Good wine is becoming more accessible, with less snobbery around it. It’s increasingly possible, if not common, to be able to pick up great bottles for a very reasonable price.
Comparison Table
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1. Silver Spur Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2018 |
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2. Felsina I Sistri Berardenga Chardonnay 2017 |
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3. Kofererhof Alto Adige Valle Isarco Sylvaner 2018 |
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4. Colterenzio Sudtirol-Alto Adige Pinot Grigio 2019 |
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5. Saracco Moscato d’Asti 2019 |
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6. Zocker Grüner Veltliner 2017 |
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7. FLO Moscato 2016 |
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8. FLO Chardonnay 2016 |
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9. Pacific Flyway Pinot Gris 2016 |
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| 10. Von Hovel Scharzhofberger Spätlese Riesling 2014 |
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| 11. Von Hovel Scharzhofberger Spätlese Riesling 2014 |
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We were lucky enough to taste some whites that offer fantastic value, and give you our recommendations.
Our Best White Wines Under $30 Reviews and Comparisons
1. Felsina I Sistri Berardenga Chardonnay 2017
Product Highlights
They produce great whites in Tuscany too. Even Chardonnay. So good in fact, that this Felsina I Sistri Berardenga Chardonnay is an IGT, Indicazione Geografica Typica Toscana, or a typical geographic representation of Tuscany.
28,000 bottles were produced of this full-bodied beauty of white and light fruit, with no heaviness whatsoever. This vintage is rated better than any other year for this wine. Drink now-2025.
Features
- Variety: 100% Chardonnay
- Appellation: Tuscany, Italy
- Winery: Felsina
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Bottle: 750 ml
What We Like About Felsina I Sistri Berardenga Chardonnay 2017
Straw-yellow color, there’s tropical fruit and peach with hints of toasted spice and vanilla on the nose The palate is full and creamy, for an elegant white, with well-balanced acidity also supporting the freshness of flavors.
Felsina I Sistri Berardenga Chardonnay 2017 has notes of pastry crust, butterscotch, and sweet custard cream from the oak. But not overpowering apricot, peach, lemon, and vanilla.
All interact beautifully for a creaminess that leaves you wanting “just one more glass”!
What We Don’t Like About Felsina I Sistri Berardenga Chardonnay 2017
What’s a creaminess to us and most, might be buttery oiliness to the few.
Perhaps the edges are a little rough and could be smoother.
PROS
- Fantastic apple gold color
- Rich aroma and taste
- Overall great fruit flavor with a nice complexity that would make it great with food
CONS
- Aroma at first is very dry and deep
- Recommend to drink it at medium chill and not too cold
2. Kofererhof Alto Adige Valle Isarco Sylvaner 2018
Product Highlights
Weingut Köfererhof is one of Italy’s smallest and best white wine producers. They’ve produced liquid from just about any grape variety.
Over the years, it’s been delicious and age-worthy Riesling, Kerner, Müller-Thurgau, and other varieties. In 2018, this Sylvaner was another winner from the estate.
Pair with ham, salami, ham, richer fish dishes, pasta and rice dishes with vegetable sauces, and goats’ cheese.
Features
- Variety: 100% Sylvaner
- Appellation: Alto Adige, Italy
- Winery: Weingut Köfererhof
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Bottle: 750 ml
- Aging: 80% in steel and 20% in large oak casks
What We Like About Kofererhof Alto Adige Valle Isarco Sylvaner 2018
Bright straw in color, fresh, fruity, full-bodied, and decidedly dry. Lemon, orange peel, balsamic oils, and herbs make for a complex nose and palate.
Savory but at the same time juicy, with a very clean and concentrated mouthfeel and plenty of density in the long and luscious finish.
What We Don’t Like About Kofererhof Alto Adige Valle Isarco Sylvaner 2018
We love Kofererhof winery’s excellent Kerner and Riesling, and so we’re looking greatly looking forward to trying this. Don’t get us wrong, their 2018 Sylvaner is good, but buy those other wines before this one because those grapes are better. It’s racy but not refreshing like its Kerner cousin.
PROS
- Citrus, melon, good acidity, crisp
- Delicious summer wine
- Sylvaner may be lesser-known, but it’s a great varietal
CONS
- Good quality, nothing special
- The complexity of the wine is masked a little by too strong caramel and candied fruit flavor
3. Colterenzio Sudtirol-Alto Adige Pinot Grigio 2019
Product Highlights
Pinot Grigio is the most imported variety of wine in America. It is perhaps most commonly associated as coming from Italy, where it is produced in large quantities throughout the North of the country.
