Running out of time? Last minute gift? It’s that time of the year when eating and drinking is paramount to the festivities, and picking the perfect bottle of wine is another job on your never-ending to-do list. Luckily, you don’t need to bust your budget in the process. Here’s our top 20 drops for under $20 that will impress your guests and go down a treat with your Christmas feast.
Best red wines under $20
1. Taylors Promised Land Pinot Noir 2020, $16, Taylors Wines.
With a gold medal under its belt from the China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards 2021, this medium-bodied wine has delicious flavours of rip plum, red berries and subtle coffee bean. The palate is soft and silky and the finish is clean and enjoyable.
2. Richland Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, $10.95, Calabria Wines
A fruit-driven red with a full bouquet of sweet berries and violets complemented by subtle French oak, this Cabernet Sauvignon won a gold medal at the Japan Wine Show Challenge. Perfectly matched with roast lamb and vintage cheddar cheeses.
3. The Butchers Friend Barossa Shiraz, $16.99, Dan Murphy’s
With aromas of concentrated plum spice with delicate pepper notes and soft, fleshy ripe red berries across the palate, this shiraz pairs beautifully with all your favourite cuts of meats.
4. Mr Riggs Three Corner Jack Shiraz Cabernet Merlot, $16.99, Dan Murphy’s
Boasting two gold medals from the Melbourne International Wine Competition 2015 and China Wine and Spirits Awards 2015, this Shiraz Cabernet Merlot is full of richness and opulence. Ripe, dark berry fruits courtesy of Merlot along with spice elements from the Shiraz and a firm, but balanced structure from the Cabernet all come together beautifully.
5. Cat Amongst The Pigeons Barossa Grenache Shiraz Mataró, $15.99, Dan Murphy’s
With a clutch of gold medals from 2020, this wine features aromas of plum and dark berry fruits with hints of spice, mataro earthiness, licorice and dark chocolate. Boasts flavours of spice and bright red fruits, some savoury earthiness, plum and rich black fruit with oak complexity.
6. Bec Hardy Pertaringa Lakeside Cabernet Sauvignon, $17, Bec Hardy
Selected as Editor’s Choice by US Wine Enthusiast magazine and included in its Top 100 of 2021, this medium-weight Cabernet Sauvignon features a smooth and well-rounded palate with plenty of blackberries and plums. Perfect with a meaty main course!
7. McGuigan Reserve Black red blend, $13.99, Dan Murphy’s
Hand-crafted by an award-winning team of winemakers, the red blend has a generous yet delicate mouthfeel, with aromas of blueberries and blackberries and a hint of peppery spice. A perfect drop to enjoy at a Christmas celebration.
8. The Ethereal One Fleurieu Grenache, $15.99, Dan Murphy’s
This multi award-wining Grenache (Gold-Cowra Wine Show 2020, Gold + Trophy-Royal Hobart Wine Show 2020, Gold-Royal Melbourne Wine Awards 2020, Gold-Japan Wine Challenge 2020, Bronze – International Wine Challenge 2020 – 2019 Vintage) displays red and blackberry aromas and fruit flavours balanced with integrated oak and smooth tannins on the finish.
9. Max’s Cabernet Malbec 375mL, $8.99, Dan Murphy’s
Throw your support behind PetRescue services with a drop by Sit Stay Society. This Cabernet Malbec won gold at the Cowra Wine Show 2019, and 50 cents from every sale goes to PetRescue.
Best white wines under $20
10. Bordeaux Les Maurins Sauvignon Blanc 2020, $6.99, Aldi
Winning double gold at Melbourne International Wine Competition, this Bordeaux Sauvignon is perfectly paired with seafood.
11. Millon Wines The Impressionist 2021 Pinot Grigio, $18, Millon Wines
With a bronze medal from 2021 Perth Royal Wine Show and gold from the 2021 Australian Small Winemakers Show Results under its belt, this crisp Pinot Grigio features a palate of ripe pears, lychee and lime juice.
12. Yealands Sauvignon Blanc, $11.50, Dan Murphy’s
This dry light-bodied style of Sauvignon Blanc hails from Marlborough and has collected a handful of medals including Decoded Wine Awards Winner 2021 – Lighter Wine under $20 Overall Winer (Vintage 20) New World Wine Awards – Gold (Vintage 21) New Zealand International Wine Show – Gold (Vintage 20) Harpers Wine Stars 2021 – 5 Star (Vintage 20). The palate features zingy fruit that is balanced with a long, crisp mineral finish.
13. Devil’s Corner Chardonnay, $19.99, Dan Murphy’s
A dry full-bodied Chardonnay at a winning price, this wine showcases ripe stone fruit flavours with citrus characters and a hint of spiciness.
14. Boatshed Bay Sauvignon Blanc, $15.20, Dan Murphy’s
With aromas of passionfruit and gooseberry followed by citrus and stone fruit flavours, this wine offers a classic taste of Marlborough at a great price.
15. Villa Elsa Pinot Grigio 2020, $6.99, Aldi
Another award-winning wine from Aldi (Double Gold at 2021 Melbourne International Wine Competition and Gold at 2020 Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge –2020 Vintage), this fresh Pinot Grigio with light pear and citrus flavours is best matched with antipasto, white fish and seafood.
16. Elephant in the Room Pinot Gris, $13.95, Dan Murphy’s
With aromas of apple, pear and lemon citrus with white florals and spice, this Pinot Gris showcases mouth-filling flavours while remaining light and fresh. A very versatile wine that will be a perfect accompaniment to many cuisines.
17. Infamous Dodger Vermentino, $13.99, Dan Murphy’s
This aromatic Vermentino exhibits aromas of citrus and green apples, which lingering onto the palate leaving a fine, crisp refreshing finish. Best enjoyed when paired with seafood dishes.
Best rosé under $20
18. De Bortoli La Boheme Act Two Pinot Noir Rosé, $19.99, Dan Murphy’s
Boasting delicate red fruits, this gently aromatic Pinot Noir Rose is dry and creamy, making it one of the best roses under $20.
Best sparkling wines under $20
19. Edenvale’s Sparkling Cuvee, $9.98, Dan Murphy’s
With a silver medal from the Best Wine Awards in France, this dealcoholized wine is one of the best available on the market today. With rich fruit flavours and a fragrant aromas of ripe apples, tropical fruit and citrus, it’s a refreshing option for the festive season without the effects of alcohol.
20. Jacobs Creek Reserve Chardonnay Pinot Noir, $12, Dan Murphy’s
A light and elegant drop with a bouquet of lemon, citrus and red apple and notes of brandy and nougat. Vintaged in 2017 from the traditional varieties of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it’s a dry style of sparkling wine that pairs perfectly with oysters.
You might also like:
15 best Christmas seafood recipes
Our 22 best Christmas dessert recipes and sweet treats
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