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Great wines at low prices |
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United States
History: While the United States will never catch up in winemaking years, some states are making up for time with innovation. California, Oregon and Washington wines have become international sensations with their great grapes.
Celebrated varietals: California's Napa Valley is now home to some of the world's best-selling value wines, including Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 for about $9.99, depending on where you shop. Washington and Oregon have great vineyards producing excellent white wines, such as the 2007 Grand Estates Chardonnay for around $12.99 and the Erath 2007 Pinot Gris for about $15.
Best buys: For Kevin Brown, winemaker for R&B Cellars, the best value of them all is America's heritage grape, the zinfandel, a red wine that tastes like berry fruits.
"Zinfandel is just a phenomenal wine and the very best zinfandel isn't going to cost you more than $70 a bottle," Brown says. A good zinfandel to buy would be Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2007, which is rich and tastes like ripe fruit and is priced around $15.
"You can't say that about just about any other varietals -- the best cabernets, pinot noirs and chardonnays cost in the thousands," he says.
Some wine connoisseurs, especially those from the Old World countries, believe American wines often are overmarketed and overpriced. While this is debatable, the best American value may not be in the big-league regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. Smith says to look for up-and-coming American regions, like Paso Robles, Calif., for great buys. Paso Robles produces cabernet sauvignon, syrah, zinfandel, merlot and pinot noir and are known for their consistency. "Also try different varietals. Don't just try chardonnays and pinots," Smith says. "Try some things that are not so mainstream, like petite syrah and sauvignon blanc that can deliver a better value."
One last tip: Some of the more popular importers offer great wines at bargain prices. Look for wines imported by Robert Kacher Selections, Winebow, Kermit Lynch, Michael Skurnik, Terry Theise and Polaner.
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