15 Best Sauvignon Blanc Under $30: Top Picks & Tasting Notes
Last Updated on September 6, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Seeking the finest Sauvignon Blanc that won’t dent your wallet? Well, get ready for a pleasant surprise! We know we all want a high-quality wine that doesn’t break the bank.
So, we’ve been on a task to find these budget-friendly wines through blind tastings and friends’ and experts’ suggestions. Let us tell you, we’ve got some awesome suggestions to share.
Despite the affordability, these wines give great taste and quality with every single sip. Here’s our curated list of the best Sauvignon Blanc wines under $30.
Top 15 Sauvignon Blanc Bottles Under $30
1. Monmousseau Sauvignon Blanc (Loire Valley)
Average Price: roughly $21.08/750ml (Vivino)
Alcohol Content: 13.2% ABV
Nose: Lemon zest, apple, floral
Palate: Bright, white peaches
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Monmousseau’s blend of flavors creates a bright sipping experience. This Sauvignon Blanc is our go-to expression if we want to enjoy a drink without splurging.
The aromas bring a delightful touch, making it one of the best Sauvignon Blancs we’ve tried – that won’t break the bank.
2. Bedford Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Average Price: roughly $22.59/750ml (Vivino)
Alcohol Content: 14% ABV
Nose: Citrus fruits, white peaches, floral
Palate: Crisp, tropical, balanced acidity
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: This is one of the best Sauvignon Blancs with a higher ABV, under $30. It’s a little complex but feels fresh due to its elegant flavors and aromas.
“Savoring every sip, budget-friendly Sauvignon Blanc uncorks affordable elegance.” – Liquor Laboratory
We highly recommend this full-bodied wine.
3. Matanzas Creek Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc Wine
Average Price: roughly $25/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 13.8% ABV
Nose: Citrus, honeydew, vegetal
Palate: Vibrant, tropical, balanced acidity
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Matanzas Creek is the best Sauvignon Blanc wine if you like the vibrant blend of citrus and vegetal notes. We like how this Sauvignon Blanc provides concentrated flavors with balanced acidity.
4. Nobilo Fall Sauvignon Blanc Harvest
Average Price: roughly $16.92/750ml (Vivino)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV
Nose: Crisp apple, gooseberry, herbal
Palate: Lime zest, green melon, mineral
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: This bottle of Nobilo Fall Sauvignon Blanc Harvest gives the balanced profile and lingering finish we’re looking for in wines.
We like its distinct characteristics, but at an affordable price, making it one of the best Sauvignon Blancs we’ve tried. This wine pairs well with light cheeses and chicken dishes.
5. Twin Island Sauvignon Blanc Wines
Average Price: roughly $18/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV
Nose: Citrus, passion fruit, herbal
Palate: Zesty, tropical, crisp finish
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: We like the zesty burst of citrus and passion fruit with herbal hints in this Sauvignon Blanc wine, making it one of the top five Sauvignon Blancs.
The aromas and flavors are juicy with crisp intensity, which is prevalent in any New Zealand wine grape variety.
6. Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc White Wine
Average Price: roughly $16.99/750ml (Vivino)
Alcohol Content: 12% ABV
Nose: Lime, stone fruit, grassy
Palate: Zesty, pineapple, firm finish
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Monkey Bay is another New Zealand wine oozing with a lively fusion of flavors and aromas.
Indulge in this white wine solo or match it with chicken, sea bass, or shellfish. Monkey Bay wines exude a relaxed New Zealand vibe, making them an ideal choice for any social gathering.
7. Fancy Pants Sauvignon Blanc
Average Price: roughly $12.76/750ml (Vivino)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Nose: Tropical fruit, citrus zest, floral
Palate: Lively, bright, pineapple, lemon
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Fancy Pants Sauvignon Blanc presents enchanting tasting notes, oozing with lively and bright character with the distinct flavors of pineapple and lemon.
Upon tasting, this medium-bodied wine blends the flavors and vibrant profile, making it a remarkable yet budget-friendly choice.
8. Tussock Jumper Sauvignon Blanc
Average Price: roughly $13/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 12% ABV
Nose: Citrus zest, gooseberry, herbaceous
Palate: Vibrant, tropical, racy acidity
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Bursting with citrusy aromas and tropical fruit flavors, this New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wine is a delightful and fresh choice for under $30.
If you want a pairing for shellfish and grilled fish, Tussock is one of the best Sauvignon Blanc wines to try.
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9. Beach House Sauvignon Blanc
Average Price: roughly $12.99/750ml (Vivino)
Alcohol Content: 13% ABV
Nose: Lemon, grapefruit, fresh peach
Palate: Tropical, balanced acidity
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Beach House (from Cape Town) captures zesty citrus aromas, which are soothing to the nose.
It has balanced acidity, complementing the pleasant flavors, which we really enjoy alongside pork chops on the side.
10. Gnarly Head Sauvignon Blanc
Average Price: roughly $10/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Nose: Orange blossoms, melon, grassy
Palate: Crisp acidity, juicy, white peach
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Gnarly Head Sauvignon Blanc impresses us with its citrusy and subtle grassy notes. It delivers a delightful crispness and juiciness, highlighted by flavors of white peach.
