| >> Top 11 American Value Brands |
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Angeline
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What: Pinot noir, cabernet and merlot sourced from Sonoma's many distinctive cool-climate vineyards.
Standout: The 2005 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($14), with a fresh coastal character that supports layers of bright, tangy fruit.
Where: Angeline is made by Martin Ray Winery, which is based in Santa Rosa, California, in a winery facility that dates back to 1902.
When: The bright freshness of the Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is terrific with grilled salmon. Pour the spicy Sonoma County Merlot or the smooth Sonoma County Cabernet (both $14) with a charred rib eye.
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Bonterra
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What: Certified organic wines since 1992 one of the country's first brands to commit to organic and biodynamic viticulture.
Standout: The earthy, red-fruited 2004 Mendocino County Zinfandel ($15), with a spicy herbal edge and dark fruit.
Where: The winery is based in Hopland; much of the fruit for the brand is grown on the historic, biodynamically farmed McNab Ranch, in the hills of Mendocino County.
When: Pour the clean, creamy 2005 Mendocino County Chardonnay ($13) for an afternoon on the front porch; check out the zinfandel with spicy fajitas.
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Columbia Crest
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What: Lush reds from under the umbrella of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, one of Washington's oldest, most reliable and prolific wineries.
Standout: Red winesin particular, the lean and minty 2002 Columbia Valley Grand Estates Shiraz ($11) and a well-structured 2004 Columbia Valley Grand Estates Merlot ($9), which has enough juicy red plum fruit to remind that Washington is an exceptional place for the grape to grow.
Where: The winery is located Paterson, in the Horse Heaven Hills appellation, where most of the grapes come from too.
When: Think meaty meals: barbecued pork, leg of lamb, meatloaf or a hearty vegetarian mushroom-barley soup.
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Fetzer
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What: Clean, simple, honest wines representing a broad array of California fruit, most of which is farmed sustainably and organically.
Standout: The clean, semidry 2005 California Valley Oaks Riesling ($9), with soft peach flavors and crisp acidity.
Where: While its home is in Mendocino County, grapes from vineyards in the Sierra Foothills, Monterey, the Central Coast and the Central Valley supplement Fetzer's California appellation wines.
When: Light and unadorned, these wines are built for everydaythe riesling is especially good for a summer Sunday brunch, while the 2005 California Valley Oaks Shiraz ($9) goes well with barbecued short ribs.
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Five Rivers
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What: Structured, cool-climate, sustainably farmed winesespecially redsfrom the Central Coast.
Standout: An inky-dark and peppery 2004 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon ($10), with a hint of wood smoke and plenty of tannic oomph to stand up to grilled meats this summer.
Where: The winery is based in Hopland, while the wines come from many of the principle appellations of the Central Coast, including Paso Robles, Santa Barbara County, and Monterey.
When: Start a meal with the cool, bright 2005 Monterey County Chardonnay ($10); move on to the cabernet or the plummy merlot with the main course.
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Forest Glen
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What: A supermarket standby that offers clean, fruit-driven varietal wines, from a light pinot grigio to rich reds.
Standout: The '05 California Pinot Grigio ($10) has plenty of refreshing citrus and clean flavorseverything you'd want in a quaffable summer white.
Where: Grapes are sourced from vineyards in the Central Valley and Central Coast to produce the wines in Ceres, California.
When: Open a bottle of the pinot grigio anytime this summer; look to the peppery 2003 Cabernet Franc or the plush 2003 Malbec (both $10) when the steaks hit the grill.
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Guenoc
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What: Crisp whites and cool-climate reds from a pioneer in Lake County, north of Napa and Sonoma counties.
Standout: The crisp, green, figgy 2005 Lake County Sauvignon Blanc ($13) is neck-and-neck with the 2003 Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon ($14), a medium-bodied red with gripping, dark-fruited, cool weather charm.
Where: Middletown, in California's Lake County.
When: Pull out the sauvignon blanc for goat cheese salads and grilled vegetables; the cabernets have brisk, peppery tannins for red meats, like braised beef.
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J. Lohr
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What: Estate-grown wines from Jerry Lohr's extensive vineyards in Monterey County and Paso Robles.
