Savvy Sipping: 13 Top $30 WINES to Buy in 2024

[@margauxml]

From Italy to Germany, Spain, France, Portugal, Australia, and America (did I miss a country?)-what a very international and varied selection! I’m so happy to see the Langhe and Rhone Valley represented here. And so many insights and information plus that part about Guidalberto’s price increase which I think is 100% preposterous and unacceptable. I agree, there are so many good wines out there at better and lower prices. And here we have the proof! A well-curated selection of top-quality wines that won't break the bank! Thank you, John, for your efforts to bring us the best that our money can buy through this amazing video. Excellently made and presented with remarkable research and superb captures. Cheers and Happy Sunday!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you, Margaux! Yes, definitely try to include a lot of variety in these videos so that there is at least one wine that a viewer will be interested in. Glad that you enjoyed the recommendations! Appreciate the support and thoughtful feedback. Cheers!

[@margauxml]

@@AttorneySomm You’re very welcome, John! Such a great video! I’m sure many wine enthusiasts will find it very useful.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@margauxml Thank you, Margaux!

[@doublewides]

Ooh, I love the Roberto Voerzio wines. Just seeing them on this video has me going downstairs and grabbing one for dinner tonight!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! I'm a big fan as well! Cheers!

[@welshtoro3256]

Excellent video John. I'm really glad you called out the price hike here. A lot of markets are ripping us off. I should say that a lot trending wines are leading to rip-off. There really are a lot of excellent wines in this price range but you have to do a lot of research. I agree with your Spanish choices but both have crept up in price especially Remelluri. Fortunately the price/quality of many Spanish wines is so good that even when the price increases they are still worth it. A lot of that has to do with trying to address the declining wine consumption in Spain itself. A lot of fantastic wines all over the world in this price category but it requires a good retailer or bloodhound work to access. Cheers. WT

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Always appreciate your input. Modest price hikes I understand but not massive ones like this. Such a shame!

[@whitelightning2291]

Great video! Cubillo, Coudoulet, and Perbacco are go-to's for good value. Will look for the Villard SJ and Gonnet CdP. I want so badly to love Donnhoff, but I just find their wines too light and elegant in concentration, even though the texture is lovely. Also strongly adding Agro de Bazan and La Cana albarino, Santos Santorini assyrtiko, Schramsberg BdB, Brokenwood base semillon, Garzon Reserve Tannat, Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso, Raffault Les Picasses Chinon, Chave Offerus, and Tensley Syrah! All pretty available around this price

[@AttorneySomm]

@@whitelightning2291 Thanks very much! Also appreciate your suggested additions! Tensley has such tremendous QPR! I have featured that producer in other videos.

[@larrygallo8165]

I’m a Texan living in Italy for a bit. I have 2 bottles of Guidaberto, based on one of your many excellent videos. The 2021 vintage is still being sold here for 47.99 euros. What is your estimation of how long they can be cellared? I will be moving back to the hot Texas Hill country and will bring all my Italian wines home. Thank you for bringing such a quality program to youtube!😊

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much for the kind feedback! Glad you enjoy the channel! Yes it seems like the price hikes have only hit the US so far. With proper conditions, I think 6-8 years is very reasonable and if you enjoy older wines perhaps up to 10-12.

[@margauxml]

Thank you so much for the pin, John. Sincerely appreciate it!

[@AttorneySomm]

You're welcome, Margaux!

[@numanuma20]

Are we surprised at this point?

[@AttorneySomm]

@@numanuma20 I’ve been mixing them up! Several others have been pinned lately.

[@nmbar7386]

Love that you included Henri Champliau! I’ve been enjoying that wine since last November and imo it drinks better than a lot of $50 champagnes I’ve had

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! Completely agree with you. Great minds . . . 😁 Very glad you enjoy it too!

[@AnarchoKapital]

Varvara is really nice. Paid 21€ in a shop in Bolgheri (winery was closed) for the 2020. I believe you can even find that wine in well sorted Italian supermarkets. Cubillo I found to be less impressive, but still ok at around 15€. Would however always opt for Bosconia instead.

[@AttorneySomm]

Very nice buy! Glad you enjoy it too. Definitely one I strongly recommend. Thanks for your comment.

[@joe-zp7ge]

this is a coincidental video because two weeks ago i bought a case of the Sanguido Alberdi at a price of 52.00 per bottle (2019) i just checked the price and you are spot on about price increase. This increase is brought on because of the high dermand for this wine. I believe consumers think they are getting a wine similiar to Sassacaia but the blend is very different and as splendid as the alberdi is it does not compare to Sassacaia. Bolgheri region of tuscany is on fire and thats also contributing to price increases. love Bolgheri!! well done

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Great timing! Well done. Yes, I’m sure they will still sell everything at this higher prices. But I won’t recommend the Guidalberto on this channel at that price. Cheers!