When sipped, this wine leaves a satisfying taste experience with its balanced and refreshing character.
11. Veramonte Organic Reserva Sauvignon Blanc
Average Price: roughly $13/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Nose: Citrusy and grassy
Palate: Tropical and balanced acidity
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Another organic Sauvignon Blanc option is Veramonte’s Organic Reserva wines. We don’t know about you, but this is one of the wines we like pairing with goat cheese and fish.
It’s not as fancy as other wines from Napa Valley, but it delivers a satisfying taste experience – a truly value wine.
12. Menage a Trois Sauvignon Blanc
Average Price: roughly $9.99/750ml (Vivino)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Nose: Lime blossom, green apple, peach
Palate: Juicy, pineapple, white flowers
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: We particularly like the captivating lime blossom aromas in this Sauvignon Blanc wine.
The grape varieties [1] grown in California, including this Sauvignon Blanc, produce the right balance, enhancing the overall sipping experience.
13. Naturalis Riverland Organic Sauvignon Blanc
Average Price: roughly $10.99/750ml (Vivino)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV
Nose: Mandarin, passion fruit, herbaceous
Palate: Refreshing, tropical, vibrant acidity
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Naturalis Riverland’s organic Sauvignon Blanc harmonizes citrusy and refreshing hints with vibrant acidity.
If you’re not into complex Sauvignon Blancs and like something organic yet budget-friendly, Naturalis Riverland is the best Sauvignon Blanc under $30.
14. Morande Sauvignon Blanc
Average Price: roughly $11/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 13% ABV
Nose: Grapefruit, passion fruit, floral
Palate: Vibrant, tangy, herb-infused citrus
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: Morande Sauvignon Blanc dazzles with captivating aromas and delicate floral notes. We like the vibrant and tangy profile, creating a harmonious and refreshing sip.
“Winemaking is a trade, an interpretation of the grapes as well as the place they are grown.” – Ricardo Baettig, Viña Morande Enological Director
Given the balanced tasting notes of this exceptional wine [2], it’s a remarkable value under $30.
15. Sutter Home Sauvignon Blanc
Average Price: roughly $6.99/750ml (Vivino)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Nose: Passion fruit, grapefruit, honeydew, melon, green apple
Palate: citrus flavors, spice hints
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It: This great Sauvignon Blanc from Sutter Home has a refreshing finish.
Its crisp character makes it a food-friendly wine, perfectly paired with shellfish, Caesar salad, goat cheese, and roasted chicken.
*Note: The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. Each product was evaluated on its overall quality, flavor profile, complexity, smoothness, and overall enjoyment.
FAQs
How can you tell a good Sauvignon Blanc?
A good Sauvignon Blanc is recognizable by its vibrant aromas, often featuring citrus, herbal, or tropical notes.
It offers a firm and refreshing character on the palate, with balanced acidity and a distinct burst of flavor. A harmonious balance between its aromas and taste defines quality Sauvignon Blancs.
Is Sauvignon Blanc nicer than Pinot Grigio?
Sauvignon Blancs are nicer than Pinot Grigios [3] if you are into aromatic, zesty, and herbaceous wines. Pinot Grigio is often lighter and crisper, with delicate fruit flavors.
The preference between the two depends on personal taste – but each bottle offers a delightful experience.
Is older Sauvignon Blanc better?
Older Sauvignon Blanc is better if you like something complex. But it’s more enjoyable young to fully savor its fresh and vibrant aromas.
While some age can add complexity, prolonged aging may diminish its characteristic zing. Optimal enjoyment of Sauvignon Blanc usually aligns with its youthful and lively profile.
Can you drink 10-year-old Sauvignon Blanc?
Yes, you can drink a 10-year-old Sauvignon Blanc, depending on your taste preference. But Sauvignon Blanc is usually consumed young for its vibrant qualities, though some aged versions can offer unique flavors.
But note that a 10-year-old Sauvignon Blanc [4] might have lost its original freshness, potentially displaying different characteristics. It’s worth trying, but results can vary.
In Summary
After our series of tastings, Monmousseau Sauvignon Blanc stands as a shining example in the world of affordable Sauvignon Blanc.
Its captivating blend of lemon zest, apple, and floral notes and a firm, bright palate make it a top Sauvignon Blanc under $30.
But other commendable options, like Bedford Russian River Valley and Matanzas Creek Sonoma County, also offer delightful flavors.
All these wine bottles prove that exceptional Sauvignon Blanc experiences need not break the bank. So now, what’s your favorite Sauvignon Blanc under $30?!
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/wine/France
- https://www.newsweek.com/amplify/30-fascinating-facts-about-wine-that-you-never-knew
- https://www.theguardian.com/food/2022/feb/20/give-pinot-grigio-another-chance-bottles-that-will-surprise-you
- https://www.independent.co.uk/wine/sauvignon-blanc-history-alternatives-b2357252.html
