I’m staying under the $25 mark again today, but regardless of the price, each of the following four wines offers some legit bang for the buck for those planning their upcoming Valentine’s Day meal on a budget. Or any other meal in the coming weeks, for that matter. Or no meal at all. (With the national and international news lately, I’m not exactly being picky.)

Barone Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Chianti Classico Riserva 2018 — Tuscany, Italy ($24.95)
Here’s a mouthful—even if we’re just talking about the wine’s name! (Good thing you’re not paying by the letter.) Let’s begin with a history lesson. The Ricasoli family has been linked to wine as far back as the year 1141, and its family tree, reproduced in print form in 1584, is one of the first known images of the Chianti region. In short, this is the oldest winery in Italy, and the second-oldest in the world! So ya, they know what they’re doing in Chianti country.

Nowadays, the winery takes its sustainability pretty seriously, occupying a biodiverse 3,000-acre property in Central Tuscany, 70% of  which is covered with woods and Mediterranean scrub, with a wide variety of plant and animal species.

The 2018 edition of this intriguing Chianti is composed of 90% sangiovese, 5% merlot and 5% canaiolo. Aged for 18 months in oak, with another three to six months in the bottle, there’s some nice structure and depth here. The nose opens with a peppery menthol layered upon oak, dark cherries and wild berries. Medium bodied on the palate, the tannins are less grippy than typical of the region. There’s a rounded richness to the dark red fruit contents, as well as that earthiness and acidity one expects of a decent Chianti. Quite engaging, with its 14.5% alcohol well integrated. And even if you don’t love the wine, you really have to love that elegant label! 90

Colli Vicentini Romeo Prosecco — Veneto, Italy ($14.95)

Colli Vicentini Juliet Prosecco Rosé — Veneto, Italy ($14.95 on sale for $12.95)