As one of the most commercially popular wines, many wine drinkers turn up their nose at mass-produced Pinot Grigios. But now there are much better quality and more refined versions that reward the drinker with nicely nuanced flavor and body.
Like this dry, steely Colterenzio Sudtirol-Alto Adige Pinot Grigio 2019. A vintage that Vivino rates better than any other year for this wine.
As is the norm for Pinot Grigios, this is for drinking now, just lightly chilled at 10-12° C.
It’s a natural pairing for light dishes such as appetizers, salads, or fish. Even for lighter past or poultry dishes.
Features
- Variety: Pinot Grigio, Italian White
- Appellation: Alto Adige, South Tyrol
- Winery: Colterenzio
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Bottle: 750 ml
What We Like About Colterenzio Sudtirol-Alto Adige Pinot Grigio 2019
The straw yellow color houses the pretty aroma of citrus fruits of lemon and grapefruit, peach, and honeydew. On the palate, it’s a little more direct and fruitier. Pear and green apples just win out over minerals and stone.
This is more medium-rich in the body than the usual Pinot Grigio. But it still has the hallmark sunny and tangy acidity to finish.
What We Don’t Like About Colterenzio Sudtirol-Alto Adige Pinot Grigio 2019
For some that acidity might prove to be too much. Or perhaps we were unlucky with the specific bottle that we tasted.
PROS
- A great example of a contemporary Pinot Grigio
- Memories of Italian travels
- Summer sunshine in a glass
CONS
- Too simple
- A bit off-balance with the acidity
4. Saracco Moscato d’Asti 2019
Product Highlights
There’s been a real buzz around Moscato d’Asti lately; the Piedmontese sweet white with a light sparkle. And it’s easy to see why. Especially with this 2019 from Saracco, probably the region’s signature producer.
‘Character’ and ‘class’ sprung to our minds, with their lime, orange, and peach notes. It’s the perfect complement to fruit and other desserts. Even if you’re skipping the dessert, don’t be shy to drink it on its own too.
Features
- Variety: Moscato Bianco, Italian Sparkling White
- Appellation: Moscato d’Asti, Piedmont
- Winery: Saracco
- Alcohol: 6%
- Bottle: 750 ml
What We Like About Saracco Moscato d’Asti 2019
The straw yellow color has a hint of green that evoked the thyme of the aromas just enough that it didn’t lose out to the peach and orange blossom.
Saracco Moscato d’Asti 2019 has that brings about its fruity palate of fresh
A slow fermentation process just adds to its intensity without taking away any of its elegance. The correct acidity provides a good balance and patient finish on the palate of crisp apples and pears, zesty lemons and limes, and chalky minerals and stone.
What We Don’t Like About Saracco Moscato d’Asti 2019
Those unfamiliar with dessert wines could be taken back by the BIG punch of juicy sweetness that it delivers.
While nothing unusual from Muscat grapes, it’s somewhat of a unique and acquired experience. If it’s for you, then you’ll love this Saracco Moscato d’Asti 2019 as much as us.
PROS
- Just the right frizzante to finish off the right meal
- Finely balanced between the fruits and the sparkle
- A touch of luxury
CONS
- You can’t drink too much
- You better have a sweet tooth!
5. Zocker Grüner Veltliner 2017
Product Highlights
Rather than from Germany as you might expect, In fact, Zocker is an American winery. It specializes in wines made exclusively from the white varietals of Grüner Veltliner and Riesling grown on their family-owned vineyard in the Edna Valley on the Central Coast of California.
These are unique, even unusual, and unconventional wines. It’s perhaps not a surprise that “Zocker” is German for “Gambler”. Yet they still manage to be very food-friendly, especially with Asian food, in particular sushi and shellfish salads, but also herby asparagus and artichokes dishes. Even with a dessert of soft cheeses.
Features
- Variety: 100% Grüner Veltliner, Riesling
- Appellation: Edna Valley, California
- Winery: Zocker
- Alcohol: 12.5%
- Bottle Size: 750 ml
What We Like About Zocker Grüner Veltliner 2017
This is another white of predominantly bright citrus. But not overly sweet, it’s a fresh, dry, and crisp wine with very subtle apricot and lime-scented perfume, and white flower, lime zest, and green grass flavors.
Overall, it’s round and energetic; good fruit, clean, balanced. with great acid structure and minerality.
What We Don’t Like About Zocker Grüner Veltliner 2017
Not as zippy and dynamic as expected for a Gruner. A little simple.
PROS
- Decent citrus and refreshing on palate and finish
- Great balance
- Very easy drinking but not boring
CONS
- Too strong in ethanol flavor.
