When it comes to quality wines at bargain prices, here are the 55 brands that deliver. If you’re looking for a reliable Wednesday night bottle, these are names to remember in the chaotic, overstuffed world of wines priced $18 or less.
17 Top US Value Brands
Acrobat What: Ready-to-drink Oregon pinot gris and pinot noir from King Estate’s entry-level brand. Standouts: An exuberant 2009 Oregon Pinot Noir ($18) with juicy red fruit and the stuffing to match, and a bright, succulent ’09 Pinot Gris ($12) with a lean, refreshing grip. Where: Based in Eugene, with fruit sourced from all of Oregon’s viticultural regions. When: Open the Pinot Noir with a smoked trout salad; pour the Gris anytime. King Estate Winery, Eugene, OR
Beckmen What: Single-varietal wines from the Purisima Mountain Vineyard, as well as value-priced Rhône-varietal blends. Standout: The 2009 Santa Ynez Valley Grenache Rosé ($18), with its spicy red fruit and earthy structure. Where: From Beckmen’s two estate vineyards in California’s Santa Ynez Valley. When: The juicy lime flavors of the 2009 Estate Sauvignon Blanc ($16) beg for ceviche, while the Grenache Rosè would pair equally well with summer barbecues and seafood paella. Beckmen, Los Olivos, CA
Castle Rock What: Affordable varietals from a virtual winery using multiple facilities. Standouts: The 2009 Oregon Pinot Gris ($13), with its leesy accents reminiscent of Alsace, and a sweet, peppery 2008 Columbia Valley Syrah ($11) with a firm grip. Where: Fruit sources in California from the Central to the North Coast, Oregon and Washington’s Columbia Valley. When: Pour the Pinot Gris for anything from lemon sole to lemon chicken. Castle Rock Winery, Geyserville, CA
Chateau Ste. Michelle What: Value-priced bottlings from some of Washington’s most enviable vineyard sources. Standouts: The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($16) and 2007 Merlot ($16) from Columbia Valley are each in their way icons of Washington State fruit, bold and elegant at once. Where: From estate vineyards and fruit sources throughout Washington’s Columbia Valley. When: These reds have the breadth for barbecue and the elegance for a Sunday steak dinner. Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville, WA
Covey Run What: Affordable Columbia Valley wines from California’s Ascentia Wine Estates. Standout: A bright, clean 2008 Columbia Valley Chardonnay ($9) with broad apple flavors and lip-smacking acidity. Where: Much of its fruit comes from Alder Ridge, an 800-acre vineyard overlooking the Columbia River in the Horse Heaven Hills appellation. When: The Chardonnay is ready to pop open for a picnic. Covey Run, Prosser, WA
Fox Run What: A range of varieties from New York State’s Finger Lakes, including rieslings as racy as glacial water. Standout: The bracing ’08 Finger Lakes Riesling ($14), one of the region’s top wines. Where: In Penn Yan, on the west side of Seneca Lake. When: The rieslings have the brisk acidity to cut into a poached pike and the charm to drink on their own. Fox Run, Penn Yan, NY
Frei Brothers What: A range of affordable wines from across Sonoma County. Standout: The rich and spicy 2008 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel ($18), with its sunny warmth. Where: Based in Healdsburg, with a focus on fruit from the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys. When: The 2009 Russian River Valley Reserve Sauvignon Blanc ($17), with its green olive and peach skin notes, would be ideal for cold roast chicken at a late-spring picnic. Frei Brothers, Healdsburg, CA
