One of the first things guests learn at a Bottles Nation tasting: price doesn't equal quality. Some of Michael's favorite bottles cost less than a movie ticket. The trick is knowing where to look.
Michael's current under-$15 favorites
His list changes a lot, but these are the two he keeps reaching for lately (prices vary by store):
Masciarelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (Italy). A juicy, generous red that drinks way above its price. Pizza, pasta, burgers, a Tuesday night.
Bisol "Jeio" Prosecco Brut (Italy). Crisp, fresh and lively bubbles from one of Prosecco's top family producers. The bottle he grabs for toasts, brunch and parties.
Why some wines cost less (and taste just as good)
A lot of what you pay for in a pricey bottle is land cost, fame and marketing. A Cabernet from a famous Napa address carries that address in its price. A delicious red from a less famous region doesn't. Your taste buds can't read the map.
Where to find value
Italy, especially the south and center. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Nero d'Avola and Primitivo are generous, food-friendly reds.
Spain. Garnacha, Tempranillo from regions beyond Rioja, Cava for bubbles and Albariño for whites.
Portugal. Vinho Verde for zippy, light whites, and juicy reds from the Douro and Alentejo.
South America. Argentine Malbec and Chilean Carmenère and Sauvignon Blanc.
Southern France. Côtes du Rhône and Languedoc reds, and dry rosé from anywhere in the south.
Germany and Austria. Riesling and Grüner Veltliner deliver a lot of flavor for the price.
Label clues that help
A specific region usually beats a generic "California" or "red blend."
Importer names on the back label are a quiet quality signal. If you like one bottle, try others from the same importer.
Younger is fine. Most inexpensive wines are made to drink now, not to age.
What to skip
Heavily marketed "party" wines with cartoon labels and sugary profiles. They're designed to be inoffensive, not delicious.
More of Michael's bargains
Every bottle on Sommelier on Demand has a price tier, and the Wines Under $15 guide collects his event-tested bargains, all available at ordinary local shops.
Want to see how good affordable wine can be? A "$15 vs. $50" blind tasting is one of our most popular party themes. Guests are always surprised.
Booking holiday parties now. December dates fill fast. Bring Michael to your office holiday party, host an in-home tasting in Metro Detroit or Chicago, or ship virtual kits to a remote team.