[@vincentjugeau-hilding3586]

Viña cubillo is a must buy every year for me 🤩

[@AttorneySomm]

Certainly understand that. It is definitely hard to beat at that price point!

[@timdijkema1743]

Hi John, the Guidalberto thing is probably a US importing issue as I bought my ‘22s at around €42 in presale beginning this year? At the prices you are quoting, I would indeed erase it from the buying list. You may want to seek uit Orma in Bolgheri as well. Salute, Tim

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks, Tim. Much appreciated. Based on responses from European viewers, it does seem to be a US pricing strategy.

[@Pseudopimelodidae]

Great video. Here in Finland the government is continuing to increase taxes on wine making the prices go up. This makes it’s increasingly important to find good value bottles for beginners who don’t want or can’t shell out big bucks for a single bottle of wine.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! Very glad the video was useful. Hopefully you can track some of these down at reasonable prices and enjoy them as much as I do!

[@welshtoro3256]

It's really worth trying to engage with a specialist retailer you can trust. They are trying to hunt down great value, lesser known, wine.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@welshtoro3256 A good idea. Cheers!

[@stevenholt4936]

Fashion plays a huge part in wine pricing: supply and demand, obviously. The trick is to find well-made wines that are unfashionable. I remember buying top Riojas in the 1970s but then they became popular and I stopped buying for 30 years but now they are excellent value again. Many Bordeaux chateaux really hiked their prices in the 1980s an '90s but again, thanks partly to a run of superb vintages, value is back on the menu. The same can't, alas, be said for Burgundy. I still buy the odd half-case of whites but not reds since 2016. South Africa and Chile are still good value but for how much longer? New Zealand, yes but one needs to be increasingly selective. Agree about Eden/Clare Valley rieslings. I find most Aussie reds too big and alcoholic for my taste. One you missed off your list that I enjoy a lot is Cru Beaujolais from good years. Madeira and some sherries are still excellent value, as are Italian wines from lesser known denominazioni. Langhe Nebbiolo is a good shout, as is, perhaps, Chianti Rufina. How about single quinta Ports as an alternative to vintage? Luckily, we have such a fabulous choice: probably the best wine lovers have ever had - a mix of technology; investment; and a string of fabulous northern hemisphere vintages.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much, Steven. Completely agree with you! When I first started, I loaded up on Super Tuscans because they were so inexpensive relative to Bordeaux. Now it is the opposite! Excellent suggestions for other areas of value! As always, appreciate your insightful comments and suggestions! Hope you enjoyed your weekend!

[@stevenholt4936]

@@AttorneySomm Thanks. Yes, the weekend was v.enjoyable. The Greywacke went very well with the Thai on Saturday. I decided to open my last bottle of 2012 Chablis Premier Cru, Vaugiraud yesterday with the roast chicken and it was probably past its best - still good but not quite as memorable as previous bottles. Hope you too enjoyed some decent wine over the weekend.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@stevenholt4936 Sounds terrific! Yes, I had a nice blind tasting with some friends.

[@rickwezenaar]

little tip: I just came back from Mexico. You have to try "Puerta del Lobo Tio Neto". Fantastic little wine (around $50). I was at the winery and had a great tasting. cheers!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! Appreciate your insight! Sounds terrific!

[@coryz6880]

The 2021 Guidalberto is around $65 at a big box store near me. How would you compare the Guidalberto to Varvara without factoring in price? Maybe a “blind” tasting comparison for future video 😁🍷

[@AttorneySomm]

It is the 22 vintage that had the big hike. The 21s are still a buy at $65 I think. The Guidalberto needs a bit more age. If I could pick one to taste any given night, I’d probably go with Guidalberto. Appreciate the suggestion!

[@mickeylee2624]

What a wide spectrum of affordable wines to hunt for!😋🙏 Speaking of Donnhoff, their 2022 Tonschiefer Riesling Dry Slate has been outstanding! And staying in Central Europe, I found the 2022 Bründlmayer Riesling Terrassen Kamptal its equal--even more savory and minerally!! Pikes Traditional was pretty solid first Aussie Riesling for me. I just got a Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Riesling... is the region different in nuance from Clare Valley?

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks! Definitely tried to include a wide variety in this one. Appreciate the tip re: the 22 Rieslings! Both sound terrific! Great question! Eden Valley has higher elevation so the wines tend to have more acidity and be a bit more elegant.

[@mickeylee2624]

Happy to share, @@AttorneySomm! Looking forward to opening the Eden Valley Riesling!!

