Wine Press: 7 Affordable White Wines Under $15 to Celebrate Spring Chris Lehoux, May 13, 2025 Spring has arrived in New England, with the vibrant growth around us serving as a reminder of the season’s energy. It’s the perfect time to explore white wines that complement the warming days and lingering cool nights. One grape that stands out for this period is Sauvignon Blanc. This wine variety is generally dry, meaning it lacks sweetness and often features a mineral-like finish with sea salt hints, making it a great pairing with fresh, raw oysters. Notably, wines from different regions can introduce unique elements to Sauvignon Blanc. An example is New Zealand’s Marlborough region, known for its distinct flavors. This week, there are seven white wines under $15 that are ideal for spring: Casal Garcia Vinho Verde Non Vintage ($7.99) Grapes: Trajadura, Loureiro, Pederna, Azal Region: Minho, Portugal Tasting Notes: Bright and refreshing with a slight sparkle, lemon, and sea salt. Perfect for warm spring days, even with a splash of ice. Fun Fact: "Vinho Verde" means "green wine" in Portuguese and is a type of wine produced in a specific part of Portugal. 2018 Ninety Plus Cellars Pinot Grigio Lot 42 ($9.99) Grape: Pinot Grigio Region: Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy Tasting Notes: Crisp with citrus flavors, including orange and apricot. Fun Fact: Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are essentially the same grape but termed differently depending on the region. 2022 Les Deux Moulins Sauvignon Blanc ($9.99) Grape: Sauvignon Blanc Region: Loire Valley, France Tasting Notes: Light and refreshing with hints of green apple and lemon. Fun Fact: The Loire Valley is considered one of the original homes of the Sauvignon Blanc grape. 2024 Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc ($10.99) Grape: Sauvignon Blanc Region: Marlborough, New Zealand Tasting Notes: Noted for its fresh-cut grass flavors and citrus notes. Fun Fact: Marlborough produces approximately two-thirds of all wine in New Zealand. 2022 Cave De Lugny La Cote Blanche Unoaked Chardonnay Macon Villages ($13.99) Grape: Chardonnay Region: Macon, Burgundy, France Tasting Notes: Features lemon and sea salt flavors with hints of butter and toasted almonds. Fun Fact: Chardonnay is the most popular white wine grape globally. 2023 Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc ($11.99) Grape: Sauvignon Blanc Region: Mendocino County, California Tasting Notes: Crisp with subtle flavors of sea salt and grapefruit. Fun Fact: Despite its popularity, Sauvignon Blanc only represents a small fraction of California’s wine production. 2023 Los Vascos Sauvignon Blanc ($9.99) Grape: Sauvignon Blanc Region: Colchagua Valley, Chile Tasting Notes: Citrus-centric, featuring hints of lemon and grapefruit. Fun Fact: Chardonnay remains the most widely planted grape in Chile. Enjoy exploring these selections as they embody the spirit of spring! About the Author: Chris Lehoux Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored! Wine