Standout: The ripe, soft fruit and mineral grip of the '04 South Ridge Syrah from Paso Robles ($15). Also, the '04 Paso Robles Seven Oaks Cabernet ($15) shows that there's still real value to be found in California cabernet.
Where: The winery is based in San Jose, California, and sources fruit from estate vineyards located in some of the Central Coast's best growing areas.
When: The syrah will quench the mightiest thirst at a tri-tip barbecue party; pour the cabernet for steak or grilled portobello mushrooms.
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Pepperwood Grove
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What: Relaxed and reliable California varietal wines from a value-oriented brand started in the 1980s by Sonoma's Don Sebastiani.
Standout: The 2005 California Pinot Grigio ($8) has loads of refreshing peach and apricot flavor.
Where: Based in Sonoma, Pepperwood Grove sources grapes from vineyards all over California; it also bottles wines from South Australia, Italy and France.
When: Chill the pinot grigio for a picnic. For grilled fish, check out the crisp 2005 California Sauvignon Blanc; for burgers, choose the bright raspberry fruit of the 2004 California Zinfandel (both $8).
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Snoqualmie
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What: Stalwart reds and fresh whites made from sustainably and organically farmed vineyards.
Standout: The organically grown 2005 Naked Riesling ($11) is all about clean, pristine citrus flavors; the 2004 Rosebud Vineyard Cabernet ($15) offers peppery, dark tannins and black plum fruit.
Where: The winery, in Paterson, Washington, sources much of its fruit from the Horse Heaven Hills, as well as from vineyards in the Wahluke Slope and Yakima Valley.
When: The bright Naked Riesling makes a refreshing aperitif; a typical Snoqualmie red has a solid grip for grilled steak or a pulled pork sandwich.
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Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi
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What: Simple, affordable and easy-going California wine from a company that's been going strong for more than 25 years.
Standout: The bright 2005 California Sauvignon Blanc is a total steal at $6.
Where: Grapes are sourced from Lodi, the Central Valley and other parts of California, then trucked to the winery in Lodi.
When: At half the price of wines of similar quality, it's worth keeping a few bottles of the sauvignon blanc ready to go in the refrigerator. Or, for variation, check out the 2005 California Pinot Grigio ($8)crisp and clean, it's plenty refreshing in its own right.
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| >> Top 4 Argentine Value Brands |
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Crios de Susana Balbo
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What: Terrific values in classical Argentine varieties.
Standout: The 2005 Cros Torrontés ($15) from Cafayate is one of the best in Argentina.
Where: Agrelo, the heart of the classic Luján de Cuyo D.O.
When: Summer barbecues: Start with the torrontés as an aperitif, move on to the 2006 Cros Rosé of Malbec ($12) with empanadas and finish with the 2005 Cros Malbec ($15) and grilled meats.
Importer: Vine Connections, Sausalito, CA.
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J & F Lurton
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What: Crisp torrontés, refreshing malbec and ripe, dense cabernet sauvignon.
Standout: For a robust yet vibrant and lean example of Uco Valley malbec, uncork the 2004 Reserva ($13).
Where: The Lurtons have two main vineyards: one in the heights of Tunuyán, in the Uco Valley, and the other in the eastern flatlands of Barrancas.
When: Pour the '05 Torrontés ($13) with mahimahi ceviche and order the '04 Reserva Malbec at your favorite churrasquera.
Importer: ExCellars Wine Agencies, Cambridge, MA.
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Nieto Senetiner
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What: A reliable source of ripe, concentrated, international-style malbec and outstanding values in cabernet sauvignon.
Standout: The '04 Reserva Malbec is a bargain at $9 for its smooth, generous figgy flavor; the '05 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($9) is also a good buy, with strong tannins to support its crisp red fruit.
Where: In Mendoza, facing the Andes Mountains, in the cooler heights of Vistalba.
When: The Reserva Cabernet and Malbec deserve to go with meals that star generous cuts of meat to match the wines' rich flavors.
Importer: Winebow, New York, NY.
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ZUCCARDI
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What: Value-priced whites, reds and a dessert wine under the Santa Julia label.
Standout: Malbec, especially the 2005 Mendoza Reserva Malbec ($11), with its soft yet firm tannin and crisp acidity supporting the violet-scented, ripe cherry flavor.
