Value Brands 2008
| Barefoot | |
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Standout: The 2005 Russian River Valley Reserve Chardonnay ($18) is round and rich, with crisp apple flavors.
Where: As part of E&J Gallo, the wines are made in Modesto, CA.
When: The 2005 Russian River Valley Reserve Chardonnay is full enough for a roast chicken. For a fresh, everyday glass of white wine, check out the non-vintage California Sauvignon Blanc ($6).
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What: Easy-going, casual varietal wines made to be enjoyed anytime, at home with a meal or on a picnic. Launched as an independent brand in 1986, Barefoot has been owned by E&J Gallo since 2005.
| Boomtown | |
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Standout: In whites, it's between the crisp, unoaked, Mâconnais-style chardonnay and cool, floral pinot gris (both $14); in reds, it's the generous, no-nonsense syrah ($15) with lean, fresh, black cherry flavors.
Where: Sourced from vineyards all over the Columbia Valley, centering on the Yakima Valley, the Wahluke Slope, and on cooler vineyards upriver from there.
When: The unoaked chardonnay is a late-afternoon aperitif wine; the syrah has the stuffing to pair with short ribs.
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What: A growing brand established at the entry level by four former Wisconsinites who moved to Walla Walla in 2003.
| Chateau Ste. Michelle | |
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Standout: The 2005 Indian Wells Cabernet ($19) is a Washington classic: plenty of ripe, rich fruit, supported by northern latitude acidity.
Where: The Columbia Valley, Washington State.
When: The cabernet is the wine to have on hand when beef is on the menu-a bottle to grab for a special weeknight meal.
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What: A broad collection of wines from one of Washington's oldest, most trusted wineries, one that's been around long enough to have assembled an enviable collection of fruit sources.
| Handley | |
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Standout: The '06 Anderson Valley Pinot Gris is layered and complex, easily among the best pinot gris made in California. Likewise, Handley's '06 Anderson Valley Gewurztraminer is an Alsatian rock star hiding out on California's north coast. Both run $18.
Where: Milla Handley owns vineyards in Anderson Valley and Dry Creek Valley, and her winery is located outside of Philo, CA.
When: Open a bottle of the Pinot Gris with grilled weisswurst, while the Gewurztraminer, with its spicy citrus flavors and bright acidity, is the choice for Thai curry.
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What: Cool-climate whites from one of the benchmark names of Anderson Valley.
| Husch | |
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Standout: A generous, clean, pear-scented '06 Mendocino County Chardonnay ($15).
Where: Based in the Anderson Valley, Husch draws from old estate vineyards there and sources fruit from around Mendocino County.
When: The 2006 Anderson Valley Gewurztraminer ($14) has the sturdiness for roast pork with choucroute. Break out the 2006 Chardonnay for impromptu parties.
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What: Fragrant whites wines from cool-climate varieties such as chenin blanc, gewurztraminer, sauvignon blanc and muscat canelli from the Anderson Valley's oldest winery and some of Mendocino County's oldest vineyards.
| Montpellier | |
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Standout: The juicy '04 California Cabernet Sauvignon ($7), with its ripe, soft cherry flavors.
Where: Montpellier is sourced from vineyards in California's Central Valley that are part of Fred Franzia's value wine empire in Ceres, CA.
When: The '04 California Cabernet Sauvignon has the full, spicy fruit to take on burgers off the grill. While they cook, pop open a bottle of the '05 Chardonnay.
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What: Consistently good varietal wines available at your local supermarket for around $7.
| Snoqualmie | |
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Standout: A pleasingly rustic '05 Merlot ($10) that in its understatement feels more real than many oak-dominated reds from Napa Valley.
Where: The many sub-appellations of the Columbia Valley in Washington State.
When: The Naked whites-the chardonnay and riesling in particular-are tailor-made for afternoon get-togethers. Snoqualmie's reds have the hearty elegance for a roast beef dinner.
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What: A winery in the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates portfolio, known for sustainably farmed vineyards and the "Naked" steel-fermented varietally true whites.
| Sterling Vineyards | |
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Standout: Sterling's 2006 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc is spicy and fresh, and a steal for $14. Look for the '06 Vintner's Collection ($9) when you need a refreshing summer white.
Where: Based in Calistoga, Sterling looks to vineyards on California's Central Coast to produce its Vintner's Collection.
When: Save the '06 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc for a dinner party. Meanwhile, keep a few bottles of the Vintner's Collection Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio chilled for an impromptu picnic.
