15 Cheapest Wines With the Highest Alcohol Content (2023)
Last Updated on September 14, 2023 by Lydia Martin
An excellent way to unwind is with a glass of wine, making you feel calm and relaxed–whether you’re drinking alone or with friends.
But while you consider the cost, you shouldn’t ignore the alcohol content as well. In most cases, it takes almost an entire bottle to experience the sensation of wine drunk.
If you’re looking for a bottle that will give you the fun drunk feeling, you can choose from this list of the cheapest wine with the highest alcohol content. Read on.
Top 15 Cheapest Wine With The Highest ABV
15. Firefly Ridge Merlot
Average Price: roughly $11/750ml
Alcohol Content: 14% ABV
Why We Like It: Firefly Ridge Merlot is dry and fruit-forward. It has the aromas of raspberries, wild strawberries, and crepes.
“The best way to learn about wine is by drinking.”
— Alexis Lichine, Russian Writer
We like to pair this wine with various food, such as baked ham or lasagna.
14. Hartley & Gibson Amontillado Sherry
Average Price: roughly $16/750ml
Alcohol Content: 17.5% ABV
Why We Like It: This Amontillado is a medium-dry, brisk drink with a light and pungent bouquet. We really enjoy this wine at room temperature.
But we also tried adding ice, and the experience is also good. Nothing is special about this wine aside from its high alcohol content.
Read: Top Affordable Wines Below $5
13. Taylor Marsala
Average Price: roughly $8/750ml
Alcohol Content: 18% ABV
Why We Like It: Taylor Marsala is a classic example of a dessert wine with a rich and warm character.
The creamy texture and subtle flavor, similar to raisins, are the interesting notes in this wine.
While it’s fun drinking wine [1], it’s also a good ingredient in any food or drink recipe.
12. Rex Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon
Average Price: roughly $7/750ml
Alcohol Content: 14% ABV
Why We Like It: Although this wine is relatively inexpensive, it offers a great drunk experience while you eat your favorite food, like cheese, chocolate, and herb-roasted beef.
This is a good option if you want to have a good time with friends without breaking the bank.
11. Bogle Petite Sirah
Average Price: roughly $12/750ml
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Why We Like It: We like the aromas of tea leaves, cherry cola, and earth tones in this wine, which add depth and richness overall.
The flavors of red and ripe figs, cherries, and red currants mingle with the herbal aromas, giving a smooth and creamy texture.
This wine was aged in American oak for a year, so we enjoyed its balanced and supple finish.
10. Flipflop Bubbly Pinot Grigio
Average Price: roughly $9/750ml
Alcohol Content: 13% ABV
Why We Like It: This dry wine has a rich and juicy flavor with hints of tropical fruit and pear.
We like its crisp acidity and light finish, which we really enjoy all throughout.
If you want to enjoy a good drink while you unwind, we suggest this bubbly Pinot Grigio, and you can also pair it with shellfish and salads.
9. Line 39 Petite Sirah
Average Price: roughly $11/750ml
Alcohol Content: 13.78% ABV
Why We Like It: Line 39 is a simple yet elegant California wine made with the highest quality ingredients.
It’s sleek and complex, with chocolate, caramel, and vanilla aromas. The mid-palate boasts mocha notes that carry through to a long and luxurious finish.
8. Yellow Tail Shiraz
Average Price: roughly $8/750ml
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Why We Like It: This Yellow Trail Shiraz is approachable and vibrant, making it easy to drink and enjoy.
Also, it’s full-bodied with a great character, plus flavors of blackberries and cherries, contributing to its long and delicious finish.
Its proprietary oak contributes to the flavor notes, adding to the overall enjoyment.
7. Paul Masson Marsala
Average Price: roughly $8/750ml
Alcohol Content: 16.21% ABV
Why We Like It: The golden color of Paul Masson Marsala is eye-catching.
Then, after sipping, you’ll experience its dry, nutty taste with a pleasant baked aroma. Besides, a sweet and creamy, cooked aroma lingers up to the finish.
6. The Pinot Project Pinot Grigio
Average Price: roughly $14/750ml
Alcohol Content: 12% ABV
Why We Like It: A good pairing to mushrooms and shellfish. This light-bodied and dry Pinot Grigio gives genuine Pinot flavors and aromas.
Its versatility comes from the hand-selected grapes, creating the pears and citrus notes. Even if you get drunk with this wine, there’s no hangover feeling after.
5. Stone Cellars Chardonnay
Average Price: roughly $8/750ml
Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Stone Cellars Chardonnay is a full-bodied, dry wine with smooth and traditional flavors.
If you dislike oaky wines, this bottle is a must-try. It’s light and refreshing. The alcohol content may be a bit low for some, but it gives an excellent drunk feeling.
4. Opici Marsala
Average Price: roughly $8/750ml
Alcohol Content: 19% ABV
Why We Like It: This semi-dry style wine is a great addition to any dish with chicken or veal. Its pronounced flavor doesn’t overpower the food’s flavor.
If you want a great after-dinner drink, Opici Marsala is a good wine option, too.
You can drink this at room temperature or prepare a dessert zabaglione with fresh berries.
3. Kenwood Zinfandel
Average Price: roughly $13/750ml
Alcohol Content: 14.5% ABV
Why We Like It: The aromas of ripe figs and raspberries combine with hints of white pepper and vanilla, making this rich and elegant wine.
We like its long finish, highlighted by the complexity of its flavors. It pairs well with grilled fish and tomato sauce dishes.
2. Earthquake Zinfandel
Average Price: roughly $25/750ml
Alcohol Content: 15.5% ABV
Why We Like It: This Zinfandel is pricier than any other bottle on this list, but the alcohol content will surely make up for the price.
It’s medium-bodied and dry, which you can drink while eating lamb and tomatoes.
Overall, this is a rich and powerful wine with cherry pie and spice aromas.
1. Taylor Dry Sherry
Average Price: roughly $8/750ml
Alcohol Content: 18% ABV
Why We Like It: Want wine with high alcohol, then Taylor Dry Sherry won’t disappoint.
This 18% ABV wine is pale, dry sherry with a delicate flavor and notes of roasted nuts. It’s a great drink to booze up or as an aperitif.
It is best served chilled, with a twist, over ice, or mixed with soda. Besides, it’s a good cooking wine, too.
FAQs
What wine type has the highest alcohol content?
The type of wine with the highest alcohol content is red wine.
Specifically, high-alcohol wines include Marsala, Madeira, Port, and Sherry, which usually have 20% ABV (more or less).
Is 15% alcohol a lot for wine?
Yes. 15% alcohol content for wines is considered high. The average ABV of wines is 11% to 13% [2], so 15% is quite a higher alcohol content.
Final Words
Now you have the list of affordable wines with high alcohol content, you can start shopping to stock up.
You don’t have to go for premium wines to get the “drunk feeling,” as there are good options at affordable prices.
If you ask which bottle to begin, we highly suggest the Taylor Dry Sherry wine. This 18% ABV wine is versatile; you enjoy drinking or cooking with it.
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/wine
- https://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/entertaining/food-drink/alcohol-content-wine
