How to buy good cheap wine

You don’t have to pay more than $10 for a great bottle of wine. Check out our great list of good but cheap wines that are just $10 or less!

Whites

Firestone Sauvignon Blanc Santa Ynez Valley 2005, $9
This varietal has a crisp, expressive character with hints of pear, honeysuckle, kiwi, and citrus. This is the perfect summer wine and it pairs well with shellfish, chicken, or mild Mexican dishes.

Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc South Africa 2004, $9
This white is fresh and full-bodied with aromas of grass, peppers and vibrant tropical fruit. It pairs well with seafood and poultry.

Barefoot California Moscato, $7
Barefoot Wines, out of Sonoma, California, has a variety of whites and reds in the price range of $7 to $12. Their brand-new Moscato is a semi-sweet white wine that has flavors of peach, apricot, and citrus. It is perfect on its own or paired with Asian cuisine, light desserts, or fresh fruit and cheeses. Barefoot also produced a variety of bubblies for under $10.

Alianca Vinho Verde Portugal, $7
very light summer wine that is medium-dry and crisp. It has fruity notes and is well-balanced on the palate. It is good on its own or paired with salad, seafood, chicken or pasta.

Vina Sila Las Brisas 2004, $10
This white from Spain’s Rueda region has a fresh, citrus flavor with aromas of fresh grass. Pair with spicy shellfish or creamy chilled soups.

>> Tips for buying, serving and enjoying wine

Reds

Henry’s Drive Pillar Box Red 2004 Australia, $10
This rich red blend of shiraz and cabernet has a bold flavor with notes of blackberries and chocolate. It is a dark inky color and is very smooth and sweet. It pairs very well with steak, beef, or heavy desserts.

J. Vidal-Fleury Côtes du Rhône France 2003, $7
This blend of Grenache, syrah, mourvèdre, cinsault, and carignan has ripe, plum flavors with hints of baked fruit and herbs. A great everyday wine which pairs well with poultry, pasta, or even shellfish.

Doña Paula Los Cardos Malbec Argentina 2004, $9
This bold and robust red has hints of chocolate and coffee, which makes it a good after dinner wine. It is a deep violet color and has a long finish.

Casillero Del Diablo Carmenere Chile 2004, $10
A delicious combination of Cabernet and Merlot, this deep red only tastes expensive. It has aromas of dark plums, black currant, chocolate, and oak, which give it a rich mouth feel. It pairs well with light dishes such as meat and vegetables or ripe cheeses.

Bogle California Old Vine Zinfandel 2003, $9
This wine shows flavors of bold berries such as blackberries, black cherries and raspberries with subtle tones of vanilla and oak. It is pleasing on the palate with a bold finish. Pair it with fruity entrees and desserts.