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What: A venerable Napa Valley winery, Sterling's Vintner's Collection offers everyday value.
| Talus Collection | |
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Standout: The earthy '05 Zinfandel ($8) is rustic and firm. Also worth trying is the fresh and light '06 Pinot Grigio ($8).
Where: The winery and most of the vineyards are in Lodi, CA.
When: For lovers of rich zinfandel, the '05 is a sure bet. Look to the '06 Pinot Grigio for a refreshing white, ready for grilled fish.
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What: Honest, straightforward varietal wines from a brand under the Centerra division of wine giant Constellation.
| La Posta | |
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Standout: The black and dense, but bright and refreshing malbec-based 2007 Cocina ($15) and the earthy, super-concentrated 2006 Angel Paulucci Malbec ($18).
Where: La Posta sources its grapes from growers throughout the Andean foothills.
When: Serious, powerful reds for serious, powerful Argentine asados.
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What: Single-vineyard reds from some of Mendoza's best areas.
| Nieto Senetiner | |
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Standout: The 2005 Don Nicanor Malbec ($17) is rich in violet and boysenberry aromas and generous in strong tannins.
Where: In the heights of Vistalba, in the Luján de Cuyo D.O.
When: Open Don Nicanor when you're serving roasted sweetbreads or grilling a rib eye; try the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz or Malbec Reserva (both $10) with burgers topped with chimmichurri.
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What: Ripe, concentrated Mendoza malbec from one of the leading wineries in Argentina.
| Sur de los Andes | |
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Standout: The 2005 Reserva Malbec ($13) is juicy and tense. The 2005 Reserva Bonarda ($13) is surprisingly massive for the variety.
Where: From its base in Luján de Cuyo in Mendoza, Sur sources grapes from Agrelo, Vistalba and San Carlos, all in the higher elevations of Mendoza.
When: Open the Reserva Bonarda for beef stew and pour the Reserva Malbec with barbecued ribs.
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What: Malbec, torrontés and bonarda from a winery founded in 2005 by Argentine entrepreneur Guillermo Banfi.
| Trivento | |
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Standout: The refreshing 2006 Amado Sur ($15), an engaging blend of malbec (75 percent) plus bonarda and syrah.
Where: The main winery is in Maipú, Mendoza. The vineyards are located in prime areas within Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley.
When: Pour Amado Sur with roasted trout in a hazelnut sauce.
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What: A great source of approachable malbec and red blends from Chilean winery Concha y Toro's venture in Mendoza.
| Hardys | |
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Standout: The 2006 South Eastern Australia Stamp Chardonnay ($6) is bright and peachy, with just a hint of vanilla.
Where: Hardys sources its grapes from more than 6,000 estate-owned acres in South Eastern Australia.
When: The chardonnay would work with a simple roast chicken. Bring the ripe, fruity shiraz to a party.
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What: Hardys produces fruity, approachable wines in three value ranges: Stamp of Australia, Nottage Hill, and Oomoo.
| Rosemount Estate | |
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Standout: The 2005 South Eastern Australia Diamond Label Shiraz Cabernet packs a lot of chocolatey, ripe cherry flavor for $10.
Where: Based in the Upper Hunter Valley, Rosemount owns vineyards in seven viticultural regions across New South Wales and South Australia, including McLaren Vale and Coonawarra.
When: Keep a bottle of the Shiraz Cabernet on hand for your next cook-out. The sweetness of the fruit will match a spicy barbecue sauce.
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What: Rosemount's Diamond label wines offer cleanly styled varietals and blends with bright, rich fruit.
| Yalumba | |
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Standout: One of the more satisfying tawnies you'll find for less than $20, and a violet-scented steal of a 2006 Grenache ($16).
Where: Yalumba wines still center around the original settlement in the Barossa and Eden Valleys.
When: Uncork the tawny for a nice after-dinner surprise for guests. Enjoy the succulent, black raspberry-scented grenache with roast duck.
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What: Some of Australia's highest-quality wines for the price in the Y-series and the Barossa/Eden Valley varietal bottlings, from Australia's oldest family winery, founded in 1849.
| Forstreiter | |
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Standout: The delicate, citrusy '06 Bergwein Grüner Veltliner from the Kremser Kögl ($12).
Where: Austria's Kremstal, about 40 miles west of Vienna.
When: Any occasion where a crisp white wine is called for, from dim sum to Wiener schnitzel.
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What: Lively, soil-driven wines from old vines in terraced vineyards along the Danube River.
| Targovishte | |
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Standout: The bright, limey riesling, simple and thirst-quenching.
Where: The province of Targovishte in northeastern Bulgaria, bordered by the Black Sea.