- Needs food to enjoy
6. Silver Spur Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Product Highlights
Primarily for its Cabernet and Chardonnay, California also produces some very lovely Sauvignon Blancs; wines that are typically high in acidity and great with food.
California Sauvignon Blanc is usually a little fruitier than it’s French counterpart, and a little lighter in body and color than a typical Chardonnay.
Silver Spur Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2018 is made with grapes from a single vineyard block near the Napa River, whose aromas and flavors are beautifully preserved through meticulous practices.
Gentle hand-harvesting is followed by cool fermentation in stainless steel. Lees, deposits of residual yeast and other particles that precipitate to the bottom of the vat post-fermentation, add a layer of creamy richness to the finish.
Features
- Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- Appellation: Napa Valley, California
- Winery: Silver Spur
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Bottle Size: 750 ml
What We Like About Silver Spur Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Tropical fruit aromas with floral and grassy notes, lead to vivacious and ripe flavors of honeydew and cantaloupe melon, apricot, honeysuckle, green apple, and the zest and candied peel of lemons.
With a slightly smoky finish. Sharp acidity cuts through the inherent sweetness
With complex aromas and bright fruit, this crisp and dry wine is the ideal pairing for seafood, poultry, and not too spicy Asian and Mexican dishes.
What We Don’t Like About Silver Spur Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Without a doubt, it’s delicious on the palate, but we thought that it was a bit heavy. For our tastes at least.
PROS
- Such a lovely nose!
- Ethereal
- Put it in a spritzer and call it perfume!
CONS
- Very sour
- Too grassy
7. FLO Moscato 2016
Product Highlights
Native to Northern Italy, these days you can find the Muscato worldwide. Including California’s Napa Valley.
Here it produces a dessert wine of the expected sweet and full flavor with notes of peach and apricot. With a low alcohol content compared with dry wines, this allows for the high sugar content that gives the wine its signature flavor.
The passion project of the jazz pianist Marcus Johnson, FLO (For the Love Of) wines is the vintner equivalent of his music.
Features
- Variety: 100% Moscato
- Appellation: Napa Valley, California
- Winery: FLO
- Alcohol: 11%
- Bottle: 750 ml
What We Like About FLO Moscato 2016
FLO Moscato 2016 is a bright and balanced wine, with just the right amount of sweetness balanced by fresh aromatics.
Melon, orange blossom, and honeysuckle tonal notes on the nose are followed by giving way the taste of apricot and rose petals on the palate.
Don’t think of this as a dessert wine. Instead, like our most-sophisticated European cousins,
eat with paella, crab cakes, and even veal, pork, chicken, and earthy mushrooms with creamy sauces.
What We Don’t Like About
Ok, I guess that we’re spoiled in our job, and while this is deliciously lovely and sweet, you just can’t compare it to Italian Moscatos.
Also, handle with care! FLO Moscato 2016 has an alcohol content that is much higher than your usual Moscato; a whopping 11%.
PROS
- Fine lightness complements the sweetness
- A nice surprise
- Drink native with this Californian Moscato
CONS
- A little tart for a Moscato
- Heavy on the head the next day!
8. FLO Chardonnay 2016
Product Highlights
Marcus Johnson’s FLO stable also gets in the act with this Chardonnay. More fruity than oaky for a Californian Chard, it’s all the brighter for it. This makes it stand out from the crowd of wines from the grape that has more acreage than any in California.
These typically are fuller and riper on the tropical fruit notes. Relying on the oak for a balance of butter vanilla and spicy toasted hazelnut. Whereas this is more homegrown Californian yellow citrus and green apples and pears.
Features
- Variety: 100% Chardonnay
- Appellation: Napa Valley, California
- Winery: FLO
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Bottle: 750 ml
What We Like About FLO Chardonnay 2016
It’s not all about the fruit though. With flowers and thankfully some toasty oak adding depth and richness to the finish. The result is a full-bodied Chardonnay of predominantly apple, pear, and citrus.
Medium-bodied, fruity and crisp. It’s a good outdoor summer drink, especially if you’ve fired up the barbeque or grill.
Read Related Article: Best Red Wines Under $30
What We Don’t Like About Chardonnay 2016
Pleasant but lacking a little in warmth and brightness. We felt that the acidity was slightly too high. A little dry and underwhelming.
It’s not quite what you expect from a Chard, but that could be a plus for the more adventurous drinker.
PROS
- Clean and crisp
- Citrus and pear aromas
- Good value
CONS
- Not oaky enough
- Too tart
9. Pacific Flyway Pinot Gris 2016
Product Highlights
Pinot Gris is Pinot Gris is a specialty of the Northwest, where growing conditions are ideal. Gris is the region’s version of Italy’s Grigio. And like its European cousin, it’s a grape with a vibrant character.
