5 Top Red Wines Under $25 to Try Now!

Every year we publish our compilation our report of quality red wines we’ve found that are under $25.  These wines are a result of various tasting events, restaurant experiences, and sommelier suggestions we’ve had this year.  Some usual suspects pop up, as well as interesting bargains from under-appreciated regions. This year, the Italian wines rule with 4 out of the top 5.

The Top 5 Value Wines

We have identified five special wines from this group of 25 that are exceptional values and really noteworthy:

Palazzo della Torre

The Allegrini Family makes some seriously great wines at many price points.  This wine has always impressed us with its consistent quality and value, and it is easy to find.  Allegrini uses an innovative “ripasso” method that gives this wine a style similar to higher end Amarone wines.  Bursting with dark, dried cherries, blackberries, and hints of dates, this wine has a lasting finish bolstered with just enough tannin to make it interesting, and worthy of a few years in the cellar.  Pair with pasta, chicken, or mild sausage. Corvina, Rondinella and Sangiovese. (typically $17 to $20).

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Tua Rita Rosso

The Tua Rita winery is located on the western side of Tuscany, near the sea.  They are world-renowned for making exquisite single varietal wines, such as the Redigaffi which typically is more than $250 per bottle.  Their entry-level wine, which we tasted for the first time this year, is much more approachable – about $20 to $22.  It is made from Sangiovese, Merlot,  Cabernet Sauvignon, and a touch of Syrah. This is a vibrant wine, with dark red fruit (cherry, currant) that meld into licorice, tobacco and smoke in a wine of power and length. superb value. Readers looking for a drop-dead gorgeous, delicious wine made in a Super Tuscan style that won’t break the bank should check out this wine.

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Etna Rosso – Graci

We came across this wine at the amazing restaurant Vetri in Philadelphia recently, and we fell in love.  You can get this wine in the PA state stores, and elsewhere in the US. Pale cherry red color, this is a fruit-forward wine that is smoky and complex with a nice savory finish.   This Rosso offers food-friendly acidity that’s balanced, and works well with pasta, poultry, and meaty fish such as salmon. 100% Nerello Mascalese. About $18 to $22.

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Here are a few more wines from our 2021 review that you should consider – all under $25.

Et Fille – Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Small production makes this wonderful Oregon wines hard to find.  We found the 2019 at a local wine store – A vibrant pinot noir, with some deep red fruit flavors – black cherry and plum – balanced acidity with nice fine-grained tannins  – $24

La Calonica – Rosso di Montepulciano

A perfect pasta wine made from the Montepulciano clone of Sangiovese, from a quality producer of the more expensive Vino Nobile.  Beautiful light red berries: cherries, strawberries and currant, with earthy notes at the end. Rich and complex  – $20

Famille Brechet – Lirac Plateau

From the Lirac region of Southern Rhone, this wine is incredible for the price – a baby Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a fraction of the price. A blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache, this wine has powerful aromas & flavors of black fruit, with a slight hint of smoke.  – $20

Vina Herminia ‘Excelsus’ Rioja

There is no need to buy an expensive Rioja when wines like this can be found.  Deep and elegant blackberry aromas and flavors with exotic spicy and vanilla tones, with long complex finish. Pairs well with lamb, braised, stewed beef, duck and other game, roasted meats and more.   – $20

Fattoria Del Cerro Vino Nobile Montepulciano

Finding a great Vino Nobile under $25 is tough – but here it is.  Medium bodied wine with aromas of black cherries, smoke, herbs, and spices; very good depth and length.  Smooth & silky, and worthy of a few more years in the cellar.  Ideal for grilled or braised meats. – $24

Rex Hill Willamette – Pinot Noir

This is a stunning pinot Noir for this price – ripe but balanced, with lots of  intense cherry, black currant and raspberry coupled with smoky notes and sweet herbs.  A very full-bodied wine for a pinot noir, with a finish that lingers with coffee and cocoa flavors.  – $24

Chateau Lyonnat Lussac – Saint Emilion

The Serious Foodie fell in love with Saint Emilion on a recent trip through Bordeaux – and realized how tough it is to find bargains from this region.  Here’s a bottle that shows power and subtlety at a great price. Deep dark red fruit with mocha/coffee hints which pleasantly lingers.  – $20

Cesari Mara Valpolicella Ripasso

One of the wines featured in our Veneto tasting this year.  A typical Veneto blend of Covina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes using the Ripasso technique,  this wine has a big aromatic bouquet of ripe cherries, stronger red berry flavors, and quite a bit of licorice which nicely persists. Like the Allegrini Palazzo della Torre, this wine pairs well with grilled meats, and also works well with salads.  – $21

l Poggione – Rosso di Montalcino

A true example of a “baby Brunello” done by a great winemaker at a good price.  This wine as the typical Sangiovese cherry aroma and flavor, along with floral, tobacco and spice notes. The lively acidity and refined tannins frame the flavors, making it a food-friendly wine. Lingering finish. – $20