Organic wine is seeing a spike in popularity like never before. Wine lovers are are on the hunt for responsibly-made bottles that taste delicious, pair well with a variety of foods, and above all, are affordable.
And it makes sense. As awareness around food production and farming practices grows, why should the mentality towards wine—which is just as much of an agricultural product as your favorite cheese—be any different?
But not all organic wines are created equal, and the biggest difference lies in sulfite content. In Europe, wines that are produced from organic fruit and contain between 100-150 ppm (parts per million) of sulfites can legally be labeled as organic.
READ MORE: 11 New Natural Wines to Buy Right Now
Designation in the United States is slightly different. Here, organic wine must be produced from organically-farmed grapes and contain no added sulfites. Seeing as most wines contain some form of added sulfites, this can prove to be a bit tricky. The answer? A "Made with Organic Grapes" label. Additionally, many winemakers worldwide produce wines from organic fruit without holding a specific certification. These wines are generally referred to as "Practicing Organic."
We’ve rounded up 14 organic wines that are tasty, under $30, and perfect for drinking year-round. All of the wines listed here fall under a variety of the designations: Organic, Made with Organic Grapes, and Practicing Organic. Drinking delicious wine that’s less impactful on the environment? Now that’s a cause we can get behind.
Sparkling
NV Bohigas Reserva Brut Cava ($16)
This rich and toasty Brut Cava is loaded with flavors of crisp apple, citrus rind, lemon, and brioche. Two years of lees-aging adds texture and weight to this zesty, well-balanced bottle – this is the perfect wine to carry you from brunch straight to happy hour.
Lini 910 ‘Labrusca’ Lambrusco Rosso ($16)
Lambrusco is seeing a renaissance like never before. This juicy bottle from Lini bursts with flavors of black cherries, raspberry compote, and balsamic. Fizzy, frothy, and super easy to drink. Sip with cured meats, hard cheeses, or a variety of homemade pizzas for a taste of la dolce vita at home.
Jo Landron Brut Atmospheres ($22)
This unique traditional method sparkling wine is produced from Folle Blanche, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Vibrant flavors of stone fruit, green apple, honey, and yeast jump from the wine’s mineral-laden palate. Looking to recreate your favorite French-inspired apéro moments? This bottle’s just the ticket. Serve with crudité, tinned fish, or a variety of fried appetizers.
READ MORE: 12 American Sparkling Wines to Buy Right Now
White
2019 Elizabeth Spencer Sauvignon Blanc ($17)
This zingy Sauvignon Blanc from Mendocino is loaded with flavors of guava, tropical fruits, lemon zest, and white flowers. Serve cold with fresh goat cheese, salads, or raw bar favorites.
2019 Arnaud Lambert ‘Clos de Midi’ Saumur Blanc ($22)
This rich Chenin Blanc is loaded with unctuous notes of yellow apples, honey, and crushed rocks. Sip this bottle with roasted poultry or pungent cheeses for an out-of-this-world pairing. Arnaud Lambert is a rising star on the Loire Valley’s winemaking scene; keep an eye on this one.
2019 Domaine de la Pépière Muscadet Sèvre et Maine ($17)
This benchmark bottle of Muscadet is crisp, racy, and brimming with mineral-laden flavors of green apple, Meyer lemon, crushed seashells, and ocean air. For a night that calls for oysters and fresh seafood, look no further than this affordable, acid-driven bottle.
2019 Nanclares y Prieto ‘Dandelion’ Albariño ($23)
Albariño is Galicia’s claim to white winemaking fame and this bottle is a perfect for getting to know the grape. Poppy flavors of green apple, peach, lemongrass, and crushed rocks spring from the wine’s energetic palate. Sip with fish tacos, razor clams, or Spanish-inspired tapas.
2019 Benanti Etna Bianco ($26)
Love ashy, volcanic-influenced wines? Then this bottle from Benanti is just for you. Smoky notes of citrus, grapefruit juice, pear skin, and flinty earth ooze from the wine’s textured and tasty palate. Pour a glass for an instant mental escape to the salty coastlines of Sicily.
RedĀ Ā
2017 Olga Raffault Chinon ($22)
This classic Cabernet Franc producer is a longstanding go-to for organic red wine lovers of all palate preferences. Peppery notes of red fruits, currants, forest floor, and gravel lead to a long-lasting finish. Gritty tannins and bright acid make the wine perfect for sipping chilled with a variety of grilled meats and veggies.
2018 Volpaia Chianti Classico ($23)
This silky, easy-drinking Chianti Classico shows flavors of red cherries, cassis, vanilla, and baking spice. Polished tannins and solid structure assure that this wine will stand up to a variety of foods.
2019 Monte Rio Cellars ‘Skull’ Red Wine ($18)
Can’t get enough of glou-glou? This juicy red blend from California promises to give your favorite Vin de Soif a run for its money. Sommelier-turned-winemaker Patrick Cappiello and Pax Mahle produce this wine with carbonically macerated Petit Sirah (50%), Mission (30%), and Zinfandel (20%). The wine is all things jammy red fruit, raspberries, and pepper. Serve chilled and get ready to have your thirst quenched.
2018 Bodegas Hermanos Pecina Senorio de P Rioja Cosecha ($14)
Forget the heavy-hitting Riojas you’re used to; this Cosecha bottling is fresh, fruit-driven, and ideal for sipping with a variety of happy hour snacks. Notes of blackberries, plums, tobacco, and smoky vanilla harmoniously weave together and lead to a lasting, palate-coating finish.
2018 Domaine Jean Foillard Beaujolais-Villages ($28)
This light-on-its-feet Gamay is made by of one of the region’s most iconic producers. High-toned notes of strawberries, juicy cherries, and potting soil jump from the wine’s lively palate. Serve chilled and drink year-round with terrine, charcuterie, or bistro-inspired meals.
2018 Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir ($23)
Jim Clendenen will go down in history as one of the greatest pioneers of Santa Barbara’s viticultural scene. His entry-level Pinot Noir bursts with mouth-coating flavors strawberries, cherries, plums, and sweet spice. Serve chilled with roasted chicken, lentils, or hearty crockpot stews.