Where: In Maip, southeast of Mendoza.
When: Open the Reserva Malbec with a steak sandwich and the 2005 Merlot ($8) with meat empanadas. Finish the night off with a glass of the 2006 Tardio ($13), a sweet blend of torronts and viognier.
Importer: Winesellers, Skokie, IL.
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| >> Top 3 Australian Value Brands |
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Jacob's Creek
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What: Bright riesling and juicy shiraz from South Australia.
Standout: The lime-scented, bone-dry 2004 Reserve Riesling ($13).
Where: The winery is based in Barossa, about an hour from Adelaide, and it sources grapes from all over South Australia.
When: The riesling is delicious lightly chilled on its own or with cold seafood salads; the 2003 South Australia Shiraz ($13) has a smoky, leathery scent that's particularly appealing with roast lamb.
Importer: Pernod Ricard USA, Purchase, NY.
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RUTHERGLEN ESTATES
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What: Full-bodied, shiraz-based reds from the warm Murray River plainsand a Rhône-style white.
Standout: The 2004 Rutherglen Red ($12), a dark, plummy blend of shiraz and petite sirah that feels impressively fresh and lively.
Where: Rutherglen Estates manages nearly 900 acres of vineyards in and around Rutherglen, just south of the Murray River in Victoria.
When: The 2005 Alliance ($14), a lightly floral, earthy blend of marsanne and viognier, has the heft for roast chicken; the brawny reds are made for hearty dishes, like steaks cooked black-and-blue.
Importer: The Australian Premium Wine Collection/USA Wine West, San Rafael, CA.
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YALUMBA
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What: Aussie shiraz in a number of juicy, affordable guises, as well as reliable whites like chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.
Standout: The 2005 South Australia Oxford Landing Shiraz packs a lot of juicy Bing cherry flavor for $9.
Where: Angaston, in South Australia.
When: The Oxford Landing wines are priced right for large parties; spring for the Y Series ShirazViognier ($11) for more intimate gatherings, especially if lamb chops are on the menu.
Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA.
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| >> Top 2 Austrian Value Brands |
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Stadlmann
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What: Crisp, minerally wines from zierfandler and rotgipfler, traditional varieties in southeast Austria.
Standout: True to its name, the 2005 Classic Rotgipfler ($14) is a great example of this lively, citrus-flavored grape variety.
Where: The Thermenregion, south of Vienna.
When: Pair these with any delicate fish or poultry dishes; the clean flavors and crisp acidity of these varieties complement Japanese and Southeast Asian cuisines particularly well.
Importer: Frederick Wildman and Sons, New York, NY.
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Wieninger
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What: Most famous for the old-vine field blend from the Nussberg vineyard, Wieninger also makes sleek riesling and grüner veltliner.
Standout: The 2005 Riedencuvée Riesling ($14) is fragrant and fruity, with uncommon complexity for the price.
Where: The hillsides surrounding Vienna, Austria's capitol.
When: Lighter in body than wines from the Wachau or Kamptal, these are well-suited to more delicate fish and vegetable dishes.
Importer: Vin Divino, Chicago, IL.
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| >> Top 3 Chilean Value Brands |
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ARBOLEDA
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What: Solid values in fruit-driven reds and whites from a brand within the Errazuriz group.
Standout: Both the refreshing, herbal '05 Sauvignon Blanc from Leyda ($15) and the '03 Cabernet Sauvignon from Maip ($15), with its eucalyptus and dry cherry aromas, offer a clear sense of place.
Where: Based in Aconcagua, Arboleda sources grapes from throughout Chile's Central Valley.
When: The sauvignon blanc is a sure bet for steamed fish; the cabernet sauvignon is a good option for winter stews.
Importer: Frederick Wildman and Sons, New York, NY.
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CONO SUR
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What: Pinot noir at every price level, as well as great values on sauvignon blanc from Casablanca, gewurztraminer from Bo Bo and viognier from Colchagua.
Standout: Casablanca whites, such as the bracing, minty '05 Visión Sauvignon Blanc ($15) and the fresh, mineral-laden '06 Visión Chardonnay ($14).
