White wine’s diversity means that even though the summer evenings of Vinho Verde by the pool are over, you can still pop open more full-bodied varieties and bottles produced into a richer style year-round.
To help you celebrate cooler days and longer nights, we’ve rounded up eight bottles for $25 or less that highlight how delicious a full-bodied white wine can be. This list includes something for everyone, from a rich, oaked Napa Valley Chardonnay to a Willamette Valley white Pinot Noir, Alsatian Gewürtztraminer and a qvevri-fermented, skin-contact Georgian wine made from Rkatsiteli-Mtsvane.
Black Stallion 2017 Chardonnay (Napa Valley); $19, 92 points. This is a full-bodied and richly layered white that dazzles in aromas of apple blossom and matchstick. The midpalate is creamy in feel, with strong flavors of pear and fig. Editors’ Choice. —Virginie Boone
Raats Family 2017 Old Vine Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch); $25, 92 points. On first sniff, a soft wood note jumps from the glass, but once you look past that, you get to toasted apple slices, orange peel and Honeycomb cereal tones beneath, with hints of dried fynbos, sage and lemon wax at the back. The mouthfeel is fleshy, almost generous, with solid wood-grilled apple and orange oil flavors that carry through to the close. Ample acidity and a pleasant texture kicks in to enliven the feel, with lovely spiced orange tea and dried fynbos tones lingering on the close. Cape Classics. Editors’ Choice. —Lauren Buzzeo
Eberle 2018 Côtes-du-Rôbles Blanc (Paso Robles); $24, 91 points. This blend of 55% Grenache Blanc, 30% Roussanne and 15% Viognier starts with aromas of peach, mango and tuberose. The palate sizzles on citrus at first, then comes a richer nectarine flavor, with a finish full of savory salt. —Matt Kettmann
Left Coast 2018 Estate White Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley); $24, 91 points. Done entirely in stainless steel, this wine is scented with white flowers and drives fresh fruit flavors of pear, honeydew and Meyer lemon down through the finish. A dash of vanilla resonates as it fades away. —Paul Gregutt
Orgo 2018 Dila-O Dry Amber Wine White (Georgia); $16, 91 points. Medium amber to the eye, this wine proffers a bouquet of apricot and jasmine. As expected, it is a bit grippy on the palate, with bright flavors of peach, Seville orange and baking spice and a touch of brambles. Georgian House of Greater Washington, LLC. —Mike DeSimone
Emile Beyer 2017 Tradition Gewurztraminer (Alsace); $22, 90 points. The nose of this wine is subtle, whispering with ripe pear and gentle peach. The palate comes in with concentration and a pithiness that lends structure alongside rich and juicy lemon freshness. The finish is dry and appetizing. —Anne Krebiehl, MW
Marisco Vineyards 2018 The Ned Pinot Gris (Marlborough); $14, 90 points. Less rosé-hued than the previous vintage, this Pinot Gris is hard not to like. The highly fragranced nose bursts with aromas of apples, lychees, lime blossoms and a touch of honey. The acidity on the palate is crisp but not searing, balanced by a dry, chalky-textured mouthfeel that finishes with a zing of lime zest that has you reaching for another sip. Drink now. Vinovia Wine Group/Marisco Vineyards USA. Best Buy. —Christina Pickard
Les Vignes de Bila-Haut by Michel Chapoutier 2017 White (Côtes du Roussillon); $15, 89 points. Light and breezy smelling, this starts with pleasant tones of apple flesh, citrus, white melon and a touch of straw. The palate is similarly light and vibrant, with medium acidity and flavors of yellow apple, orange rind and hay. It’s clean and well-balanced, with nice precision and a fine texture that lead into a medium-length close. Sera Wine Imports. —L.B.
Duorum 2018 Tons de Duorum White (Douro); $11, 88 points. A goodly proportion of the many Douro white grapes has gone into this smoothly textured wine. The acidity brightens the ripe fruits with their apple and pear flavors. The wine’s end is attractively fresh. MundoVino–Winebow. Best Buy. —Roger Voss
Talamonti 2018 Trebì (Trebbiano d’Abruzzo); $13, 88 points. Aromas of pineapple, kiwi and fresh hops give a strong start to this wine. It is rounded and juicy on the palate in tropical and melon flavors, with tangy acidity pushing through for support. A crisp, mouthwatering sensation lingers on the finish, akin to biting into a crisp green apple. Panebianco. Best Buy. —Alexander Peartree
Last Updated: June 6, 2023
