Woman on Wine

Drink Away Recession Blues
Bargain Wines for Fall 2008

by Amy Reiley

These days, it might be a little less than PC to suggest that many of the best bargain wines come from abroad. But it has always been wise to look to lesser-known regions like Mendoza, Western Australia and Provence for stretching a dollar. However, there are always great buys to be found close to home. Here’s a healthy mix of well-priced wines from the U.S. that will help you support the economy as well as your savings.

Bogle
2006 Petite Sirah
This has always been my back pocket, party red. It is a fun wine, full of body and rich berry fruit flavors. Extraordinarily mouth- filling for the price it has always scored a home run for me as a
pleaser for a casual crowd.

Hogue Cellars
2007 Riesling
A delicious rendition of American sweet Riesling, this is one of my favorite end-of-the-day wines. With acidity to back up the sweetness, the wine is fresh, fruit-forward and slides down so very easy.

Loredona
2006 Pinot Grigio
A beautiful white wine in the $10 range, Loredona Pinot Grigio’s style is surprisingly sophisticated for the price. Restrained, with pear and tart apple fruit flavors, it is the sort of wine well-suited for dinner parties. And with packaging as attractive as the wine’s flavor, it is an excellent choice for a thoughtful hostess gift.

Ravenswood
2006 Vintner’s Blend Zinfandel
If you are a Zin lover, you know Ravenswood. And although this entry-level number lacks the refinement of some of those Ravenswood Zins you’ve grown to love, this wine offers big flavor for the price.

Epiphany Cellars
2005 Revelation
At $35, it doesn’t quite fit into the bargain wine bin, but this Rhone-style red blend is one of those yet-to-be-discovered finds. A blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah and Grenache, it is a relative newcomer to the California wine scene and one that is elegant, sophisticated and down right delicious for the price.