Plenty of Bargain Priced Wines Available for Those on a Budget

Let’s face it, after the holiday season shopping frenzy many of us are a bit strapped for cash. That’s why January is a perfect month to take advantage of bargain-priced wines to serve with your next meal.

The unthinkable alternative would be to temporarily give up wine altogether – a completely unnecessary option when you consider there are plenty of affordable choices to keep both your palate and your pocketbook happy.

For starters, try the Segura Viudas Brut Reserva (pictured at left, about $10). This tasty little Spanish sparkling wine features beautiful tiny bubbles, a pleasant aroma of baked apples, subtle pear flavors and a clean, dry finish.

For chardonnay lovers, the Blackstone Winery 2006 Chardonnay (about $10) is a flavorful, well-priced California white wine that will pair nicely with poultry, salads and pasta dishes. It’s quite tropical, with a generous helping of banana and walnut flavors and a slightly creamy finish.

Also from California is the Gnarly Head Cellars 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (about $12). It’s packed with dense black cherry and blueberry flavors and hints of dark chocolate on the finish, making it a great wine to serve with a pork, duck or lamb entrée.

For a change of pace, the Viu Manent Secreto 2006 Carmenere (about $10) is an unbeatable red wine bargain. This lesser known varietal from Central Chile resembles a cabernet franc with its herbaceousness, but it also has plenty of structure and a finish of white pepper that make it an excellent food wine. Try it with burgers, roast beef or a big, juicy steak and enjoy.