The Best Cheap Red Wine 2024
Best cheap red wine in 2024? Get the secret list here.
Whatever you earn every month or your economic situation, everyone loves discovering bargains, especially in today’s tough economic times where inflation seems unstoppable, especially for wines.
Red wine prices have risen significantly in the past three years, but some hidden gems remain to be found, tasted, and enjoyed.
Helping You Find Good Cheap Red Wine
As the expert Mark Oldman wrote last year, “finding a good cheap red wine when you’re on a budget is certainly possible, but it takes plenty of research and wine knowledge.”
The Wine Experts at Bevinars
For a second year, Oldman, founder of Bevinars and author of multiple wine books, has done the hard work for his readers, compiling an extensive list for 2024 of the best good, cheap red wines that are priced under $20.
If you’ve attended an entertaining and informational Bevinars wine class, you’ll know how much Oldman delights in finding a $17 bottle of red wine that tastes like a $50 one. This year Oldman and features writer Charlie Leary have reviewed and updated the cheap wine list, which will be an annual event. Leary is the author of Leary’s Global Wineology and writes for Decanter, among other wine publications.
The Red Wine Selection
The red wines on the 2024 list definitely punch above their weight and price point, delivering on taste and complexity while saving money. Some start at $13 a bottle, while the average price is around $16 or $17. There are even $9 wines amongst this invaluable list of good, cheap red wines from around the globe.
It’s an extensive red wine list that includes lighter red wine styles full of fruit flavors that are ideal for summer drinking, as well as heavier (medium to full-bodied) red wines (think black cherry and ripe fruit), perfect with steak, burgers, or roast pork. Oldman and Leary focus on fine wine at a great price.
Some pointers for finding great value in red wine include shopping locally (it’s always good to develop a relationship with the local wine store) but also keep an eye out on specialized wine outlets that ship nationwide; know your desired price point and stick with it (there’s no shame in buying wine for $15 or less); avoid getting sucked into wine trends (you figure out what you like); and explore the world—a huge amount of excellent wine is made in places like South America, Portugal, lesser know regions of Italy, and South Africa!
Good Red Wine is Subjective, So Tasting is Important
Oldman and Leary says that it is important to remember that the definition of a “good” wine is very subjective, and everyone’s taste preferences differ. They suggest taking the time to explore various options and trust your palate to find the cheap red wines that you truly enjoy. Some people like red wine with lively acidity; others may opt for dark plum and savory spices This list provides a great place to start.
Shopping for Red Wine at a Great Price
Keep in mind that prices and availability can vary depending on your location and also the vintage.
For added savings, check for discounts and promo codes on online wine websites. Local stores might also offer discounts or promotions, such as a 10% discount on the purchase of six bottles. Case discounts are common. There are some great stores in California and New York with amazing websites that will ship across the USA.
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And now… here is Oldman’s 2024 list of good, cheap red wines, brought to you by Bevinars!
Oldman’s Best Cheap Red Wines Under $20 – 2024 List
Light-to-medium-bodied red wines – Priced under $20
Italy
La Carraia Sangiovese (now as low as $10)
Podere Il Palazzino Rosso del Palazzino (about $10!)
Ceretto Dolcetto d’Alba Rossana
Dievole Petrignano Chianti Classico (around $18)
Frescobaldi Castiglioni Chianti
Bibi Graetz Casamatta Rosso (still to be found under $20)
France
Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages (we found it for about $12)
Georges Duboeuf “Flower Label” Moulin-à-Vent
La Vieille Ferme Rouge
Spain and Elsewhere
Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Crianza
Altovinum Evodia Garnacha
Más Que Vinos Garnacha de la Madre
Bodegas Carlos Serres Rioja Crianza
El Coto de Rioja Crianza
Brigaldara Valpolicella
Fairvalley Pinotage Western Cape
Simonsig Stellenbosch Pinotage
Pinot Noir (light to medium-bodied red wine) – under $20
Domaine Roland Schmitt Alsace Pinot Noir
Devil’s Corner Tasmania Pinot Noir
Ron Rubin Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($17)
Fowles Wine Farm to Table Pinot Noir
Gérard Bertrand Cote des Roses Pinot Noir
Banshee Sonoma County Pinot Noir (about $19)
The Pinot Project California Pinot Noir
The Seeker Pinot Noir
Tenute Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva
Union Wine Co. Underwood Pinot Noir
Matua Pinot Noir Marlborough
Casas del Bosque Reserva Pinot Noir
Cline Pinot Noir
Medium to heavy-bodied red wines – under $20
Merlot
Rancho Sisquoc Flood Family Vineyards Merlot
Lohr Los Osos Merlot Paso Robles
Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Merlot
Malbec
Bodega Norton Reserva Lujan de Cuyo Malbec
Alamos Mendoza Malbec
Trivento Malbec Mendoza Reserve
D.V. Catena Tinto Historico Red Blend
Zinfandel and Others
Rancho Zabaco Heritage Vines Sonoma County Zinfandel
Ravenswood Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel
Cline Zinfandel Lodi Old Vine
Cline Ancient Vines Contra Costa County Mourvedre
Cabernet Sauvignon
Santa Carolina Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (yes, $12)
Grounded by Josh Phelps California Cabernet Sauvignon
Z. Alexander Brown Uncaged Cabernet Sauvignon
Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon
Jim Barry The Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon
Beringer Founder’s Estate California Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon
Smith & Hook Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon (about $19)
Black Cabra Cabernet Sauvignon (that’s less than $10)
Shiraz
Qupé Syrah Central Coast
Andrew Murray Tous les Jours Syrah (full of fruit flavors)
d’Arenberg The Stump Jump Shiraz
Luli Santa Lucia Highlands Syrah
Other Medium to heavy-bodied red wines – under $20
Côtes-du-Rhône
Guigal Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge
Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge
Paul Jaboulet Aîné Parallèle 45 Côtes-du-Rhône
Spanish Wine
2017 Bodegas Lan Rioja Reserva (as low as $19)
Bodegas Luzón Monastrell Jumilla
Telmo Rodríguez Toro Gago
Borsao Berola
Italy and Elsewhere
Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera
Global Wines Dão Grilos Reserva
Lavradores de Feitoria Douro Tinto
Brancaia Tre Rosso Toscana
Domaine de Pallus Messanges Rouge Chinon
Adega de Penalva Dão
Argiano Non Confunditur (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese)
Sud Vini Primitivo
Tormaresca Neprica
Càntele Salice Salentino Riserva
Capezzana Barco Reale
South America
Veramonte Carmenère Colchagua Valley
Garzon Uruguay Reserva Tannat