4 minute read
Bargain Vino
20 COLORADO WINES U N D E R $20
By Kristin Owens
No immediate travel plans? Low on cash? Still thirsty? Don’t fret! Colorado offers not only a delicious wine selection, but many fall into a comfortable price-point. If you are unsure about pairing, I’ve offered a few ideas that will please you and your guests. Below, find your favorite varietal or blend. Not sure which to tr y? I’ve sampled them all and you can’t lose, especially at these prices.
ALBARINO
Snowy Peaks Winery – Estes Park
This Italian boutique grape provides big aromas and a nutty taste with a grapefruit edge. Crisp, zippy and definitely unusual. $19
CHAMBOURCIN
Leroux Creek Vineyards – Hotchkiss
A sophisticated French red offers layered berr y flavors aged in American Oak. Pair with French cheeses and baguettes. $20
CHARDONNAY
Sweet Heart Winery – Loveland
With a pretty golden color, this citrusy white is unoaked with a touch of sweetness. A must to have on-hand for unexpected guests. $18
MARQUETTE
Ten Bears Winery – Laporte
Big bold flavors, with musky, smoky flavor and a hint of oak. Oxygenate this earthy red for 15 minutes for optimum drinkability. $18.99
MERLOT SALUTE TO WARRIORS
Two Rivers Winery – Grand Junction
A full-flavored red with a surprisingly long rich finish. This pairs nicely with pasta but save it for steak! $15.50
MOURVÈDRE
Snowy Peaks Winery – Estes Park
The Rhone grape provides strawberr y and raspberr y flavors with a hint of peppercorn. This delightful light red is a terrific hostess gift. $18
PINOT GRIS
Mesa Winds Winery – Hotchkiss
Refreshing when chilled, this light wine is imbued with tropical notes. An unexpected white with attitude. $20
PORT
Two Rivers Winery – Grand Junction
Don’t care for port? Tr y this one. Cocoa and berries combine for a velvety smooth taste. A show-stopper for post-dinner entertaining. $15.50
RED BLEND BREAKER ROW RED
Black Bridge Winery – Paonia
This crowd-favorite has a big nose with even bigger clove and honey notes. Pair with barbecued ribs on the grill. $18
RED BLEND FARMERS DITCH
Black Bridge Winery – Paonia
Flavorful with bold dark fruits, an all-around sassy red. Consider storing for a year or two and watch it mellow. $18
RED BLEND NSFW
Carlson Vineyards – Palisade
A winner at this price, this uncomplicated blend of Noiret, Chambourcin, and Merlot has good tannins and black juicy fruits. $12
RIESLING
Two Rivers Winery – Grand Junction
A fresh, clean and crisp halbtrocken, with low acidity and a balanced sweetness. Works well with Asian or Thai food. $14.50
RIESLING ALPENGLOW
Colorado Cellars – Palisade
The most-true-to-form sweet German Riesling, right here in Colorado! Full-bodied with honey touches works as either a delightful aperitif or digestif. $15
ROSÉ
Mesa Winds Winery – Hotchkiss
Shades of strawberr y make this light, bright, wine refreshingly fragrant and easily drinkable. Stock up because it sells out quickly. $20
ROSÉ
Bookcliff Vineyards – Palisade
This dr y rosé is a pink-hued beauty with a hint of sweetness. Dried fruits and low acidity make it a terrific choice for a spicy-food palate cleanser. $15.99
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Silver Vines – Arvada
A happy golden color, lemony with bright notes and a snappy finish, this wine will pair beautifully with a charcuterie board. $19.99
SYRAH
Chill Switch Wines – Cedaredge
Open well before drinking. This big Syrah has high acidity, is sweet and spicey, and ends with a dr y pepper y finish. $20
VIOGNIER
Sweet Heart Winery – Loveland
A soft wine with big floral aromas, this white sings with well-balanced fruits and minerality. $18
WHITE BLEND FRIDAY’S FOLLY
Bookcliff Vineyards – Palisade
Can’t decide on a white? Tr y this blend of Muscat Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Riesling. A pale straw color, light and easy drinking. Perfect for summer. $13.99
ZINFANDEL
Blue Mountain Vineyards – Berthoud
Stock up with this go-to red. A relaxed, mellow blend with red fruit finish will please ever yone. $19.99
Contributor Kristin Owens passed the Court of Master Sommeliers’ Introductor y Examination and travels the world looking for a good $10 bottle of wine. She’s a full-time writer based in Fort Collins.
Photo: Neill Pieper
See a comprehensive list of all Colorado breweries, distilleries, wineries, cideries and meaderies via the QR code below. Or visit ThirstColorado.com.
Visit Thirst Colorado Magazine Online!
Find in-depth coverage of ... •Lesser-known backpacking destinations •The lowdown on Belgian brews •Prime pairings for your dinner table •And much more!
