While we always remain staunch supporters of independent bottle shops and the fantastic wealth of dedicated wine retailers and boutique producers around the world, we are also realistic. And the reality is that grocery stores and big-box supermarkets account for the largest share of wine sales in the United States. Most consumers make their regular “Tuesday night wine” purchases at stores like Costco, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Publix, Whole. Food and more.
In these stores, many of the same high-volume, highly-traded labels take center stage on the shelves. But which of these popular wine brands are really worth your time and money?
We’ve combed through the sales numbers of some of the largest supermarket chains in the US to find the bottles (and boxes) Americans are buying the most, and compared them to the scores and reviews from our panels. of tasting. Here, 11 supermarket wines that got good marks in blind tastings.
Barefoot NV Sauvignon Blanc (California); $6. Find it at Vivino. This elegant wine is amazing value, offering great refreshment as well as an array of subtle mineral, fig and citrus notes… VIEW NOTE AND FULL REVIEW
Beringer 2018 Q Red (Napa Valley); $60. Find it at Vivino. Leading with 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine also contains small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec… SEE NOTE AND FULL REVIEW
Black Box 2019 Merlot (California); $20. Find it at Total Wine & More. Flavors of chocolate and cherry give this medium-bodied wine a smooth feel… SEE NOTE AND FULL REVIEW
Bota Box NV Old Vine Zinfandel (California); $23. Find it at Total Wine & More. Good direct berry flavors and a medium to full body make this a hearty and fruity wine… SEE NOTE AND FULL REVIEW
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2020 Horse Heaven Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Horse Heaven Hills); $15. Find it at Vivino. This is still a standout bottling from this producer. The aromas offer understated notes of grass, lemon zest, candle wax and weed… SEE THE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Josh Cellars 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (California); $17. Find it at Vivino. Both concentrated and well-balanced, this full-bodied wine shows purity of dark fruit aromas that are undisturbed by excessive oak… SEE NOTE AND FULL REVIEW
Kendall-Jackson 2020 Grand Reserve Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley); $26. Find it at Vivino. A spicy, warm layer of oaky vanilla and cinnamon envelops ripe black cherry and blackberry flavors in this expansive, full-bodied wine… SEE NOTE AND FULL REVIEW
Kim Crawford 2020 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough); $18. Find it at Drizly. After a strong 2019 vintage, the 2020 bottling from this well-known label is also hitting the mark… SEE NOTE AND FULL REVIEW
Ruffino 2017 Riserva Ducale Oro Gran Selezione (Chianti Classico); $39. Find it at Vivino. Made with 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 5% Colorino, it opens with intense aromas of violets, dark-skinned berries and leather… SEE THE RATINGS AND REVIEWS
Sutter Home NV Pinot Grigio (California); $8. Find it at Total Wine & More. This racy and fruity, medium-bodied wine offers generous notes of Bosc pear and pippin apple… SEE THE NOTE AND FULL REVIEW
Posted May 20, 2022
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