15 Romantic Wines Under $15 for Valentine's Day

Wine and romance go hand in hand, but there's no need to spend a lot of money for the right bottle to help set the mood. From crisp whites and juicy rosés to sultry reds and cheerful bubblies, there are plenty of wines under $15 that deliver. The vintages and prices of these 15 picks vary by locale, but all should be easy to find at local liquor stores or on wine-centric websites. Get ready now for the year's most romantic holiday.

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Big flavor and moderate body describe this rich Bordeaux blend from California. The style is well suited to meals featuring red meats, like filet mignon or lamb chops, or assorted cheeses. The alcohol content is more moderate than in many California reds, so it's possible to enjoy a couple of glasses and still feel perky. Starting at $11

A blend of three grapes -- chardonnay, viognier, and marsanne -- this Old-World-style white wine by Qupé has been flagged as a good value on various expert lists, including Wine & Spirits magazine. The flavor is juicy yet dry, with floral and fruity notes of white flowers and apricots. A Modern White easily could be an everyday quaff. Starting at $13

Sweet and bubbly, this Moscato Spumante is full of juicy tropical fruits that are guaranteed to lift the romantic mood. Enjoy this bubbly as an aperitif or to cap off a meal instead of dessert. Like most sweet wines, it is best served well chilled. Starting at $8

Cline Cellars in Sonoma, California, has been making rich and indulgent wines in the family tradition since the 1990s. Its entry-level zinfandel offers plenty of ripe berries and spice. It's smooth enough to be enjoyed on its own and powerful enough to be paired with steak. Starting at $9

Fuller than other rosé wines, Mulderbosch pairs well with food. The heartiness of this South African quaff leaves open the possibility of securing a bottle from last year's vintage at an extra-low price without sacrificing freshness. Starting at $8

Emilio Moro is a well-known producer from the Ribera del Duero region of Spain, famous for powerful and luscious red wines best paired with hearty meals. The Finca Resalso hews to the traditional style and presents big flavors of chocolate, blackberries, and hot and sweet spices that flow into a long, velvety finish. Starting at $11

A light and frothy prosecco in the traditional style, Mionetto's bubbly is full of ripe citrus flavors that are gentle and exciting on the palate. The tongue-tingling texture pairs well with nearly all foods, as well as with cherished company and scintillating conversation. Starting at $8

A fuller style of California pinot noir, this red from Meiomi is sure to please those who love the delicate floral and cherry flavors of pinot but want a rich, bold wine. The silky body continues to develop and unveil flavors of mushroom and earth as the contents breathe. Starting at $14

Made from the same grapes as cava, Spain's premier sparkling wine, Blanc Pescador is a still white that's crisp and dry and leans toward flavors of Meyer lemon, green apples, and fresh herbs. The flavor profile is balanced and earthy, and ideal with seafood. Starting at $10

Celebrate love and romance with this cheerful sparkling red from Italy's Emiglia Romagna. Its deep red color and subtle sweetness make it an ideal bubbly for after-dinner sipping or with dessert. Add a scoop of ice cream for an adults-only float. Starting at $10

Argentinian malbec has become the darling of the wine world, and this example from Mendoza delivers in every way. A big, plush red, it's full of dark fruit flavors with undertones of chocolate and smoky earth. Enjoy alongside hearty fare in cool weather. Starting at $9

The hint of sweetness in this bright white wine from the Finger Lakes region of New York makes it delicious on its own or alongside a variety of foods, including spicy cuisines (in other words, it's ideal for Valentine's Day, thanks to the natural aphrodisiac effect of chili peppers). There's a subtle fruitiness to the wine, as well, but overall it's balanced with a crisp, dry finish. Starting at $11

Tempranillo and garnacha grapes give this juicy rosé from Rioja in Spain the flavors of fresh sweet berries and elegantly balanced minerals. The pink color is bright and lively, making for a versatile wine to enjoy on its own or with most any food. Starting at $12

This sophisticated pinot grigio from California presents clean and mineral-driven flavors that stand on their own and alongside fish and poultry. A crowd-pleasing white, Barrymore Pinot Grigio is a good option for couples who might not be familiar with their wine preferences and want to play it safe, keeping the focus on the romance. Starting at $10

Freixenet's most popular cava, this Spanish bubbly boasts a yeasty, tangy, lemony profile that's sophisticated and sharp. Good for sipping throughout an evening and as a lovely accompaniment to Spanish cheeses. Starting at $8