20 wonderful wines you can find at your local supermarket

What do locals drink on the French Riviera? I asked some locals at a grocery store in Nice, and they pointed me to Miraval, a summery Grenache Rosé that tastes like sunshine and azure ocean in a glass. Acidic with notes of raspberry and strawberry, this is a wine that pairs great with a summer beach day, or any day for that matter.

A Reserve Chardonnay for 11 dollars? Yes, you read that right--the Macon Reserve Chardonnay is oaky but not overly buttery, a drawback of many California Chardonnays. This Burgundy-inspired wine has a light lemon and zest flavor that pairs immaculately with pasta. 

Ripe dark red fruits blend harmoniously with black currant in this Cabernet Sauvignon. A staple for steak nights or romantic nights by the fire, this is an excellent choice for Cab fans who aren't snotty enough to be okay with supermarket value.

Like most Americans, I only speak one language--but I'm pretty sure this is a Spanish wine because of the Rioja, the Viura Grape, and the fact that I just googled it on my computer. I may not be a master sommelier, but the rich aromas of peach and pineapple make this an excellent summer wine.

Open the pod bay doors, Hal--the Hall Sauvignon Blanc, pronounced Hal if you are a wine snob, is a deliciously bright and stone fruit ripe option for those who find their supermarket Sauvs to be a little on the grassy side. Not everyone wants to taste mildewy grass in their wine.

Who would have thought that New Mexico could make some of the best Brut Rosé on the market? I didn't until I popped into their tasting room in Santa Fe and was dazzled by this floral bouquet of pollinating strawberry notes. It's a crisp, fruity, and bubbly wine for all occasions. 

Everyone who enjoys wine has Italy on their bucket list, and those who have been probably can't stop thinking about those sumptuous glasses of house wine they had with their almost impossibly sumptuous meals. You don't need to book a flight to Italy to have good Italian wine, however. Barone Fini Pinot Grigio offers an affordable yet delectable Pinot Grigio that you really want, even if it's not as good as the wine in Italy.

Those looking to pair a wine with fish should be pleased with this mellow yellow apple, green apple, and peach wine concoction. Although not as rich as the region's upscale options, the wine does great with fish on the menu.

Those who have extensively shopped for wine have probably noticed this wine in supermarkets and boutique wine shops. Because the bottle of Grenache is so well made, it appeals to both budget buyers and wine connoisseurs looking to get their hands on a warm, red currant and raspberry bottle of wine.

A GSM blend is difficult to find at a cheap price point--the authentic blends of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre from Rhone are usually expensive bottles of wine for good reason. The region creates some of the richest berry wines out there, which makes this peppery raspberry bottle a balanced, tasty, if not entirely noteworthy or memorable option. 

Showing citrus, lemons, apples, and pears, this Champagne is perfect for those looking to celebrate on a budget. You could pour this bottle side by side with more expensive options and not be able to tell the difference. 

Best served with liver and fava beans, this nice Chianti elevates supermarket Sangiovese to a delectable, smoky, red currant and raspberry treat. Made on the high altitudes of the Chianti Region, you can imagine yourself sipping this wine with a view of the sundappled vineyards and cypress tree-lined roads of Tuscany.

Negroamaro is a lesser-known wine from the Southern Region of Italy. It's best paired with steak since the smokiness of the grape mixed with dashes of Cabernet makes it a more full-bodied wine. 

I came across Bonterra wine first in the grocery store, but didn't try the bottle until I was on a trip in the Dominican Republic. Surprisingly, every all-inclusive resort I stayed at was pouring Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon as their red wine option. Even more surprising, the low-tannin Cabernet Sauvignon was quite delicious.

People often discuss the importance of wine-food pairings, but I believe wine-setting pairings are equally important. You don't want a chilled Sauvignon Blanc in a moody stormy setting, now do you? For me, a Super Tuscan like this elegant blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon is best enjoyed in a lyrical countryside or quiet, laid-back setting with your significant other. It's a wine to savor, to enjoy the flavors and the romantic setting, and the gorgeous smile of your girlfriend.

This is some of the best Champagne out there. Bubbly, bright, authentic and bursting with flavor, Veuve Cliquot Champagne is great for celebrations, romantic nights with your significant other, or for wine connoisseurs (a term that could be synonymous with alcoholic), any Tuesday night of the week. 

GSM blends from California have been improving to the point where some are even competing with the blends in Rhone--okay, so maybe that's a stretch, but the Cashmere Red Wine is a solid example of how these dry farmed sandy soils can produce delicious bottles of wine. A silky red fruit blend with notes of chocolate, this Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre wine is a treat if you can find it.

This is a classic West Coast bottle of Riesling showcasing notes of white peach, apricot, and wet forest floor. The last tasting note is a joke. I'm not a snobby wine drinker despite drinking scrupulous amounts of wine. But the notes of Ste Michelle Riesling are quite bold for wines of this region. 

Italian wines are available at supermarkets and some of them are incredible. The fact that Elena Walch Pinot Grigio is available at supermarkets, despite being an elegant, ripe pear and blossoms treat, is simply astounding.

This a regular wine purchase for me. A delicious Chardonnay that costs less than a fast-food burger, Churn wine is proof that great wine can be both wonderful and affordable.