These days, a cheap buzz is hard to come by. As wine has grown in popularity, it seems the price has skyrocketed, leaving us winos tunneling deep into the couch cushions. But some wineries have not evolved into greedy corporate bastards. These still offer low-priced, quality wines, despite the rising costs to produce, bottle and distribute.
Land and labor costs are the true culprits. These pressure points have tripled over the years in wine-producing states like California, Oregon and Washington, and so the price of our cherished cheap bottle has crept up. Other wine-producing countries such the European Union and Australia offer government subsidies to wineries, making production and export cheaper. Because of this marvelous kickback, we can enjoy delicious, inexpensive wines from around the world, but you can still find incredible deals in the good ol' U.S.A.
If you can scrounge up $12 bucks, check out some of these bargains from here, across the pond, and beyond.
Aveleda Alvarinho Vinho Verde Vinho Verde is a signature white wine hailing from Portugal. This one is a crisp, zingy, slightly fizzy beverage that drinks great for any occasion ($8.99).
Borsao, 2000 Campo de Borja Absolutely beautiful, velvety light red wine from Spain. Gushes blackberry when you smell it and taste it. It might be difficult to find (ask at your local wine store), but worth the hunt ($6.99).
Kempton Clark 1998 Mad Zinfandel Juicy, ripe fruit bursts onto the scene when the wine hits your tongue. Slightly peppery in the mouth, and oh so delicious! This was a crowdpleaser during the taste tests ($12).
Glen Ellen 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Big fruit action in this bargain wine. Give it a few swirls before tasting, and don't let the reputation scare you away — this is incredible wine for the price ($4.99).
Villa Maria 2001 Sauvignon Blanc When this New Zealand gem gets going, the perfume of apricots wafts through the air. It features smooth acidity like so many other Sauv Blancs from that part of the world ($11).
Pepperwood Grove 1999 Merlot Full-bodied cherry flavors define this great stuff. This winery does everything well, and always under 10 bucks. Amazing ($7.99).
Rosemount 2000 Grenache-Shiraz Rosemount, a winery out of Australia, knows how to make wine people really like. Their Grenache-Shiraz blend is fruity and light, and quite quaffable ($7.99).
KWV 1997 Merlot This wine sports smooth tannins that don't affront your tongue, cherry hints and a finish that doesn't quit. South Africa is putting out some great grape juice these days ($10).
Columbia Crest 1999 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley Rancho Zabaco 2000 Zinfandel This selection may be on the higher end of $12, but it's well worth the extra bucks. A bit tannic but perfectly balanced with fruitiness and a medium body ($12).
Hogue Cellars 2000 Fume Blanc Fume Blanc is actually the same thing as Sauvignon Blanc, except snootier-sounding. Robert Mondavi invented this term back in the day, borrowing the word "Fume" (foo-may) from the French wine/region called Pouilly Fume. This rendition from Hogue is the quintessential Suavignon Blanc: citrusy, tangy, a bit acidic but smooth and oh so drinkable ($10).
Bonny Doon Ca' Del Solo 1999 Big House Red Yummy, yummy, yummy I got Boony Doon in my tummy. I love this winery, and this is one of the best deals in Cali, in my humble opinion. It's a blend of several juicy red grapes, as smooth as ice cream, as bold as your favorite relative, and makes good friends with your food ($10).
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This article appears in Nov 22-28, 2001.