Affordable Holiday White Wines Under $20

The holidays can be a drain on the ole bank account, so this is time of year bargains often look more appealing than ever, especially when it comes to finding bottles to carry you through the holiday party season. Here’s a list of affordable holiday wines that taste great and clock in at $20 or less.

Préambule Picpoul de Pinet
Grown in a region of Southern France near the coast, Picpoul wines are delicate and inviting. Sip the Préambule before dinner with anchovies and creamy cheeses, which will complement the fresh bouquet of citrus peel, fennel and white blossoms. Excellent value. binnys.com, $9

“Cepa Pura” Fernão Pires, Quinta do Montalto, 2013
Flavors of pear and quince take the lead in this unique Portuguese white, with a crisp acidity that cuts nicely through decadent, butter-laden dishes. Perfect for resetting the palate. astorwines.com, $10

SIMI Sonoma County Chardonnay, 2013
Everyone has that one aunt who, regardless of the menu and beverage offerings, demands a glass of Chardonnay. Luckily, this classic California Chardonnay offers a brilliant fruit profile with mango, pear and stone fruit balanced by a lightly toasted oakiness and a creamy, buttery character. You just might please the rest of the family, too. leisers.com, $10

Dr. Loosen Riesling, 2013
Consistently praised for the value, this classic, off-dry Mosel Riesling delivers the anticipated flavors of stone fruit along with a pleasing minerality. At 8.5 percent alcohol and with just enough sweetness, it pairs perfectly with strong cheese. astorwines.com, $12

Château de Saint Cosme Little James’ Basket Press White, 2014
Blending Viogner and Sauvignon to make a white wine isn’t a common practice, but that’s exactly what the crew at Saint Cosme did to make the refreshing Basket Press White. Braced with a zesty green apple quality and crunchy acidity, the wines compliment one another well, resulting in a balanced and buttery sweet wine. wine.com, $14

2014 Bodegas Shaya Verdejo Rueda
This minerally Spanish Verdejo has a medium-body with a bright tangy burst of lime, olive, oregano and hints of gravel. It’s lovely and even-keeled. klwines.com, $14

Château Tour Léognan Pessac-Léognan Blanc, 2012
A big, buttery mouthfeel defines this silky blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes. Flavors of pear, lemon and pine needles are heightened with an awesome crisp acidity, making this a great choice for pairing with rich food. saratogawineechange.com, $15

Juvé y Camps Cava Brut Nature Reserva de la Familia, 2010
Any festive gathering, particularly the holidays, calls for a few bubbles. This excellent, bone-dry Cava offers aromas of fresh herbs, green tea and toasted bread. wine.com, $16