Spend a Few Dollars More and Enjoy These Wines With Your Next Meal

I’m always on the lookout for good, reliable wines that are bargain priced at under $10 a bottle. But if you step up your wine budget just a few dollars more, you’ll find that you open the door to a whole new world of wine that provides you with a broader – and many times better – range of choices.

Today’s selections are not only great for enjoying by the glass, they also provide you with excellent wines for pairing up with a variety of foods.

For starters, try the Kiona Vineyards 2005 White Riesling (about $10). This Washington State Riesling has a lovely floral aroma and lush peach, melon and apricot flavors that glide into a silky, honey-like finish. Try it with spicy Asian cuisine for a nice food/wine contrast.

I think the Washington 2003 Merlots are really drinking well right now and the Hogue Cellars 2003 Genesis Merlot (about $11) is another good example. This Columbia Valley red is a bit woodsy for starters, but ample breathing time will allow some nice dark berry and cherry flavors to shine through. Serve it with a juicy steak and a baked potato and you’re good to go.

The St. Josef’s Wine Cellar 2005 Pinot Noir (about $13) is a tasty red wine from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, with plenty of raspberry and strawberry flavors backed by subtle acidity and a touch of vanilla on the finish. A nice little Pinot at this price point; it should pair well with pork, duck or poultry dishes.

Finally, the Gnarly Head Cellars 2005 Old Vine Zinfandel (about $15) is definitely worth a taste. Mouth-watering plum and berry flavors with gentle touches of licorice and spice highlight this textbook Zin from Central California. It’s a natural to serve with barbeque meats and vegetables, or give it a try with your next pepperoni pizza.