The Hogue Cellars What: Well-priced appellation wines and robust, structured Genesis reserves from Constellation Brands’ principle Washington property. Standouts: The 2007 Genesis Meritage ($16), from long-established Columbia Valley growers, and a juicy, fresh 2009 Late Harvest Riesling ($10) redolent of fresh pears. Where: Based in Prosser, Washington, with fruit sourced from across the Columbia Valley. When: Open the Genesis Meritage with a steak dinner; and pour the Late Harvest Riesling with a pear tartlet. The Hogue Cellars, Prosser, WA
Kenwood What: Reliable, value-driven wines from a Sonoma County cabernet and zinfandel specialist. Standout: The earthy, smoky and dense 2007 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon ($18). Where: Based in Kenwood, just outside of Santa Rosa, the winery sources fruit from across Sonoma County. When: Pour the spicy 2009 Russian River Valley Gewurztraminer ($11) with weisswurst and sauerkraut. Serve the Cabernet with braised beef. Kenwood Vineyards, Kenwood, CA
Lamoreaux Landing What: Scintillating riesling and impressive reds from a family-owned Finger Lakes estate. Standout: The nervy, flinty 2009 Dry Riesling ($13) and the ’09 Semi-Dry Riesling ($13), for its subtle tropical notes. Where: On the eastern shores of Seneca Lake in New York State. When: These structured rieslings can pair with an elaborate Alsace feast. Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, Lodi, NY
Mirassou What: A range of affordable wines from California’s leading grape varieties. Standout: The 2009 California Pinot Grigio ($12), for its tart pear flavors mingled with sweeter notes of apricot, litchi and passionfruit. Where: Modesto, California. When: Serve the Pinot Grigio with a Cobb salad, and the tart, ripe, raspberry-scented 2008 California Pinot Noir ($12) with roast turkey. Mirassou, Modesto, CA
O’Reilly’s What: Affordable bottlings of Pacific Northwest fruit, from David O’Reilly’s Owen Roe Winery. Standout: A succulent 2008 Oregon Pinot Gris ($12) and an elegant 2007 Yakima Valley Riesling ($9): Both are forward and inviting while remaining balanced and on point. Where: Sourced from esteemed vineyards in the Columbia and Willamette valleys, including Outlook, an estate vineyard, and DuBrul, both in the Yakima Valley. When: The Riesling and the Gris make fine aperitifs or pairings with striped bass. Owen Roe Winery, St. Paul, OR
Robert Mondavi Private Selection What: A taste of California at unbeatable prices from a time-tested Napa Valley producer. Standout: The soft, baked apple-scented 2009 California Chardonnay ($11). Where: Based in Oakville, Mondavi focuses on California’s North and Central coasts for the Private Selection label. When: Serve the Chardonnay with a holiday roast bird. For rare prime rib, try the gentle 2007 California Meritage ($11). Robert Mondavi, Woodbridge, CA
Rutherford Ranch What: Stylish Napa Valley classics without the high price tag. Standout: The bold, spicy and firm 2007 Napa Valley Zinfandel, a steal at $18. Where: From a base in Oakville, Rutherford Ranch blends wines from estate and purchased fruit grown across Napa Valley. When: Serve the generous yet graceful 2009 Napa Valley Chardonnay ($16) with seared scallops or any fresh catch; show off the Zinfandel with a thick-cut steak. Rutherford Ranch, St. Helena, CA
Simi What: Elegant sauvignon blanc and pinot noir from a veteran Sonoma County producer. Standout: The 2008 Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc ($15), with its biscuity complexity and peach and lemongrass flavors. Where: Estate vineyards in the Alexander and Russian River valleys augmented by purchased grapes from across Sonoma County. When: The 2008 Sauvignon Blanc shines with veal or chicken sausages, while the toasty 2008 Sonoma County Chardonnay ($18) could stand up to a grilled pork chop. Simi, Healdsburg, CA
