Wine Shopping List

The Goal

The goal is to have everyone be able to shop with confidence. I am posting suggestions for some of the most popular varietals and some unusual ones. Also, you will see the varietal, top places, wine suggestions and a minimum price. This post is designed to be a mobile cheat sheet for your wine shopping!

Wine Shopping Made Simple

1. Once at the store, turn on your cell to use this post.
2. Find the wine section or region in the store (e.g. – Italy).
3. Look for the bottles from recommended areas (e.g. – Tuscany).
4. Find specific wines if listed (e.g – Chianti Classico)
5. Pick a wine using the minimum price. (e.g. – min. $15)
6. Repeat! (Most stores give a 10% discount on a mixed case).

White Wine Shopping List

Chardonnay

1. France – Chablis or Pouily-Fuisse (min. $20)
2. California – Napa Valley – Any producer (min. $15)

Pinot Grigio

1. Northern Italy – Alto Adige, Valdadige, Friuli, Trentino or Veneto only, NOT delle Venezie (min. $15)
2. France – Alsace (a.k.a. Pinot Gris) Any producer (min. $15)

Riesling

1. Germany – Buy Kabinett version (min. $10)
2. France – Alsace – Any producer (min. $15)

Sauvignon Blanc

1. France – Bordeaux region – Sancerre or Pouilly-Fume (min. $25)
2. New Zealand – Any producer (min $10)

Chenin Blanc

1. France – Loire Valley – Vouvray, Savanierres or Montlouis (min. $20)
2. South Africa – Any producer (min. $10)

Red Wine Shopping List

Cabernet Sauvignon

1. France – Bordeaux – google inexpensive Bordeaux Cabernet (min. $20)
2. California – Napa Valley – Any producer (min. $15)

Sangiovese/Chianti

1. Italy – Tuscany – Chianti Classico – Banfi or any producer (min. $15)
2. Tuscany – Chianti Rufina – Nippozzano or any producer (min. $15)
3. Tuscany – Vino Nobile di Montepulciano – Any producer (min. $15)

Pinot Noir

1. France – Burgundy region (Bourgogne) Any producer (min. $15)
2. Oregon – Any producer (min. $15)
3. New Zealand – Any producer (min. $15)

Syrah/Shiraz

1. France – N. Rhone region – Any producer (min. $14)
2. Australia – Southeastern – Rosemount ($10) or any producer (min. $15)
3. California – Central Coast – Any producer (min. $15)

Merlot

1. France – Bordeaux – google inexpensive Bordeaux Merlot (min. $20)
2. Washington State– Ch. Ste. Michelle ($10) or any producer (min. $12)

Malbec

1. Argentina – Mendoza region – Any producer  (min. $10)

Other Interesting Varietals

1. Albarino – Spain – White – Rias Baixas region – Any producer or price
2. Gewurtraminer – Germany – White – Any producer or price
3. Nero d’Avola – Italy – Red – Sicily – Any producer (min.$10)
4. Rose – France – Provence or Languedoc – Any producer (min. $10)
5. Torrontes – Argentina – White – Any producer or price
6. Vinho Verde – Portugal – White – Any producer or price
7. Zinfandel – California – Red – Ravenswood or any producer (min. $15)

If you would like to learn more about how to pick a wine, please click here.

Follow me on Instagram @howtopickawine.