti, a lightly sparkling (frizzante) wine, is known for its fragrant aromatics and low alcohol (around 5.5%).</p>
<p>Made from <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/muscat-blanc/">Moscato Bianco</a> grapes, this wine delivers flavors of fresh peach, mandarin orange, honeysuckle, and citrus blossom. Despite having 80–150 g/L of residual sugar, the effervescence and bright acidity make it feel refreshing rather than heavy.</p>
<p><strong>Why Try It?</strong> It’s the perfect first step for those who claim they don’t like wine. Plus, at around $20, it’s an affordable indulgence.</p>
<h2 id="sauternes-the-magic-of-noble-rot">Sauternes: The Magic of Noble Rot</h2>
<p>Mold on grapes? Sounds terrifying — until you taste <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/sauternes-wine-guide/">Sauternes</a>. This French dessert wine from <a href="https://bordeaux.guides.winefolly.com">Bordeaux</a> depends on a special fungus called B<em>otrytis cinerea</em> (or “<a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/they-call-it-noble-rot-botrytis/">noble rot</a>”), which shrivels the grapes and concentrates their sugars and flavors.</p>
<p>Made primarily from <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/semillon/">Sémillon</a> and <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/sauvignon-blanc/">Sauvignon Blanc</a>, Sauternes wines offer intense notes of honey, apricot, and butterscotch. With 120–190 g/L of residual sugar, they are incredibly sweet but still maintain balance through a subtle bitter edge from the noble rot process.</p>
<p>Aged for decades, Sauternes offers collectors a unique, long-lived wine with unmatched complexity.</p>
<p><strong>Why Try It?</strong> If you love rich, golden-hued wines with layers of complexity, Sauternes will blow your mind.</p>
<h2 id="vin-santo-tuscanys-time-honored-tradition">Vin Santo: Tuscany’s Time-Honored Tradition</h2>
<p>Think wine takes a long time to make? <a href="https://winefolly.com/wines/vin-santo/">Vin Santo</a>’s fermentation can last up to five years! This Italian dessert wine, made from dried <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/malvasia-fina/">Malvasia</a> and <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/trebbiano-toscano/">Trebbiano</a> grapes, follows the ancient “passito” method, where grapes are left to dry before fermentation, concentrating their sugars.</p>
<p>After fermentation, Vin Santo is aged in small barrels called caratelli, allowing flavors of honey, dried fruit, vanilla, and almond to develop. With around 270 g/L of residual sugar, it’s a lusciously sweet, amber-hued wine that pairs beautifully with biscotti.</p>
<p><strong>Why Try It?</strong> For a taste of tradition with an unmatchable depth of flavor, Vin Santo is a must-try.</p>
<h2 id="rutherglen-muscat-australias-sweet-powerhouse">Rutherglen Muscat: Australia’s Sweet Powerhouse</h2>
<p>Think fortified wines are all about Port? <a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/4-super-underrated-fortified-wines/">Think again</a>. <a href="https://winefolly.com/wine-regions/australia/">Rutherglen, Australia</a>, is home to one of the most distinctive sweet wines in the world: Rutherglen Muscat. Made from Muscat à Petits Grains Rouge, this wine undergoes an extensive aging process, developing bold, caramelized flavors.</p>
<p>Boasting 200–400 g/L of residual sugar, this is one of the sweetest wines on the planet. But thanks to its fresh acidity and complex aging process, it remains balanced. With flavors of rose petals, dried apricots, and raisins, it’s a powerhouse of rich, concentrated sweetness.</p>
<p><strong>Why Try It?</strong> If you love dessert wines that pack a punch, Rutherglen Muscat is a must-have experience.</p>
<h2 id="pedro-ximénez-spains-black-gold">Pedro Ximénez: Spain’s ‘Black Gold’</h2>
<p>And now for the grand finale — Pedro Ximénez (PX) from Spain’s Montilla-Moriles region. Known as the richest and sweetest wine style in Spain, <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/pedro-ximenez/">PX</a> clocks in at an eye-popping 400 g/L of residual sugar. That’s nearly syrup territory!</p>
<p>Made from sun-dried grapes, PX wines develop intense flavors of molasses, figs, and coffee. Traditionally used as a sweetener in sherry blends, on its own, it’s a dessert in a glass.</p>
<p>Why Try It? If you love deep, dark, and rich flavors (think caramelized sugar and dried fruit), this is your ultimate indulgence.</p>
<h2 id="sweet-wines-a-world-of-flavor">Sweet Wines: A World of Flavor</h2>
<p>Sweet wines are anything but simple. They span an incredible range of styles, from delicate and refreshing to rich and luxurious. Exploring the crisp balance of a Spätlese Riesling or diving into the intense, syrupy depths of PX can reveal flavors you never expected.</p>


On The Hunt For Good Cheap Red Wine

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