When: Pour a chilled glass of riesling or the delicate, dry muscat with Thai take-out; open the richer chardonnay for roast chicken. All run $8.
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What: Refreshingly light, dry white wines from one of Bulgaria's largest producers.
| Concha y Toro | |
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Standout: With its tense texture and refreshing, bright fruit, the new 2005 Reserva Privada Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah ($16) is a great addition to the Casillero del Diablo line.
Where: Headquarters in the Maipo Valley. Concha pulls fruit from all over Chilean wine country.
When: Pour the Reserva Privada with a juicy steak; take the Casillero Cabernet, Syrah or Merlot ($10 to $12) to a summer barbecue.
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What: From iconic red to simple and approachable everyday wines, this giant from Chile is a reliable source of liquid pleasure.
| Estampa | |
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Standout: Generous in ripe fruit and round in texture, the 2005 Reserve Carmenère-Cabernet Sauvignon-Cabernet Franc ($15) leads Estampa's assemblage portfolio.
Where: In Palmilla, at the heart of Colchagua Valley.
When: Take the 2007 Rosé Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah ($12) to a picnic in the park and serve the 2007 Reserva Carmenère-Cabernet Sauvignon-Cabernet Franc with meat empanadas.
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What: Easy-going wines from a winery specialized in red blends.
| Morandé | |
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Standout: The exuberant, round and chocolatey 2005 Vitisterra Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($17).
Where: The winery is in the Cachapoal Valley; the main vineyards are in Maipo, Casablanca and Maule.
When: Save the Vitisterra cabernet for roasted lamb this winter; pour the 2007 Terrarum Sauvignon Blanc ($12) now with sea bass ceviche.
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What: Great reds from Maipo and Maule and refreshing, exotic whites from Casablanca Valley.
| Ventisquero | |
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Standout: In whites, the intense, floral and refreshing 2007 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc ($12) stands out; in reds, it's the fruity, round 2006 Queulat Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($17).
Where: In the Yali area, in the coastal reaches of the Maipo Valley.
When: Try the Reserva Sauvignon Blanc with skate in a lemony sauce and the Queulat Cabernet Sauvignon with chicken and ham pie.
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What: A wide range of wines from the top wine districts of Chile's Central Valley.
| Veramonte | |
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Standout: A lean, strawberry-scented 2006 Reserva Pinot Noir ($15), and an incandescent 2007 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc ($10). It's a brilliant, pale grass-green, with nervy flavors of melon and citrus.
Where: The northeastern corner of Chile's Casablanca Valley.
When: No one would blink if you unscrewed the 2007 Veramonte Sauvignon for a delicious accompaniment to your chopped salad lunch.
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What: Ocean-tinged whites and nervy reds from the cool Casablanca Valley, drawn from one of the largest contiguous vineyards in Chile.
| Château Camplazens | |
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Standout: The 2006 Vin de Pays d'Oc Syrah ($18), for all the cassis flavor, spice, and floral notes it packs onto its lithe frame.
Where: In the small sub-appellation of La Clape, a high limestone hill just east of Narbonne, not far from the Mediterranean.
When: Check out the Marselan ($18), a new cross between cabernet sauvignon and grenache: Its smoky, bacon-scented berry flavors are delicious with a lamb stew. Pour the Syrah with burgers.
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What: Reds that are redolent of the sunny, southern French countryside in their ripe fruit and herbal qualities.
| Colombelle | |
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Standout: The bright, herbal, grapefruit-scented 2006 Côtes de Gascogne white ($8).
Where: Saint-Mont, west of Toulouse.
When: Pour the invigorating Côtes de Gascogne white on hot days or with Thai papaya salad; bring the bright, strawberry-scented Côtes de Gascogne Roséon picnics with ham, butter and cornichons on baguette. The tannic, savory red is built for duck confit. All run $8.
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What: A brand from the Producteurs Plaimont coop that showcases the best appellations of southwest France.
| Georges Duboeuf | |
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Standout: The 2006 Moulin-à-Vent Domaine des Rosiers ($15), a red rich in raspberry and herb flavors enriched by smoky oak and silky tannin.
Where: The winery is based in Romanèche-Thorins; the wines are sourced throughout Beaujolais.
When: The $10 Beaujolais-Villages is a good introduction to the line. Drink the honeyed, round Fleurie ($15) with a slice of prime rib. Cellar the earthy, tannic Juliènas La Trinquée ($13) and Moulin-á-Vent Domaines des Rosiers ($15) as they'll improve with a few years of age.
