Happy Friday’all! For today’s Friday Five I wanted to share something that I know best, wine. I’ve always been a self-proclaimed wine aficionado but I feel like over the last few months I’ve really explored and have gotten to know quite a bit about wine. Fun fact, I wouldn’t consider myself to entirely be classified as a wine snob. For reference, I usually buy 7-8 bottles at a time, stock my wine fridge and it’ll last me 1-2 weeks (pending if friends come over for a girl’s night, workload/stress level at the 9-5, and so forth). When I buy in a larger order, I typically try and get bottles that range around the $15 range, with a few up to $25 snuck in there for me to enjoy a glass at a time. I always add in 2-3 bottles in the $7-9 range for when friends come over empty handed because #duh.
Now let’s talk wine preference. In terms of what you prefer, I’ve been a red wine girl through and through for years. The sulfates in white wine give me massive migraines (no matter how much botox I get to avoid migraines) and a night of overindulging in white wine will literally leave me on the bathroom floor the next day. Recently I’ve been more tolerable to a nicer glass of white wine, but red wine will always have my heart (and rose because #basic #duh). When it comes to the summer, finding a good red wine can be tough especially if you’re in a city that gets as hot as NYC does. I personally love a good, lighter glass of red on summer evenings, but I must say I prefer it slightly chilled as opposed to room temp like in the winter.
Last full disclosure, some people are fine with the $3 bottles of wine from Trader Joe’s and I think those are great for specific occasions! However, maybe it’s the 25-year-old in me but I prefer now to enjoy my glass of wine as opposed to slapping the bag, ya know? Also, HUGE wine hack in the summer – get a Vine Glace to keep it chilled! Such a game changer. So let’s get started shall we?! Below find my top 5 affordable red wines that you can drink in the summer!
1. The Pinot Project Pinot Noir. A classic in my household, Pinot Project Pinot Noir is a solid go-to that I’ve loved for years. It’s a solid price point that can’t be beat at about $13 a bottle, and it miraculously is always on every single delivery app for wine in the city! This is a good one to have on-hand when friends come over.
2. Mark West Pinot Noir. Believe it or not, Nikki introduce me to Mark West (a nicer bottle that her sister had left) and this $13 option is a great one. It’s lighter, but still has the spice you want with a red wine.
3. Coppola Claret. One of the pricier options at a price point of $21, this Cabernet blend isn’t as heavy as others and still tastes delicious. It’s more of a bottle that I would enjoy by myself at home on a weeknight.
4. Josh Cellars Pinot Noir. Another $21 price point, this pinot has fruitier notes making it a perfect summer sip. It’s another splurge bottle I’ll get to enjoy for myself, or if Nikki is coming over to catch up after awhile. Tip: I like it chilled in the summer!
5. Dreaming Tree Red Crush Blend. One of my go-to’s for years, this blend is perfect for when you want a glass during the day but don’t want the sleepy feeling that comes with red wine. It’s great for summer evenings on the patio, too!