Skylark What: Rhône and Alsace-inspired bottlings from a collaboration between Boulevard Restaurant wine directors John Lancaster and Robert Perkins. Standout: The earthy, tart, vibrant and floral 2009 Mendocino Pink Belly Rosé ($16)—everything you could ask for in a California rosé, and then some. Where: Based in Hopland, Skylark sources grapes from Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino. When: Pair the Pink Belly Rosé with grilled lamb chops, and match the Alsatian-styled 2009 Mendocino County Orsi Vineyard Pinot Blanc ($17) with weisswurst. Skylark, Hopland, CA
Waterbrook What: Affordable reds from one of the first Walla Walla wineries. Standout: The full-bodied, cherry-scented Columbia Valley Merlot–Cabernet, a consistent performer in both the 2007 ($13) and 2008 ($11) vintages. Where: Vineyards such as Les Collines in Walla Walla and Oasis and Canyon Ranch in the Yakima Valley. When: Drink the Torrontés well chilled with raw seafood, and the powerful 2009 Mendoza Malbec ($9) with steak. Waterbrook, Walla Walla, WA
Top 2 Argentine Value Brands
Acordeón What: Affordable Argentine wines from Catalan Cava leader Freixenet. Standout: The floral, refreshing 2010 Torrontés ($9), grown in the heights of Cafayate. Where: Freixenet has vineyards in Gualtallary, Uco Valley and Mendoza as well as Salta, up in the north of Argentina. When: Drink the Torrontés well chilled with raw seafood, and the powerful 2009 Mendoza Malbec ($9) with steak. Freixenet USA, Sonoma, CA
Trapiche What: Traditional Argentine reds from one of the biggest and oldest wineries in Argentina. Standout:The 2008 Mendoza Bonarda ($17), from the reliable Broquel line, is as juicy and spicy as the variety can be. Where: Headquartered in Maipú, Mendoza, Trapiche sources grapes from the best sites within this region and from Cafayate. When: Uncork the Broquel Bonarda with braised duck and the refreshing 2009 Broquel Cafayate Valley Torrontés ($17) with roast pork. Frederick Wildman and Sons, NY
Top 5 Australian Value Brands
d’Arenberg What: Old-vine values ranging from marsanne to shiraz, each with its own cheeky name. Standout: The 2009 Stump Jump McLaren Vale Riesling– Marsanne–Sauvignon ($11), with its wild and refreshing combination of lemon, marzipan and green spice. Where: On 500 acres of estate vineyards in McLaren Vale, with an additional 1,700 acres of old vines from growers. When: The Stump Jump is built for grilled fish, especially if eaten on a beach; the lush, peachy McLaren Vale Hermit Crab Viognier—Marsanne ($16) wants crab cakes. Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA
Jacob’s Creek What: Gulpable South Eastern Australian wines for less than ten bucks. Standouts: A tie between the light, juicy 2007 South Eastern Australia Shiraz ($7) and the fresh, limey 2009 South Eastern Australia Riesling ($8). Where: From all over South Australia, with 20 percent estate grown. When: At a cookout: the Riesling while the fire builds, the Shiraz with grilled pork chops. Pernod Ricard USA, Purchase, NY
SXS What: Classic expressions of South Australian shiraz and chardonnay. Standout: The fresh and firm, plush and minty 2008 South Australia Step Two Shiraz ($10). Where: McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and Langhorne Creek all supply fruit for the brand. When: Open the 2008 Step Three Chardonnay–Semillon ($10) for barbecued fish and the Shiraz for meatier options. Bacchus Importers, Baltimore, MD
Wakefield What: A strong portfolio of value-oriented Promised Land wines that augments the terroir-driven Jaraman and St. Andrews lines. Standouts: Both the ’08 and ’09 Clare Valley Estate Riesling ($17) are muscular and rich, with potent acidity delivering focused lime and mineral notes. Where: A fertile terra rossa site laden with seahorse fossils in South Australia’s Clare Valley. When:As a late summer sipper, enjoy the Riesling on its own or with shellfish. American Wine Distributors, San Francisco, CA
