Labor Day marks the unofficial last day of summer, but at least there’s a three-day weekend to ease the pain. You know what that means: It’s time for a blowout, boozy backyard barbecue to soak up every last moment of the season, and that calls for a plentiful wine supply. From fun bubbly to refreshing whites and rosés to chillable reds, these 10 affordable bottles will keep the celebration going all weekend long.
Chateau de Brézé Crémant de Loire NV
This traditional-method sparkler is made from Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay and is reminiscent of Champagne at a third of the price. Fresh and clean, it has just-ripe red apple notes and accents of fresh citrus and raw almond. Bonus: no corkscrew needed. Average price: $20
Filipa Pato ‘3B’ Brut Rosé NV
Nothing could be peppier than this bubbly rosé from a kick-ass female winemaker in Portugal. Juicy, tart strawberry fruit and lemon zest finish with a clean, acid-driven kick. It’s just plain tasty and one of the best values out there. Average price: $15
Castillo Perelada ‘Blanc Pescador’ NV
Somewhere in between still and sparkling white wine, the slightly effervescent Blanc Pescador is like baby Cava from northeastern Spain. It’s refreshing, citrus-driven, and rocky, with a hint of bubbly to boost the freshness factor and make it insanely chuggable. Average price: $10
Forty Ounce Muscadet 2016
Were you too enthralled with the debut of the Forty Ounce Rosé earlier this summer to notice that a Muscadet was released at the same time? This lemony, slightly salty sipper is (just shy of) 40 ounces of palate-cleansing white wine, and is perfect for warm temperatures and all-day imbibing. Average price: $15
Peter Lauer ‘Barrel X’ Riesling 2016
With the melange of food passed around at a barbecue, it’s good to have a catch-all wine that will not only pair with everything but refresh the palate for the next bite. That’s this Peter Lauer ‘Barrel X’ Riesling. It’s dry but with a touch of ripe peach fruit, finishing with lime zest and stony minerality. Average price: $20
Graci Etna Rosato 2016
Pale, lean, and acid-driven, the Graci rosé will make you feel like you’re soaking up the island sun on the shores of Sicily. It has plenty of juicy, zingy citrus along with tons of salty, savory minerality. Average price: $22
Ameztoi ‘Rubentis’ Rosé 2016
Now is time to scoop up this somm-favorite rosé before fall descends and it becomes nearly impossible to find! With tons of rocky, sea breeze minerality and plentiful strawberry and citrus fruit, the Ameztoi Rosé is basically asking to be consumed with abandon. It even has a screwcap to make it as easy as possible to drink. Average price: $25
Château Cambon Beaujolais 2016
Beaujolais may be the ultimate chilled red. For something fun and breezy like a barbecue, a juicy, fruit-driven option made by three of the region’s top winemakers is just perfect. Raspberry and cherry fruit are both tart and ripe, with just a touch of earth for balance. Average price: $19
Senda Verde Mencia 2015
Medium-bodied and easy-drinking, the Senda Verde Mencia is reminiscent of Beaujolais, with an earthy, rustic Spanish twist. Lively plum and brambly blackberry fruit is accented with potting soil-like earth and herbal spice. Grilled meats will sing with this wine. Average price: $13
Ravenswood ‘Old Vine’ Zinfandel 2014
It isn’t just light red wine that can be chilled for suitable warm weather drinking; full, juicy, low-tannin reds can be, too. The Ravenswood has all the markers of a value-driven, friendly Zinfandel, with lush black and red berries, spice, and vanilla. Average price: $10