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What: An extensive array of Beaujolais, from light Nouveau to serious cru wines.
| Jean-François Mèrieau | |
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Standout: The light, fresh '06 Touraine Gamay Le Bois Jacou ($15).
Where: Saint-Julien de Chédon, in the Touraine region of France's Loire Valley.
When: This gamay's balance and freshness make it delicious with anything from simple charcuterie to pan-seared magret de canard.
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What: Organically grown, terroir-expressive wines from traditional red and white varieties of the Loire.
| Vidal-Fleury | |
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Standout: The 2005 Côtes du Rhône Domaine Le Pigeonnier ($11) is lively and lush with spicy plum and cherry flavors, perfectly pitched for everyday drinking.
Where: Ampuis, in the heart of the Côte-Rôtie.
When: Pull out the hearty, rustic Côtes du Ventoux red for casual backyard grilling, the 2006 Côtes du Rhône white for grilled fish, and the Domaine Le Pigeonnier for anything from chicken to steaks slathered in chimichurri.
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What: Rhône reds made by a négociant house founded in 1787.
| La Vieille Ferme | |
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Standout: The lively, thirst-quenching 2006 Côtes du Ventoux red ($9).
Where: The Côtes du Ventoux and Côtes du Luberon, southeast of the Rhône Valley.
When: Chill the light, melony Côtes du Luberon white ($8) for salad Niçoise; move on to the juicy, raspberry-filled Côtes du Ventoux for lamb chops.
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What: Affordable Rhône blends made by the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
| Gaia | |
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Standout: A pine-scented white that redefines Retsina in its elegance and restraint ($15).
Where: On a high, stony hill in Nemea with terrific vistas of the surrounding Peloponnese.
When: The Retsina can handle as much garlic as you like; bring on the souvlaki with plenty of tzatziki. The Agiorgitiko 14-18h Rosé ($15) has bright red fruit gutsy enough for grilled lamb.
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What: Wines that show the potential of the Peloponnese, from a light moscofilero-roditis blend to a cherry-filled red made from agiorgitiko.
| Kourtaki | |
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Standout: It's a tie between the deep plum pleasures of the 2004 Vin de Crete and the satin-textured, honeyed fruit of the Samos Muscat (both are $9).
Where: From its base just outside Athens, Kourtaki sources wine from all over the country.
When: Anytime the mercury rises above 80 degrees F -or you just want to imagine it has.
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What: Easy to find, easy to drink wines from Greece's best grape-growing regions.
| Tsantali | |
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Standout: A vibrantly purple, extravagantly rose-scented, plum-filled red from the rare moschomavro ($13).
Where: The brand's home base is in Halkidiki in far northern Greece, though it pulls wines from as far away as the Peloponnese for its sweet Mavrodaphne of Patras ($13).
When: Give the moschomavro a light chill to serve on a hot night with a picnic dinner of fried chicken; pour the dark, savory mavroudi ($15) with a beef stifado.
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What: Fascinating reds from the unique grape varieties of Macedonia.
| Borgo M | |
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Standout: The 2006 Tocai Friulano ($15) is silky and refreshing, ready to pair with a summery risotto.
Where: The Fantinel family's estate vineyards and winery in Friuli.
When: Try the whites with lighter pastas and fish, the merlot with roast beef.
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What: Oak-free, fruity wines from a partnership between the Fantinel family and importer Domaine Select Wine Estates.
| Boroli | |
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Standout: The 2005 Quattro Fratelli Barbera d'Alba ($16) is bright and fresh, with an earthy undertone. The 2005 Dolcetto d'Alba ($14) is a peppery and feisty red.
Where: Boroli is based in Madonna di Como, in Langhe's heartland near Alba, Italy.
When: Serve the hearty '05 Barbera d'Alba with braised meatballs. Try the '05 Dolcetto d'Alba with grilled sausages.
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What: In addition to cru level Barolo, Boroli produces hearty, everyday Piemontese reds.
| Michele Chiarlo | |
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Standout: The chalky texture and fresh apricot flavors of the 2006 Gavi ($17).
Where: Calamandrana, in the Asti province of Piedmont, with grapes coming from many of Piedmont's DOC and DOCG areas.
When: There's almost never a bad time for a glass of Gavi, and the 2006 is cool and refreshing. Need an everyday red? Check out the 2005 Barbera d'Asti Le Orme ($13).
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What: Regional Piemontese wines at all price levels from one of the grand names in Piedmont.
| Melini | |
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Standout: The 2005 Chianti Classico Isassi ($15) is a favorite for its tart red berry fruit and bright acidity, the persistent raspberry tempered by aging a year in French oak barrels.
