Cheap and Good European Wines to Buy Before They Aren’t Cheap Any More

The international world trading order may be about to collapse, ending 80 years of cooperation and friendship among nations, but let’s get to what’s really important: What are we going to do for quality cheap wine if tariffs send prices 25% or 50% or even 200% higher in April?

Buy now, and don’t be embarrassed. Hoarding in defense of cheap wine is no vice.

Why the rush? Yes, tariffs will only affect imported wine, but there’s very little made in California to replace it. For a variety of reasons – the cost of doing business in the Golden State and something called “premiumization,” an excuse to raise prices – most cheap wine made in California is simple, sort of sweet and not all that interesting.

So Cali wines won’t do for those who want more for 10 bucks. There are still values in Washington, like Charles & Charles rosé, about $12; otherwise, it’s going to cost you $16 to $20 or more to substitute a California wine for an $8 to $12 import.

So, let’s get hoarding.

Vinho Verde

Widely AvailableTariffs will destroy this non-vintage Portuguese white wine; the winery’s reason for being is to cost less than $10. It’s fizzy and toes the line between sweet and tart, perfect for a North Texas summer (especially with an ice cube or two). The best of the dozen or so brands is Broadbent, while Gazela and Casal Garcia are more than drinkable.

La Vieille Ferme

Widely AvailableThese red, white and rosé wines, from Southern France, each dry and low alcohol, may be the best value in the world today, tasting as if they cost twice as much. Grab a bottle for around $8 They are even sold in 3-liter boxes, cutting the price another couple of bucks a bottle.

Stemmari, Grillo and Nero d’Avola

Jimmy’s Food StoreAffordable Sicilian wine used to be one of life’s great secrets, but the wine snobs started nosing around and prices went up. Stemmari, though, remains exceptional. Grillo is a white wine, tasting of stone fruit and maybe some almonds. Nero d’Avola is a red wine that is dark and plummy.

Protocolo, White and Rosé

Central MarketThese two Spanish wines, which cost about $10 each, are almost as well done as the La Vieille Ferme. The white is fresh and citrusy, while the rose is bone dry with a hint of red fruit.

Santa Julia Malbec and Rosé

Whole FoodsArgentina may or may not be included in the tariffs, but why take a chance? These wines, made by the Zuccardi family, are top-notch and cost about $15 for a liter. The malbec isn’t cloying or heavy as some cheap malbec are, while the rose tastes of not quite tart red fruit.

Mary Taylor Cotes De Gascogne

Spec’sIf whites like this, from Gascony in southwestern France and made with weird grapes, were on everyone’s table, the world would be a better place. Call it crisp and refreshing, and enjoy. And at about $11, it’s easy.