With the world’s precarious financial situation, it seems reckless to spend a fortune on wine. Luckily, you don’t need to with my roundup of delicious whites and pinks. Picks from New Zealand to South Africa, France to Spain, and California to Washington make taking a global wine jaunt an affordable reality.
Superstar values
These three bottlings from some of the world’s top producers showcase the intersection of complexity and quaffability. All of them deliver twice-the-price quality.
2010 Allegrini “Corte Giara” Pinot Grigio, Delle Venezie, Italy $12
This crisp, pure white from respected northern Italian producer, Allegrini, is an absolute steal. If grilled shrimp or caprese salad is on your menu tonight, this is the perfect pairing.
2010 Torres “Sangre de Toro” Rose, Catalunya, Spain $10
This is a dry pink with flair from Torres -- an iconic name in Spanish wine. This food-flexible wine works well with dishes from fish to fowl.
2010 Loosen Bros. “Dr. L” Riesling, Mosel, Germany $10
From Dr. Loosen’s famed cellars this Riesling brings the steep slopes of the Mosel alive in the glass. With a snap of vibrancy, a hint of sweetness and low alcohol, it’s ideal for spicy cuisine.
Fresh Pinot Grigios and fruity Chardonnays
2010 Folonari Pinot Grigio, Delle Venezie, Italy $20 (3 liter box = 4 bottles)
Priced at the equivalent of a cool $5 a bottle, this sipper is the only Italian Pinot Grigio in a box. Fresh and juicy, it’s a block-party/picnic pick.
2009 Cycles Gladiator Pinot Grigio, California $11
A bit fleshier and fuller than an Italian Pinot Grigio, this wine will appeal to fans of Chardonnay and Rhone-style whites.
2009 Xplorador Chardonnay, Central Valley, Chile $8
An easy drinking white that shows Chile is a spot for elegant Chardonnay. Medium-bodied with refreshing citrus flavors, it’s a Chard for shellfish.
2010 Fetzer Chardonnay, California $9
Swinging towards the lush side of the style scale, this white is one to pair with grilled pork chops spread with mustard.
Crisp Sauvignon Blancs and other interesting whites:
Silver Birch Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand $24 (3 liter Octavin box)
Housed in a sleek eight-sided, eco-friendly container it’s the equivalent of four bottles at $6 each. Herbal aromas with lemon/lime flavors show off SB character at an affordable price (and it stays fresh for weeks).
2010 Robert Mondavi “Private Selection” Sauvignon Blanc, California $11
From California’s famous producer, this white is a popular pick. If you think Sauv Blanc isn’t for you because it’s too tart, try this juicy,
smooth one.
2010 Dry Creek Vineyard, Dry Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg, California $12
Chenin Blanc is the grape responsible for world-class whites in France’s Loire Valley and Dry Creek is its champion stateside. Snappy and classy, it’s a wine to explore.
2010 Marques de Caceres, Dry White, Rioja, Spain $9
Most wine lovers think of Rioja as red wine territory, but it’s also home to delicious roses and whites like this. Made with the Viura grape variety, it sports unique spicy aromas and tropical fruit flavors.
2010 Goats do Roam, White, South Africa $10
A marriage of Viognier, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc this full-bodied white is nutty and rich. Try alongside pistachio-crusted salmon or creamy cheeses.
Sweet Rieslings and succulent Moscatos
Yellow tail Moscato, South Eastern Australia $7
The ubiquitous brand from Down Under has gotten into the Moscato game with success. The label says “lil’ sweet and lil’ fizzy” and that’s what you get -- a deliciously simple quaff that screams summer.
2010 Mirassou Moscato, California $12
Moscato is on fire these days as people discover its lightly sweet and fruity appeal. If you need a wine to serve with dessert (wedding cake anyone?) give this one in a stylish package a try.
2010 Columbia Crest Moscato, Columbia Valley, Washington $12
Melon flavors highlight a slightly richer style making this Moscato one to uncork with curry dishes and piquant, peppery fare.
2010 Chateau Ste Michelle “Harvest Select” Riesling, Columbia Valley $9
Washington state is one of the top areas for producing aromatic whites such as Riesling. This medium sweet Riesling is a crowd favorite…and that crowd includes me. Sweet enough to pair with dark chocolate but still complements savory cuisine.
2010 Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling, Columbia Valley, Washington $10
Pacific Rim specializes in styles of Riesling from dry to sweet and this one picks up the peachy flavors and floral aromas that define Riesling. I applaud them for their back label, which identifies the sweetness level of the wine.
Light-hearted Roses
2010 Hecht & Bannier, Languedoc, France $11
Made with red Syrah and Grenache grapes in a white wine style, this dry, crisp pink is an ideal warm-weather wine. Serve with ribs slathered in barbecue sauce.
2010 M. Chapoutier “Belleruche” Pink, Cotes du Rhone, France $12
Mostly Grenache with a hint of Cinsault and Syrah grapes, this stylish rose is dry and refreshing but also has enough substance to make the transition from summer sipper to autumn wine with ease.
2010 Pedroncelli Dry Rose of Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, California $10
Since 1927 Pedroncelli has been an anchor family in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley. This deeply-hued pink shows Zinfandel’s true colors (it really is a red grape) and explodes with berry notes and a peppery kick. Serve well chilled.
NOTE FROM AUTHOR: Alternative packaging is no longer alternative as 75 percent of these wine picks are packaged in either boxes or are bottled with screw caps. Cheers!
Leslie Sbrocco is the author of "The Simple & Savvy Wine Guide" and founder of ThirstyGirl.com.