Where: Based in Chimbarongo in the Colchagua Valley, Cono Sur gets its fruit mainly from Casablanca, Maipo and Bo Bo.
When: Serve the Visión Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay with grilled skate; the basic '06 Pinot Noir ($10) is light and gentle enough to match with grilled tuna.
Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL.
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Tabali
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What: Excellent chardonnay, syrah and carmenre from a pioneer in Limar, a coastal zone at the edge of the Atacama desert.
Standout: The '05 Reserva Especial Chardonnay ($15) is one of the best chardonnays in Chile, with soft melon flavors marked by a salty minerality. The '05 Reserva Syrah ($13) is also outstanding, translating Limar's cool climate into vibrant acidity and a light, lively feel.
Where: In Ovalle, 250 miles north of Santiago.
When: Pair the Reserva Especial Chardonnay with fried scallops or grilled tuna and the Reserva Syrah with roasted lamb.
Importer: Prestige Chateaux & Domaines, Miami, FL.
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| >> Top 5 French Value Brands |
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Guy Bossard
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What: Intensely soil-expressive Muscadet that's biodynamically grown.
Standout: The fresh, fragrant 2005 Muscadet Svre et Maine ($13), the main cuvée of the estate.
Where: The western Loire Valley, near the Atlantic coast.
When: If you can find the Muscadets in the Limited Expression series ($13), they offer a fascinating window on different soils of the Loire. Pair any Bossard Muscadet with fish and shellfish, or serve them as aperitifs.
Importer: Chartrand Imports, Rockland, ME.
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Georges Duboeuf
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What: An array of village bottlings that show off the varied terroir of Beaujolais.
Standout: For 2006, it's a tie between the earthy, savory Brouilly from Château de Nervers ($13) and the bold, juicy Morgon ($12)both excellent candidates for bistro dining.
Where: The winery is in Romanche-Thorins, in the northeast of the Beaujolais region; the wines come from every village of the appellation.
When: In bistros, backyards and at Sunday dinners, particularly when hanger steak and fries are on the menu.
Importer: W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Harrison, NY.
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Jaboulet
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What: Red, white and rosé Côtes du Rhônes under the label Parallle 45 ($12), the affordably-priced line of wines from this well-established Rhône producer.
Standout: With its spicy raspberry flavors, the 2005 Parallle 45 Rouge had our mouths watering for pork rillettes and rich bistro dishes.
Where: Tain l'Hermitage, in the heart of the Rhône Valley.
When: Keep the bold, strawberry-scented rosé and silky, spicy white on hand for charcuterie plates and picnics; the red will be at home with anything from burgers to a roast leg of lamb.
Importer: Frederick Wildman and Sons, New York, NY.
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Sauvion
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What: A wide range of wines from all over the Loire Valley, especially lively and refreshing Muscadets.
Standout: The racy, minerally 2005 Château du Cléray ($13), which comes from estate-owned vineyards.
Where: The western end of the Loire Valley, near the Atlantic Ocean, in northwest France.
When: A classic partner to oysters and other shellfish in its youth, Muscadet makes a great buy for the cellar as well. When aged, it's fabulous with rich seafood dishes, like an oyster pan roast or monkfish roasted on the bone with a cream sauce.
Importer: W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Harrison, NY.
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Vidal-Fleury
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What: Elegant, affordable Côtes du Rhône reds and whites.
Standout: The mineral-laden white Côtes du Rhône ($14), which has a satin richness and depth of flavor that far outperforms its price.
Where: Ampuis, in the Côte Rôtie, the northernmost appellation of the Rhône Valley.
When: Pull out the white Côtes du Rhône for sautéed monkfish, scallops or other rich seafood; likewise, both the Domaine de Pigeonnier and basic Côtes du Rhône reds ($13) deserve classy fare, like roast quail or duck with a cherry sauce.
Importer: W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Harrison, NY.
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| >> Top 2 German Value Brands |
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Friedrich-Wilhelm-Gymnasium
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What: Racy, minerally rieslings from some of the best vineyards in the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer.
Standout: The '05 Riesling Kabinett halbtrocken from Bernkasteler Badstube ($15) shows remarkable finesse and balance.
Where: The city of Trier, in Germany's Mosel Valley.