[@AttorneySomm]

@@mickeylee2624 Yes it sounds like you picked a winner!

[@jonathanhart8046]

Some great ideas, thanks. Im not sure what exposure South African wines get in the USA but there are some sensational value propositions in both red and white. Worth a try ! Orma could perhaps be a replacement for Guidalberto although I fear this may have crept up in price as well.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Appreciate the suggestion!

[@Tobyjrn6297]

I think orma is still a fair bit more pricey than guidalberto unfortunately! (At least in the UK, maybe not in the US market). How do you find it? I've been meaning to pick up a bottle

[@jonathanhart8046]

@@Tobyjrn6297 Bordeaux Index have it. It has gone up , you're right.The 2015 is 300 pounds for 6 in bond.

[@henriklindhansen6456]

I approve 100%.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you kindly! Cheers!

[@asp04]

Does the size of the bottle matter when it comes to bottle aging? Also, have you tried and wines from Luca yet?

[@AttorneySomm]

Great question! Yes large formats age for a longer time. Half bottles age more rapidly. Don’t recall trying a wine from Luca yet.

[@asp04]

@@AttorneySomm Thanks for the Response. The 2019 Luca old vine Malbec suited my taste better than the 2021 Seghesio old vine Zinfandel. Multiple critics gave it 90+ points. I encourage you to try it.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@asp04 Thanks! I'll keep an eye out.

[@ronmcmartin4513]

@asp--One other point about bottle sizes: I find the Drinking Window is also different. Example: If a 750ml Window of Bordeaux is 10-20 years from vintage date, then a 375ml is Not 5-10 years, but rather 7-10 years. And a 1.5L Magnum would Not be 20-40 years, but rather 15-50 years.

[@asp04]

@@ronmcmartin4513 How does one best determine a drinking window? Sometimes, I will use Wine Spectator vintage charts to determine when to drink something but have no idea about drinking windows.

[@coryz6880]

Its sad state of affairs in Napa that a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon or Napa Bordeaux blend cannot be found within this price parameter.

[@AttorneySomm]

Definitely a challenge to find any Napa with Cab S in it at this price.

[@Docbyday]

Agree regarding the price hikes for Guidalberto, it’s no longer a compelling value. Their 3rd wine Le Difese offers much more bang for buck, and I find it significantly better than the Le Volte from Ornellaia. Vina Tondonia absolutely smashes it when it comes to QPR ratio!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! Agreed. Tondonia is well represented in my cellar!

[@andrewriley8110]

Hi John, I have an opportunity to buy a case of 2020 Guidalberto at £30 (approx $38) per bottle. I only usually buy one or two bottles of anything as I love trying as many wines as possible but is this price too good to miss?

[@AttorneySomm]

@@andrewriley8110 Hello: Yes that is a tremendous value! I would definitely be a buyer at that price.

[@andrewriley8110]

@@AttorneySomm excellent, I’ll blame you when my wife tells me off for buying even more wine 😉

[@AttorneySomm]

@@andrewriley8110 😂😂😂

[@jacob9540]

Sad to see Guidalberto shoot up so much in price. I often picked it up on sale for $40-45 and it is such an incredible value at that price, really outperforms a lot of wines in that price range. But at $80+, I will not be buying it.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much. Completely agree with you.

[@privatprivat9213]

Here in Germany, prices are stable. Guess its an US importing issue.

[@AttorneySomm]

Glad to hear it! Even for the 22 vintage?

[@privatprivat9213]

@@AttorneySomm After my last 2 answers got censored, here is the simple answer: Yes. BR

[@AttorneySomm]

@@privatprivat9213 Thanks. Based on responses from several viewers in various places in Europe, it seems like this is a US problem. Not sure what happened to your previous comments. My general policy is to allow/not remove even negative comments and I did not see any previous responses. So I was not the one doing the censoring.

[@privatprivat9213]

@@AttorneySomm Thanks for clarification. I was just mentioning a famous website for price comparisons and KZbin seems not to like that.

[@privatprivat9213]

@@AttorneySomm Just found the 2022 Guidalberto for 40,90€ in an internet shop.

[@andersnrgaard2483]

The Guidalberto is only 42$ i Denmark

[@AttorneySomm]

For the 2022 vintage? Or an earlier vintage?

[@perchristophersen5365]

@@AttorneySommyes for both 2021 and 2022

[@AttorneySomm]

@@perchristophersen5365 Thank you. It seems like the price hikes were only for the US.

[@Thesilverthunder777]

Guidalberto dead for me.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks for weighing in. Definitely do not think it is worth $80+ per bottle. Such a shame.