I love that when I asked if y’all would like a round up of my favorite red wines on Instagram, SO many of you were very into it.  I love that about you.  Athleisure and wine have been the topics of my blog posts this week and honestly I wonder why I ever write about anything else?!  These topics are majorly in my wheelhouse/my favorite things.

Now, I don’t claim to be a sommelier, but I do feel like I have the experience of drinking lots of different kinds of wines and have found a really good rotation of reds I like to pick up from the store.  I very rarely spend over $15 and even less often do I spend over $20…so this list will be everything under about $20 (prices vary from store to store) and many will be under $15 and even around $10.  Be sure to download the PDF at the bottom of the page that you can keep with you or print out for when you go to the store so you can remember which ones to try.  The list below will roughly be in order of price, so the more expensive ones will be at the top, but again it varies from store to store.

My Favorite Red Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cab Sav is probably my favorite red wine varietal and my go-to when I’m at the store or looking on a menu at a restaurant.  This section will have the longest list because it’s my favorite kind.  I love a good full-bodied Cab!

• Louis Martini – my favorite.
• William Hill
• J Lohr
• 19 Crimes – soooo good for the price.
• Dark Horse
• Chateau Souverain
• Columbia Winery

Pinot Noir

I think Pinot Noir is a good wine for people just getting into trying reds.  It’s a good beginner wine because typically they are lighter but still has really great flavor.  I’ll be honest that I asked my brother for recommendations on many of these because he used to be a wine distributor so he knows the good stuff.  I’ve tasted a few of these but again Pinot Noir isn’t usually my go to so I wanted to poll him for recs in this case.  He recommended the top 2 and then I pulled together a list from other people I know that love pinot!

• J Vineyards
• MacMurray
• Meoimi
• Hob Nob
• Chloe
• Cupcake

Malbec

I love a good Malbec.  There’s something so cozy about it!  Again it’s usually more full bodied so that’s what I gravitate towards.

• Catena
• Tall Dark Stranger – a new one to me, found it at Target. Super smooth and easy to drink. Would be a good beginner Malbec I think.
• Gascon
• Cruz Alta Reserve
• Alamos

Other

• Bear Flag Zinfandel
• Vistamar Sepia Carmenere – one of my all time favorite red wines.  I find it at Total Wine.
• Apothic Red Blend
• Cline Cashmere Red Blend
• Witching Hour Red Blend

Click here for the printable list!  If you find one you love be sure to tag me on Instagram @besshcarter so we can virtually cheers!

What are some of your favorite reds?

xo,

Bess