Black GQ Lifestyle: 10 Great Wines under $20

This is dedicated to my favorite wine connoisseur and inspiration. It's also a tip to my ballers on a budget who have to bring a bottle to a holiday party.

Courtesy of Fine Living:

1. NV Barefoot Bubbly California Chardonnay, $11

We wait all winter to hit the beach and go barefoot. This baby-blue-labeled bottle of bubbles is the perfect pick to kick off the season. It’s light and lovely, more like the body of a Prosecco than a traditional California sparkler. One sip and your mouth will be bursting with the flavor and aroma of crisp green apple. It says Chardonnay right on the label, a trend you’ll see more and more, keeping with the footloose and fancy-free spirit of summer. Share this yummy sip with friends at a picnic in the park.

2. Bennett Family Chardonnay, 2006, $18

If you think Chardonnay is not your grape, you must give this wine a whirl. Forget oaky, butter bombs and think of sultry, luscious fruit with a clean finish. This is a perfect example of how a little bit of oak makes Chard shine. Imagine a taste of summer’s first peach pie right in the bottle and that’s what the Bennett Family is pouring with this pick.

3. 7 Daughters White, $14

While I usually reach for Sauvignon Blanc at the first ray of summer’s sunshine, this season I’m seeking distinctive whites with a little sass to suit my adventurous palate. This is a fabulous blend of seven grapes overflowing with honeysuckle and juicy tangerine. It’s got a super, sexy body with a flirty touch of sweetness. Choose this white for cocktail hour or sip with a warm, tangy goat cheese salad for a lovely summer lunch.

4. Sokol Blosser Evolution, $14

This is no blasé white. From the label's first impression to the wine's finish this work of art is more Warhol than Renoir. The label states it’s an American white wine, so you’re right on if you assume it’s off dry. The tropical fruit flavors are anything but syrupy sweet. This white is interesting alone, but it dazzles at the table. Its eclectic offerings work with everything from simple salads to spicy fish tacos.

5. Salneval Albariño, 2006, $9

There is no better time than now to make friends with Albariño, a little white grape that thrives in Spain and Portugal. This wine is from the Rias Baixas region of Spain. Served nice and chilly, it's simply ideal on hot summer days. It’s young and should be enjoyed right now. If you’re looking for an easygoing white with equal fresh fruit and minerality, with a nice pop of acidity to boot, this wine’s for you.

6. Fazi-Battaglia Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, 2006, $9

Make a statement at your next summer soirée with this elegantly elongated olive-green bottle. This white Italian wine is light-bodied and uncomplicated with fresh citrus notes and lively acid. It pairs pleasantly with simple canapés or a crisp salad with creamy dressing. The sharpness of its clean citrus elements also makes a great match for an elegant cheese platter or delicate Parmesan tuiles.

7. E. Guigal, Tavel, 2005, $14

Warm weather means you should have rosé chilled and ready at all times. This one is particularly gorgeous in shades of orangey ballerina pink, and one swirl envelops you in its delicate, floral perfume. This full-bodied rosé will fill your mouth with strawberry flavors and finish with a little dab of spice. It’s got balanced acidity, and it is an affordable example of the phenomenal flavors pouring from Tavel.

8. Acacia Pinot Noir, 2005, $19

If you’re not quite ready to abandon your reds for cool whites this season, a glass of this Pinot is certainly suitable. A glass of Acacia is jammed with black cherry and plums. It’s not too heavy, so this red still works with the likes of simply prepared fish, like tuna and salmon, as well as veggies from the grill.

9. Renwood Sierra Foothills Zinfandel, 2005, $12

This Zin is much lighter than some of the uber-high alcohol, jammy Zinfandels. It still has flair with juicy, red berries and some spice to boot but just not as heavy-handed with the tannins. This wine wants barbecue. It’s a perfect pair with sauce-slathered ribs and brisket for those of you who like to raise the heat a notch.

10. Big Red Monster, $10

The label portrays images of an old-school fright fest, complete with alienlike beast and damsel in distress, making one wonder if they actually want to drink this California red. This wine doesn’t take itself too seriously and lets us mere mortals get in the ring with the beast for a mere pittance. It’s red, it’s fun and it can take a big, fatty steak right off the grill to another dimension. Do as they recommend and let the beast breathe before indulging.



I'm mad they don't have my favorite screwtop on the list. Relax Riesling, $10.50 (lol)