Yalumba What: A wide array of consistently good wines from South Australia, especially grenache, shiraz, riesling and viognier. Standout: The ’09 Barossa Bush Vine Grenache ($18), which packs vibrant strawberry and red currant fruit in a finely woven tannic framework. Where: Based in Angaston for 160 years, the winery has old-vine plots throughout the Barossa and Eden valleys. When: Chill the ’09 Y Series Riesling ($12) for an early evening picnic; pour the ’08 Y Series Shiraz–Viognier ($10) with herby lamb lollipops. Negociants USA, Napa, CA
Top Austrian Value Brand
Hermann Moser What: Rich, soil-expressive riesling and grüner veltliner from Austria’s Kremstal. Standout: The graceful, deeply flavored ’09 Kremstal Karmeliterberg Grüner Veltliner ($15). Where: An hour west of Vienna, on the Danube River near Krems. When: Serve the Karmeliterberg Grüner Veltliner with refined cuisine of any sort—it’s flexible with vegetables and light meats; the Per Due ($12) has the richness for pork schnitzel. Boutique Wine Collection, Philadelphia, PA
Top 6 Chilean Value Brands
Concha y Toro What: A wide array of quality varietal wines and blends from the main viticultural force behind Chile’s modern wine era. Standout: The 2009 Maule Palo Alto Reserva ($11), a spicy, tense and refreshing new blend of cabernet, carmenère and syrah. Where: At its two main wineries in Maipo, Concha y Toro processes grapes from virtually every major wine valley in Chile. When: Serve the citrusy 2010 Casillero Limarí Reserve Pinot Grigio ($12) with roasted sea bass; pour the 2008 Casillero Reserva Privada Cabernet Sauvignon–Syrah ($14) with lamb chops. Banfi Vintners, Old Brookville, NY
Cono Sur What: Some of the most reliable sources of cool-climate whites from Chile, from a brand that’s part of the Concha y Toro group. Standout: The 2010 San Antonio Sauvignon Blanc may be the best partner you can find for ceviche at $13. Where: Based in Colchagua’s Chimbarongo, with top vineyards for white wines and pinot noir in Casablanca, Bío Bío and San Antonio, and for robust reds in Maipo and Colchagua. When: Grill octopus for the crisp, herbal 2010 Casablanca Vision Sauvignon Blanc ($14) and order in Chinese noodles for the mellow 2010 Central Valley Riesling ($10 in the Bike line). Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL
Loma Larga What: Cool-climate reds from some of the coolest reaches of Chile. Standout: The spicy and vibrant 2009 Lomas del Valle Casablanca Cabernet Franc ($18), the Chilean answer to Chinon. Where: An estate vineyard and winery in Bajo Casablanca, the coolest part of the valley. When: Pour the refreshing 2010 Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc ($16) as an aperitif; the juicy 2010 Lomas del Valle Pinot Noir ($17) for grilled sardines and the Cab Franc for steak frites. GOS Int’l. Distributors, Jacksonville Beach, FL
Morandé What: Chilean coastal wines from Pablo Morandé, the pioneer of the Casablanca Valley. Standout: The floral and pure 2010 Casablanca Reserva Sauvignon Blanc ($12), an ideal pour for summer evenings. Where: The winery is in Cachapoal; the main vineyards are in Maipo and Casablanca. When: Pour the 2009 Maipo Pionero Carmenère ($9) with charcuterie; enjoy the apricot flavor and pungent acidity of the 2008 Casablanca Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc ($13) with apple pie. Morandé USA, Atlanta, GA
Tabalí What: Exciting sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and syrah from a leader in Limarí’s emerging viticultural scene. Standout: The cool, mineral ’09 Limarí Sauvignon Blanc ($12). Where: Valle del Encanto, 250 miles north of Santiago. When: The Sauvignon Blanc has the verve for ceviche; the spicy, mineral 2009 Reserva Syrah ($15) wants braised lamb. Southern Wine Group, Bend, OR