When: Mosel riesling is the perfect refresher on a sunny afternoon, but a wine like this halbtrocken can also be a versatile player with appetizers and fish courses.
Importer: Chatham Imports, New York, NY.
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J.L. Wolf
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What: The estate's powerful single-vineyard rieslings are among the best of the region, while the Villa Wolf label offers varietal wines at excellent value.
Standout: The spicy, fragrant 2005 Villa Wolf Gewürztraminer ($11).
Where: Wachenheim, in the Pfalz region.
When: The gewürztraminer is excellent as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to rustic picnic fare, while the rieslings are sophisticated companions to fish, poultry or white meats.
Importer: Loosen Bros. USA, Oregon City, OR.
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| >> Top 2 Greek Value Brands |
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Kourtaki
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What: Steadfastly good, clean, fresh Greek juice.
Standout: When it comes to Retsina, Kourtaki sets the standard: clean, lemony savatiano with an invigorating pine note ($6).
Where: Kourtaki sources wines from all over Greece; it's headquarters are in Attica, just outside Athens.
When: The bright whites and juicy reds are excellent for mezes parties; the Muscat of Samos ($9) and Mavrodaphne of Patras ($8) are bargains in the dessert wine world.
Importer: Nestor Imports, New York, NY.
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Tsantali
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What: A taste of cool-climate northern Greece in tannic, earthy reds.
Standout: The spicy, earthy reserve bottling of Mavrodaphne of Patras ($8) shows that this dessert wine can offer far more than simple raisin flavor; the 2005 Moschomavro ($12) is a unique red with floral notes over its tannic blackberry flavor.
Where: The winery is based in Halkidiki, on a peninsula jutting into the Aegean in northern Greece.
When: Serve the Mavrodaphne Reserve when you're thinking Port but you're on a budget; keep the reds from Macedonia and Rapsani on hand for beef stews and meaty cookouts.
Importer: Fantis Imports, Carlstadt, NJ.
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| >> Top Hungarian Value Brands |
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Hilltop Neszmély Craftsman
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What: An array of white wines as fascinating in flavor as they are challenging to pronounce.
Standout: The 2006 Zold Veltelini ($9) is a bright, snappy Hungarian version of Austria's grüner veltliner, with plenty of pink grapefruit flavor and a white pepper kick.
Where: Ászár-Neszmély, 50 miles northwest of Budapest near the border with Austria.
When: Anytime you want a quick course in Hungarian whites: Open the off-dry, peach-scented Hárslevelü for summer brunch; chill the Zold Veltelini, Királyleányka and Cserszegi Füszeres (all $9) for aperitifs.
Importer: MHW Ltd., Manhasset, NY.
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| >> Top 3 Italian Value Brands |
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Alois Lageder
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What: Crisp whites from Italy's Alto Adige, where the Lageder family has been producing wines for 150 years.
Standout: Lageder's Portico dei Leoni 2004 ($14) is a smooth, leesy blend of pinot grigio, pinot bianco and Müller-Thurgau.
Where: Magr, not far from Bolzano in the mountainous Alto Adige.
When: Serve the whites with a fleshy fish, like grilled salmon.
Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA.
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Mezzacorona
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What: A consistently reliable source for varietal wines, whether you're looking for a traditional Italian pinot grigio or an affordable pinot noir.
Standout: The 2003 Teroldego Rotaliano Riserva ($15) offers a taste of this indigenous grape, its pleasantly bitter-edged berry flavors available at an affordable price.
Where: Trentino, in the low-lying plains of the Italian Alps.
When: The lean, light Teroldego makes for a tasty quaff at a party; the clean, citrusy 2005 Vigneti delle Dolomiti Chardonnay ($9) is a bargain for anytime drinking.
Importer: Prestige Wine Imports, New York, NY.
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Abbazia Santa Anastasia
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What: Sicilian wines made with traditional grapes and modern winemaking techniques.
Standout: The 2004 Nero d'Avola Contempo ($13) is a fruity expression of Sicily's native grape, full of chocolate and red berry flavors.
Where: The nine-century-old abbey is located in Cefal, on the northern coast of Sicily.