Dry, crisp, and neutral Pacific Flyway Pinot Gris 2016 is lovely with oysters and fried calamari.
Features
- Variety: Pinot Gris, Northwest United States
- Appellation: Washington, Oregon
- Winery: Pacific Flyway
- Alcohol: 12%
- Bottle: 750 ml
What We Like About Pacific Flyway Pinot Gris 2016
Green tree fruit notes of pears and apples. The refreshing citrus of guava, lemon, and grapefruit. Earthy notes of honey, minerals, and stone. This one is nicely complex.
With the right acidity to make it excellent with food. It has a refreshing and lingering finish, which also makes it good to drink on its own.
Exclusive to Revel Wine Club, so be sure not to miss out!
What We Don’t Like About Pacific Flyway Pinot Gris 2016
Wine snobs could be put off by it being a twist-off. Ok…we admit it and were too. We’re just suckers for that gluggy pop of the cork from the bottle.
PROS
- Very clean and pleasant
- Fruity and full of flavor
- Not too sweet and not too bitter
CONS
- Sour apples
- A little unbalanced
10. Von Hovel Scharzhofberger Spätlese Riesling 2014
Product Highlights
Riesling is Germany’s favorite grape. So much so, that it became somewhat a cliché and with it derided, with some justification, for its overly-sweet iterations of the past. In actuality, there’s a lot of scope for versatility with this sweet, viscous wine, from which you can expect to get hints of tropical fruit, nectarine, melon, and pineapple.
As both winemakers and drinkers came to appreciate that, Riesling came back into vogue. It could be said that today it is the current superstar of the white wine world. And this dessert wine from Mosel, Germany is a fine example.
Features
- Variety: 100% Riesling
- Appellation: Saar, Mosel, Germany
- Winery: Von Hovel Scharzhofberger
- Alcohol: 8%
- Bottle Size: 750 ml
- Aging: 100% German Oak
What We Like About Von Hovel Scharzhofberger Spätlese Riesling 2014
You’re first struck by the remarkable aromas of truffle, scallop, horseradish, almond, and botrytis (noble rot), with the more expected white peach, poached pear, apricot, and melon.
Behind that are very deep additional flavors of blackcurrants, mango, peppercorns, and bergamot for a spicy and powerful spätlese.
If all of that sounds too much, it’s still sweet and the medium acidity ensures that it remains focused.
What We Don’t Like About Von Hovel Scharzhofberger Spätlese Riesling 2014
We found it to be of somewhat high minerality, and maybe a bit too tart rather than sweet. It’s almost certain to be better in 5 years, whereas right now it’s a little disjointed but still tasty.
11. Laurent Fayolle Montis Saint-Peray 2018
Product Highlights
More structured and minerally than the norm, and all the better for it. That’s because it’s made from 40-year-old vines grown one third on granite and two thirds on chalk. This is a high-quality southern Rhône wine that will benefit by keeping for around 10 years.
Laurent Fayolle Montis Saint-Peray 2018 is deliciously food-friendly, especially good with lobster, crab, and sea bass. But it also pairs very well with chicken, veal, pork, and Asian cuisine with a little spice.
Features
- Variety: 100% Marsanne
- Appellation: Saint-Peray, Rhone, France
- Winery: Laurent Fayolle
- Alcohol: 13%
- Bottle: 750 ml
- Farming: Organic
- Aging: In demi-muids, 15% new
What We Like About Laurent Fayolle Montis Saint-Peray 2018
A light, shimmering yellow body with a solid backbone light and citrus fruit notes and bright minerals.
The nose is focussed on smoky minerals, white flowers, and spicy-infused lemon and pear aromas. It’s lively and silky on the palate, with those mineral-led citrus and orchard fruit flavors that linger and last as you breathe in the air.
The finish is of honeysuckle, again with a firm mineral bite, and more-lingering floral and citrus zest notes.
You May Also Like: Best Red Wines Under $50
What We Don’t Like About Laurent Fayolle Montis Saint-Peray 2018
Lovely, but with a bit more fat than necessary considering the lack of body.
PROS
- Very drinkable
- Extremely smooth
- Would buy again
CONS
- A little simple
FINAL VERDICT
Without a doubt, there are some really interesting and great value whites out there. Whether you like to go with your tried or trusted varietal or try another, it’s always satisfying to discover a new bottle that you can say to your friends “have you tried this?”
The wine that we’ve been asking that about most recently is Silver Spur Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2018.
But of course, that’s just our taste and preference. Why not try some, or even all, of these tasty whites and judge for yourself.