Tamaya What: Great value reds, especially carmenère, from cool-climate Limarí. Standout: The mellow, herb-scented 2009 Limarí Reserva Carmenére ($16). Where: In Cerrillos de Tamaya, on the northern bank of the Limarí river. When: Serve the stony 2010 Estate Chardonnay ($9) with poached shrimp; pair the ’09 Limarí Reserva Carmenére with hanger steak and the smoky, blackberried 2009 Winemaker’s Selection Carmenère ($18) with roast venison. Ecovalley, Salisbury, NC
Top 4 French Value Brands
Château Bois de la Salle What: Dense, intensely structured cru Beaujolais. Standout: The powerful, smoky 2009 Juliénas Tradition du Bois de la Salle, which offers a lot of structure for just $18. Where: Grapes are sourced from about 100 growers spread among eight Beaujolais crus. When: Cellar both the Juliénas and the 2009 Morgon La Croix ($17) for two years or more; then serve with duck. Gabriella Importers, Bohemia, NY
Georges Duboeuf What: Budget-friendly Beaujolais, including single-property domaine wines under $20. Standout: The earthy, ageworthy ’09 Domaine des Quatre Vents Fleurie ($17), which lasts on pepper and minerally soil scents. Where: All over Beaujolais, pulling fruit from roughly 400 growers. When: Whether the Fleurie or the gravelly, tannic ’09 Moulin-à-Vent ($16), these are go-to wines anytime there’s charcuterie on the table. W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Harrison, NY
Potel-Aviron What: Cru Beaujolais from choice growers. Standout: The schisty, powerful ’08 Morgon Côte du Py ($18) from Jean-Marc Burgaud’s 40-plus-year-old vines. Where: In prime plots of sustainable, organic and biodynamically farmed old bush vines across six of the Beaujolais crus. When: The sleek yet rustic ’08 Moulin-á-Vent ($18) is a prime candidate for steak frites; step up to a grilled ribeye for the muscular Morgon. Frederick Wildman & Sons, NY
La Vieille Ferme What: Affordable, everyday wines from France’s sunny south, crafted by the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel. Standout: The raspberry-juicy, thyme-tinged ’07 Côtes du Ventoux ($8). Where: Vineyards in the Côtes du Ventoux and Luberon. When: Picnic time—the light, green-grapey ’09 Côtes du Luberon ($8) for chicken salads; the Ventoux for sliced steak sandwiches. Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL
Top German Value Brand
Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler What: Elegant, mineral-driven rieslings in the classic Mosel style. Standout: The lithe, tensely balanced ’09 Mosel Riesling QbA ($10). Where: Bernkastel, in the heart of Germany’s Mosel Valley. When: With fish and shellfish, Asian cuisine or anytime the sun is shining. W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Harrison, NY
Top 2 Greek Value Brands
Kourtaki What: Affordable renditions of Greece’s most traditional wines. Standout: The dark, spicy Mavrodaphne of Patras ($12). Where: Based in Naoussa, in northern Greece, the company operates six wineries across the country. When: Chill the lightly piney Retsina ($8) for hot summer days; open the Samos ($13) with cookies or nut pastries. Save the Mavrodaphne for winter and spice cake. Nestor Imports, NY
Spiropoulos What: Elegant, restrainedly floral whites from the moschofilero grape. Standout: The ’09 Mantinia ($18), a savory, rose-scented white firm with minerality. Where: On a high plain south of Nemea in the Peloponnese. When: : A grilled fish could hardly ask for a more elegant companion than the Mantinia; mushrooms and spicy Thai food find their match in the strawberry-filled Meliasto Rosé ($16). Athenée Importers & Distributors, Hempstead, NY
Top Hungarian Value Brand
