Clos du Pain de Sucre 1998 Cotes de Bourges

Region: Bordeaux, France

Varietal: Merlot

Price: about $9

A Bordeaux for $9 that tastes like it should cost a fair bit more. The Cote de Bourges area in Bordeaux is called "Little Switzerland" on account of it’s green, rolling hills. This wine has a pretty well developed nose of ripe cherry, wood berries and just a hint of smoke. Perfect for comfort food or cheese. Pairing mine with Shepherds pie tonight.

Cape Indaba Sauvignon Blanc 2000

Region: Western Cape, South Africa

Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc

Cost: $8

Great SB for the price, a nose that smells of meadows and tarragon. Crisp and light, great with goat cheese, grilled chicken salad sandwiches. Mild vegetarian dishes with no cream or heavy spices. The best part is that proceeds go to fund wine study scholarships for disadvantaged youth in South Africa.

Ladoix – Prince de Merode 1999

Region: Burgundy, France

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Price: about $16

Pretty cherry, slightly musky nose. Bright ruby color. Terrific burgundy at a reasonable price. Why buy mediocre Pinot Noir from elsewhere in the world, when you can drink the real thing everyone is trying to emulate for the same price or cheaper? Perfect with a mushroom and Brie gratin.

DELAMOTTE BRUT NV –

Region: Champagne, France

Varietal: Blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier

Price: about $28

Domaine Les Grands Boies CDR 1999

Region: Rhone, France

Varietal: Syrah and other grapes

Price: about $10

Rhone just makes sense during winter. It pairs with burgers, stews, chili and even pizza. This fruity, slightly leathery wine is perfect just for sipping on its own and a great value. Grab a bottle and a selection of cheese and pate with some crusty bread for an easy, impromptu meal.

Region: Sonoma, California

Varietal: Chenin Blanc

Cost: about $9

You either like or hate Chenin because it does have a little sweetness to it. The grape is used in the Loire to make Vouvray (sparkling or still). It's a really fun 'sip before dinner" wine and will work with anything Schezuan that's sweet and hot. Last vintage had more tropical overtones, whereas this years is a little bit greener and more acidic. Delightful sipper to enjoy on your own or share... if you care to.

Region: Oregon, USA

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Cost: $15

Pinot Noir from Oregon at an affordable price is getting harder to spot than a white elephant. This bottle reflects the lighter style the region produces. Forward fruit and a taste of cherries and the earth.. It’s not Nuits St Georges by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s also not $50 a bottle. Perfect for pairing with salmon and asagio cream pasta.

Pellegrini Vineyards 1999 Chardonnay

Region: LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK STATE

Varietal: Chardonnay

Cost: about $13

Heads up folks, this is what the Chardonnay grape can do in the USA. Far from oak tea, this is the kind of wine you would expect to pay handsomely for. Thankfully, it's affordable and very drinkable. Great structure and finesse with aromas of pear and quince a little caramel on the finish. Sauteed scallops with a beurre blanc.

Grape Varietal: Rousssane and Viognier

Cost: about $12

Spicy, floral, hedonistic spring is on it's way wine. Clover honey, nectarine and mandarin nose balanced by some minerality on the finish.  Great with fusion cuisine and some Mexican dishes. On the other hand, this bottle made a feast out of a simple meal of some good vacherin, fresh bread, apples and pate.

Origin: Navarra, Spain

Varietal: Chardonnay

Cost: $9

May seem weird but Chardonnay from Spain is actually quite good. Perhaps it’s the fact that it’s an "experimental" grape for some winemakers and treated with a little more concern than the usual indifference favored by some making oak tea in other parts of the world. It has the color of freshly hewn hay and a nose indicative of way more going on than your usual Chardonnaire. Citrus and spice overtones and a crisp mouth feel due to the barely noticeable oak. Simple grilled calamari or a side of Manchego cheese and good bread.