Bodegas Norton Reserve Malbec (2006). Malbec might be gaining popularity more rapidly than any other grape in the world now, which makes bargains rare. This low-priced Argentine offering is an exception. Aromas of blueberry and blackberry are backed up by mocha on the palate.
Pair with: Grilled meat. This is a great wine for steak, burgers or hot dogs at a backyard cookout.
Price: $14 or $15.
Cousino Macul Antiguas Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (2006). With its dark fruit flavors and ample tannin structure — the source of red wine’s appealing dryness — this Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon compares well with many California wines that cost twice as much.
Pair with: Ribs or chicken wings.
Price: $14 or $15.
Tamaya Reserve Syrah (2007). Chile isn’t particularly known for Syrah (better known as Shiraz), but this one is an excellent value. It delivers up-front fruit and lively acidity, which make it easy to drink with food.
Pair with: Red meat. It’s the perfect complement for a T-bone steak.
Price: $13 or $14.
Bodegas Lan Crianza (2005). This Spanish red made from Tempranillo grapes delivers the complexity of a top-notch rioja and distinguishes itself with its superior weight and depth — this is no thin, watery wine. It offers delicious notes of cranberry and chocolate.
Pair with: Light meats, such as poultry… or even fish if you prefer red wine to white.
Price: $12 or $13.
Trevor Jones Tawny Port (aka “Jonesy”). This nonvintage Australian port is deliciously nutty, with that classic dark plum flavor usually found only in ports costing at least $30 a bottle.
Pair with: Cheese, as a dessert wine.
Price: $9 or $10.
Nieto Don Nicanor Chardonnay/Viognier (2007). This awesome Argentine white blend offers a fascinating floral nose, and unlike many affordable whites, it’s not overly oaked.
Pair with: Grilled fish or chicken.
Price: $14 or $15.
Rudera Chenin Blanc (2007). South Africa has emerged as one of the world’s most popular wine regions, and Chenin Blanc is the grape that the nation’s vineyards do best. Rudera Chenin Blanc reminds me of an apricot that has been soaked in ginger ale — and I mean that in the best possible way.
Pair with: Raw oysters or shrimp cocktail.
Price: $14 or $15.
Delhommeau Muscadet Harmonie (2007). This white wine from France’s Loire Valley delivers a lemon-citrus blast. Aged “sur lie” — that is, on sediment containing dead yeast cells remaining from the fermentation process — it has more “weight on the palate,” or fullness, than most Muscadets.
Pair with: Salads, steamed clams or other light dishes.
Price: $14 or $15.
Helpful: Delhommeau Muscadet Harmonie is more difficult to find than the others on this list. If it isn’t available in your region, try other 2007 Muscadets — it was a great year for the Melon de Bourgogne grapes used to produce this wine.
Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc (2007). Many California Sauvignon Blancs are excessively oaky, but this one stunned me with its citrus flavors, ample acidity and power.
Pair with: Shellfish, lobster salad or sushi.
Price: $13 or $14.
Riondo Prosecco NV (nonvintage). This wonderful Italian sparkling wine costs a fraction of what you would pay for Champagne of comparable quality. It’s light, spritzy and delicious.
Pair with: Cheese, or drink on its own as an aperitif.
Price: $10 or $11.
*Prices in this article reflect what is typical for wine retailers, but they may vary widely.