Attila Gere What: Juicy, modern wines—particularly reds—from local and international varieties. Standout: A deliciously fresh, gentle, purple-fruited ’09 Portugieser ($16). Where: Villány in southern Hungary, not far from the border with Croatia. When: Chill the crisp, herbal ’09 Olaszrizling ($13), a fine welschriesling, for a watercress and goat cheese salad; pour the Portugieser with grilled salmon. Blue Danube Wine Co., Los Altos Hills, CA
Top Israeli Value Brand
Galil Mountain What: Affordable, fresh alternatives to Israel’s pricier bottles. Standout: A light, mouthwatering ’07 Galilee Pinot Noir ($18) with savory minerality. Where: A low-slung, modern winery on a high rise in the Upper Galilee’s Kibbutz Yiron. When: The sweet, red-fruited ’09 Rosé ($15) is built for gyros slathered with garlic sauce; the Pinot Noir for grilled eggplant; the tarry, plummy ’07 Shiraz–Cabernet ($18) for grilled lamb. Yarden, NY
Top 4 Italian Value Brands
Michele Chiarlo What: Fresh and approachable terroir-driven wines from native Piemontese grapes. Standout: The intense, brambly ’08 Barbera d’Asti Superiore Le Orme ($15). Where: 148 acres of estate vineyards in the Langhe, Monferrato and Gavi. When: Try the Barbera with long-simmered ragùs, or the vivacious ’09 Moscato d’Asti Nivole ($15) alongside fresh berries for an after-dinner treat. Kobrand, Purchase, NY
Feudi di San Gregorio What: : Cutting-edge wines from Campania’s ancient grape varieties. Standout: The ’08 Sannio Falanghina ($16), with its apricot fruit, lemongrass scents and persistent minerality. Where: Based in the small village of Sorbo Serpico in Irpinia, the estate has vineyards all across the region. When: Pour the Falanghina with clams in an aromatic broth; try the ’07 Rubrato Aglianico ($16) with charcuterie. Palm Bay Int’l., Boca Raton, FL
Melini What: Traditional Chianti and a range of reliable wines from a historic estate. Standout: The ripe and spicy ’09 Chianti Borghi d’Elsa—a mere $9. Where: From more than 1,280 acres of estate vineyards in Chianti, mostly in the Classico zone. When: The Chianti is the wine for brick-oven pizza on a breezy terrace. Open the fresh and fruity ’09 Rosé di Toscana ($8) for an aperitif. Frederick Wildman and Sons, NY
Sella & Mosca What: Estate-grown vermentino and cannonau, as well as Sardinia’s first cabernet sauvignon. Standout: The ’08 La Cala Vermentino di Sardegna ($12), with its smoky minerality and kumquat scents. Where: In the northwest corner of the island, near the port of Alghero. When: Chill the Vermentino for grilled octopus; decant the red-fruited, cigar box-scented ’06 Cannonau Riserva ($15) for beef carpaccio with capers. Palm Bay Int’l., Boca Raton, FL
Top New Zealand Value Brand
Brancott Vineyards What: Textbook Marlborough sauvignon blanc and pinot noir at paperback prices. Standout: The clean and complex ’09 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ($13) is the reigning bang-for-your-buck champ. Where: In the river silts, stone and clay soils of the Wairau and Awatere valleys. When: Pour the Sauvignon Blanc with chilled crab claws; call on the ocean breeze salinity of the ’07 Marlborough Reserve Pinot Noir ($18) anytime you roast sea bass. Pernod Ricard USA, Purchase, NY
Top 3 Portuguese Value Brands
Aveleda What: Great quinta-grown Vinho Verde at unbeatable prices, plus a range of fresh whites from Portugal’s coastal hills. Standout: The 2009 Alvarinho ($13), for its cool apple and fleshy peach flavors. Where: The quinta wine comes from Peñafiel, northeast of Porto, while the others include grapes from growers throughout the region. When: Open the ’09 Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde ($9) with spicy Thai calamari salad and the ’09 Alvarinho with grilled shrimp. FJN Fine Wines, Cumberland, RI
