Try Carlo Rossi brand Paisano wine, its good and cheap.

Keep shopping at Trader Joe’s. Here’s a list:

Il Valore Sangiovese

J.W. Morris Cabernet Sauvignon

La Boca Merlot

La Boca Malbec (but allow plenty of breathing time to soften the “too tart” cherry you get as soon as it’s opened)

Villa Cerrina Montepulciano D’Abruzzo

Abrazo del Toro Tinto – this is a garnacha and tempranillo blend

Pearly Bay Cape Red – South African blended red, dry, hint of mint, nice firm tannin

Le Grotte Reggiano Lambrusco

Il Valore Primitivo Puglia – Italian red zin, deep and rich, try with Italian sausage or rich and ripe sharp cheeses

Archeo Sicilia Nero D’Avola Ruggero di Tasso

La Boca Cabernet Sauvignon

Trader Joe’s Chilean Collection Carmanere

For something really different, try Egri Bikaver (Bull’s Blood) – it’s a Hungarian blended red, bone dry with an acidic snap to it… eat it with rustic food like roast, game or a meaty stew

Nothing above is over $5 for a 750ml bottle.

For other wine values, try Concha Y Toro Frontera Cabernet/Merlot blend and Citra Montepulciano D’Abruzzo

You just got a large chunk of my secret favorite wine list for bargains in red – lol If the question was meant to be a joke, you reeled me in and learned a lot.

(By the way… the Paisano referred to earlier is a Carlo Rossi wine in a jug and it’s very similar to the homemade red table wines that Italian families have been making for their own consumption for centuries – lol)

doesn’t gallo make a paisano and a chianti? try those too. Cheap pinot noirs are always good — check in the italian wines — i think one brand is Cavit. Go for smaller bottles of tempranillo. Its a wine from spain. In my opinion spanish wines are way undervalued.