Two Princes Riesling 2008
$14
Made entirely from the riesling grape, this wine balances tart acidity with just a touch of sweetness and has notes of peach and nectarine, says Jay Youmans, master of wine and educational director of the Capital Wine School in Bethesda, Maryland.
Region: Nahe, Germany
Drink with: Sushi, Asian food
King Estate Acrobat Pinot Gris 2008
$12
This flexible wine displays beautiful, sweet grapefruit, blood orange, and pineapple, says Thomas Perez, wine director for Mirabel Hotel and Restaurant Group in California.
Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Drink with: Tapas, seafood, abalone, any dish with citrus
Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2008
$11
This wine has intense aromas of bell pepper, jalapeño, and grapefruit, and a bright, tart finish, Youmans says.
Region: Casablanca, Chile
Drink with: Grilled tuna
Rudi Wiest Rhein River Riesling 2007
$10
"Rudi Wiest's taste in riesling is impeccable, and there's nothing wrong with enjoying a soft, fruity wine," says Doug Frost, a Kansas City wine and spirits writer and consultant, master sommelier, and master of wine.
Region: Rheinhessen, Germany
Drink with: Asian food
Orsolani La Rustìa 2008
$14
This versatile wine features an intense aroma of pear, litchi, and honey, followed by apples and peaches. On the palate, it is crisp and minerally, yet delicate, Perez says.
Region: Piedmont, Italy
Drink with: Hamachi sashimi, scallop ceviche, anything rich and salty like white truffle risotto
Kris Pinot Grigio 2008
$12
"This wine packs much more flavor and character than your average pinot grigio," Youmans says. It's crisp and dry with notes of apple, pear, and melon.
Region: Alto Adige, Italy
Drink with: Pasta dishes featuring seafood and cream sauces
La Vieille Ferme Rouge 2007
$9
A blend of grenache, syrah, cinsault, and carignan, this wine offers raspberry and dried strawberry flavors along with some black plum and hints of blueberry. "La Vieille Ferme isn't just successful, it's also really tasty," Frost says.
Region: Rhône Valley, France
Drink with: Chicken, pork, grilled salmon
Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap 2008
$12
This full-bodied blend of two red grapes—syrah and mourvdere—with the white grape viognier has complex notes of spice, smoke, game, and leather. "The result is stunning, particularly for the money," Youmans says.
Region: Cape of Good Hope, South Africa
Drink with: Grilled New York strip, venison
d’Arenberg “The Custodian” Grenache 2007
$15
A rich, full-bodied wine with great depth and complexity, loaded with plum, vanilla, and spices, and finished with a hint of cedar, Perez says.
Region: McLaren Vale, Australia
Drink with: Lamb, soft cheeses
Laurel Glen Reds 2007
$10.50
The Reds are a few rebellious varieties (zinfandel, carignan, and petite syrah) with sappy, red currant and black plum notes. "It's a surprisingly sturdy wine with food and a great bargain," Frost says.
Region: Lodi, California
Drink with: Brisket, burgers
Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2009
$10
This medium-bodied wine has lovely notes of cherries, earth, and spice, and a soft, supple finish. It's high-quality value pinot noir, Youmans says.
Region: Valle Central, Chile
Drink with: Grilled salmon, roasted pork tenderloin
MandraRossa Nero d'Avola 2008
$9
"Sicily was for too long known mostly for rustic plonk, but this medium-bodied wine is thoroughly modern, with black cherry and dark plum flavors, plenty of spice, and just a bit of mineral," Frost says.
Region: Sicily, Italy
Drink with: Grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, pasta with mushrooms
Las Rocas Garnacha 2007
$14
"This lush, spicy wine is delicious," Youmans says. It has aromas of dried red fruits, herbs, and pomegranate, and flavors of raspberries and jam.
Region: Calatayud, Spain
Drink with: Pizza, grilled sausage, burgers
J. Vidal Fleury Côtes du Rhône 2007
$14
A soft, fruity, and spicy blend of grenache, syrah, and mourvedre rounded by sweet tannins and cracked pepper, Perez says
Region: Rhône Valley, France
Drink with: Rich, hearty meats like venison
Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec 2008
$15
Plummy, blueberry richness, along with some barrel spices (cinnamon, vanilla) and a mouth-filling intensity, Frost says.
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Drink with: Lamb, grilled or smoked meats
Bodegas Castano Monastrell 2008
$9
"Castano makes a few expensive—and delicious—wines, but I love the fat, dense, chewy, spiced dark cherry character of this one," Frost says.
Region: Yecla, Spain
Drink with: Steaks, ribs