Casa do Valle What: Complex and fragrant estate-grown Vinho Verdes from granite and schist soils. Standout: The ’09 Vinho Verde Grande Escolha ($15), with its fresh apple blossom scent and chipped-granite minerality. Where: The Sousa Botella family estate, rising above the banks of the Tâmega River in Vinho Verde’s Basto district. When: Pour a glass of the mouthwatering ’09 Grande Escolha with fresh-shucked oysters; try the orange-zesty ’09 Vinho Verde ($10) with grilled trout. Vinoterra Importers, Boulder, CO
Quinta de Gomariz What: Stylish, modern varietal wines from an estate in the heart of Vinho Verde. Standout: The fresh, grapefruit-scented ’09 Vinho Verde Loureiro ($10), with its plump nectarine and litchi ripeness. Where: On south-facing, granitic soils in the cool hills of the Vale do Ave. When: Chill the Loureiro for fat, pan-seared scallops and the lush ’09 Alvarinho ($15) for crab. P.R. Grisley Co., Salt Lake City, UT
Top 3 South African Value Brands
Man Vintners What: An entire range of South African wines with personality that max out at $11. Standout: The ’10 Coastal Region Chenin ($10), with succulent fruit and flinty minerality. Where: In the shale soils of the Perdeberg Hills. When: The Chenin makes a terrific party pour; the ferrous, tannic ’09 Pinotage ($11) can take on blood sausage. Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL Rooiberg Winery What: Modern wines ranging from plump and easy-drinking to spicy and sophisticated. Standout: The ’08 Robertson Reserve Merlot ($15), with foresty fruit and fleshy red tannins. Where: Based in the Breede River Valley, Rooiberg works with 34 growers spread across Robertson’s limestone soils. When: Pour the gentle, $9 Robertson Chardonnay at brunch; save the Merlot and the tart ’08 Roodewyn Cabernet–Merlot ($10) for barbecued spare ribs. Worthwhile Wine Co., Atlanta, GA Two Oceans What: Easy-drinking single variety wines from South Africa’s coast. Standout: The smoky, meaty ’09 Western Cape Cabernet, a substantial wine for $8. Where: From vineyards across the Western Cape, vinted in Stellenbosch. When: At $8, enjoy the Cabernet and the sea-breezy ’10 Sauvignon Blanc anytime. Aveníu Brands, Baltimore, MD Top 4 Spanish Value Brands Dama de Toro What: True Toro reds at unbeatable prices from Bodegas Fariña. Standout: The exuberant ’04 Crianza ($15), a decadently ripe wine with bottle age. Where: In Casaseca de las Chanas, near Zamora. When: The fruity ’09 Toro Tempranillo ($11) makes a good house pour; serve the ’04 Crianza with grilled baby lamb. Specialty Cellars, Santa Fe Springs, CA Bodegas La Emperatriz What: Expressive, terroir-driven wines from native Spanish grapes. Standout: The ripe ’06 Finca La Emperatriz Crianza ($15), with its full-bodied cherry and porcini flavors. Where: A 250-acre estate in Rioja Alta, on soils of river stones over sand. When: The ’09 Tempranillo ($11) is a mouthwatering red for roast beef, while the ’06 Crianza has the finesse for setas al ajillo or a pan-roasted pork chop. MHW Imports, Manhasset, NY Marqués de Cáceres What: Elegant and affordable reds from the heart of La Rioja Alta. Standout: The stylish ’06 Rioja Crianza ($15), consistently one of the great buys in Rioja, its sleek fruit cushioned by aging in French oak. Where: From local growers in Cenicero, where the winery is based. When: Chill the tangy ’09 Rioja Rosé ($9) for a summer picnic; pour the ’06 Crianza for a steak. Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL Lustau What: Quality Sherries in virtually every style, from a classic name in Jerez. Standout: The Papirusa Solera Reserva Light Manzanilla ($17), for its green olive scents and mineral acidity. Where: Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. When: Crack open some oysters to enjoy with the refreshingly saline Jarana Solera Reserva Light Fino ($17); the Papirusa is a classic match for jamón Iberico. Europvin, Bordeaux, France