When: Pour the waxy, rich 2005 Contempo Grillo ($12) with grilled octopus and the nero d'avola with roasted meats.
Importer: Empson USA, Alexandria, VA.
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| >> Top New Zealand Value Brands |
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Villa Maria
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What: Clean, bright whites from the cool, sunny reaches of New Zealand.
Standout: The Hawkes Bay Private Bin Chardonnay 2006 ($15), a crisp and refreshingly unoaked example of the variety.
Where: Villa Maria has wineries in Auckland and in Blenheim in the Marlborough region; it grows and purchases grapes in Marlborough, Hawke's Bay and Gisborne.
When: Open up the crowd-pleasing sauvignon blanc and chardonnay at a summer clambake or picnic.
Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL.
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| >> Top 2 Portuguese Value Brands |
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Aveleda
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What: Vinho Verde in multiple fresh, bright permutations.
Standout: The mouthwatering, saline flavors, lively minerality and delicate florals of the single-varietal Alvarinho ($12) can transport you to the Portuguese coast in a single sip.
Where: The 370-acre estate is in Penafiel, east of Porto in the Douro region of Portugal.
When: All summer long, from Sunday brunch through late-night suppers, but especially when there's seafood on the grill and the sun is blazing.
Importer: Tri-Vin Imports, Mount Vernon, NY.
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Adega Moncão
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What: White and red Vinho Verdes that capture the coastal feel of the appellation.
Standout: The light, brisk 2005 Muralhas de Monão ($9) is as refreshing as an Atlantic breeze; the 2005 Danaide ($8) is one of the best red Vinho Verdes we've ever tasted, with tangy, peppery purple fruit.
Where: Monão, about 50 miles north of Oporto, near the Atlantic coast.
When: Drink the Muralhas de Monão whenever there's fish for dinner or simply whenever your palate needs a lift; the lean, tangy Danaide is designed for roast sucking pig.
Importer: Aidil Wines & Liquors, Newark, NJ.
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| >> Top South African Value Brands |
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Fairview
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What: Affordable Rhône-style white, rosé and red under the Goats do Roam label.
Standout: The white Goats do Roam 2006 ($10) from the Coastal Region, with its sweet, ripe peach and gingersnap flavors.
Where: The winery is located on a farm in Paarl that has been producing wine since 1699.
When: Pour the white with grilled fish; keep the Goats do Roam Rosé ($10) on hand for casual aperitifs. Check out the 2006 Coastal Region Goats Door ($14) for a lightly oaked, fresh chardonnay.
Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL.
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| >> Top 3 Spanish Value Brands |
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CASTELLANA
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What: Mouthwatering white wines made with verdejo from a 75-year-old cooperative in Rueda.
Standout: The 2005 Inspiración Pámpano ($10), a nutty, almost viscous blend of 60 percent verdejo and 40 percent viura.
Where: In the small town of La Seca, near Valladolid.
When: Try the simple, crisp '05 Cuatro Rayas Verdejo ($13) as a summery aperitif or a match to sashimi; the rich, mineral-laden '05 Inspiración Pámpano has the heft to stand up to roast pork.
Importer: Quality Wines of Spain, New York, NY.
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FAUSTINO
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What: Classic Rioja from one of the most famous wineries in Spain.
Standout: Although the stylish Faustino de Autor and the classic Faustino I are its flagships, in values this year we enjoyed the rich and full 2005 Faustino V Rioja white and the floral 2005 Faustino V Rioja Rosado ($10 each).
Where: In the town of Oyón, north of Logroo in Rioja Alavesa.
When: Pour the white Faustino V with grilled prawns and the rosado for charcuterie spreads.
Importer: Palm Bay Imports, Boca Raton, FL.
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Castillo Perelada
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What: Vinous and refreshing Cavas from a prominent producer in the small Empordà-Costa Brava D.O.
Standout: The Cava Brut Rosado ($13), made with garnacha and monastrell, is bright and summery; the Cava Brut Reserva ($10), is grapey with fresh cider-apple flavors.
Where: Empordà-Costa Brava in Spain's northeast of Spain, near the border with France.
When: The Brut Rosado and the Brut Reserva are great pours for summer picnics.
Importer: Grape Expectations Imports, Wilson, NC.
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