Where: The winery is based in Radda in Chianti, in the rolling hills of Tuscany.
When: Pull out a bottle of Isassi for pappardelle with rabbit or wild boar ragu.
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What: Lean and juicy sangiovese from the heart of Chianti Classico.
| Rocca delle Macie | |
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Standout: The savory 2006 Morellino di Scansano Campomaccione ($15), a predominantly sangiovese blend bolstered with cabernet and merlot.
Where: The winery is comprised of six estates: four in the Chianti Classico zone, and two farther south, in Morellino in Scansano.
When: Enjoy the Morellino with bruschetta drizzled with olive oil.
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What: Well-priced Tuscan reds from a winery founded by former boxer and film producer Italo Zingarelli.
| Brancott Vineyards | |
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Standout: The 2005 Pinot Noir Marlborough Reserve for its succulent strawberry and cherry fruit flavors ($14).
Where: Brancott farms vineyards in Gisborne, in the Wairau and Awatere Valleys of Marlborough and in Hawkes Bay.
When: Twist open a bottle of the sauvignon blanc for grilled mahi mahi, or pour the pinot with a grilled tuna steak.
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What: Fruit forward, easy-going, estate-grown wines from New Zealand's largest producer.
| Aveleda | |
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Standout: The clean, bright 2006 Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde ($8): Its fresh acidity and lime zest flavors are perfect for oysters.
Where: Penafiel, northeast of Porto in the hills of Vinho Verde.
When: Keep Aveleda's Vinho Verdes on hand all summer long for salads and seafood; try Follies ($12), a honeyed, lightly nutty blend of chardonnay and maria gomes, with grilled fish steaks.
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What: An exceptional range of Vinho Verde wines, and a quinta wine based on estate-grown loureiro and treijadura.
| Callabriga | |
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Standout: The 2004 Alentejo ($15), an intense red that holds a balance between full-on fruit and delicate floral notes that lend it grace.
Where: Based in Avintes, upriver from Porto, Sogrape sources grapes for its wines from all over the country.
When: Pull out the meaty Alentejo ($15) for a thick, charred steak; try the lush-but-lighter Douro ($15) with barbecued ribs this summer.
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What: A new brand from Sogrape focused on modern reds based on Portugal's indigenous grape varieties.
| Cune | |
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Standout: The 2006 Rioja Monopole ($16), an elegant white fragrant with grapefruit and orange blossom scents.
Where: Based in Haro, in the Rioja Alta, the winery sources its wines from more than 1,300 acres of estate vineyards.
When: Chill the Monopole lightly for fried calamari, and the Rioja Rosado ($12) for sautéed wild mushrooms; roast a lamb shoulder for the 2004 Crianza ($15) with its soft, round red fruit.
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What: Excellent examples of traditional Rioja wines at any price.
| Faustino | |
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Standout: The 2006 Rioja Rosé V ($12) is packed with mouthwatering strawberry flavor.
Where: Oyón, not far from Logroño in the Rioja Alavesa.
When: Bring the rosé along on summer picnics; the dry cherry and herbal tones of the Faustino VII ($13) will match burgers or albondigas.
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What: Classically styled red, white and rosé Rioja from a winery that dates to 1861.
| Maset del Lleo | |
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Standout: The Cava Reserva NU ($12) is light and nuanced, with hints of toast and bright acidity.
Where: This family-owned winery is based in Penedès, near Barcelona, where its domaine covers 123 acres.
When: Chill the Cava Reserva NU for a birthday party, or enjoy the Cava Brut Nature Reserva as an aperitif.
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What: Affordable Spanish bubbly for your next celebration.
| Paul Cheneau | |
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Standout: The lively Blanc des Blancs ($16), a juicy and pear-inflected blend of macabeo, xarello and parellada, with a creamy texture and just a hint of bitter almond.
Where: Cava country, the Penedès, Spain.
When: With their modest alcohol and sunny fresh flavors, these are the ideal wines to pack for a Sunday picnic in the park.
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What: Vigorous Cavas with fresh juicy flavors and rich textures.
| Segura Viudas | |
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Standout: The bright, appley Cava Brut Reserva ($10) is a perennial charmer.
Where: Sant' Sadurni d'Anoia, near Barcelona.
When: At $10, anytime is a good time for the Brut Reserva. Pour the Aria Estate Brut ($12) with gambas al ajillo or roasted fish.
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What: Fresh, lively and affordable sparkling wines of consistently excellent quality.