Golf-South.net, your link to the Traveling Golfer.

Rick's Picks - October 2008

I'm always on the hunt for a good bargain, especially when out shopping for wine. I like to keep a supply of delicious reds and whites on hand for unexpected company so I don't have to dip into the wine cellar and pull out those treasures that have been purchased for a special occasion.

Never has the world been so overcrowded with wines in the $10-$15 range. Wine regions are tripping over themselves to churn out highly quaffable wines at reasonable prices. And with modern wine making techniques, wineries can produce great wines at lower and lower costs with the savings passed on to you, the consumer.

Some of the best bargain regions include Australia (which started the high quality, low price revolution), Italy, Chile, Germany, Argentina, South Africa, Spain, Washington and some parts of California.

Here are three affordable whites and reds that over-deliver in quality while keeping the costs down. All prices are approximate and differ from province to province.

The whites:

Regata Bianco 2006 ($11)

Loaded with ripe apple, melon and tropical fruits on the nose of this new brand from the big Italian producer Folonari. Fresh and ripe on the palate. A fun little quaffer.

Dog House Patches Pinot Grigio 2006 ($15)

Summer peach aromas that turn to zesty citrus. This is like a bowl of orchard fruits on the palate. A very good dog from California!

Henkell Blanc de Blancs ($14)

Henkell is a big name in affordable bubbly from Germany. I found this little aperitif to be a pleasant surprise and an alternative to French Champagne. Toast, yeast, pear and citrus notes on the nose followed by creamy and spicy flavours on the palate.

The Reds:

Regata Rosso 2005 ($12)

Juicy currants and wild berries that carry to the palate. Easy and worry free red that should please everyone.

The Spanish Quarter 2006 ($14)

This is a blend of cabernet sauvignon and tempranillo from the big Spanish wine house, Codorniu. Cherry, chocolate, spice and herbs on the nose. Cherry tart is the first impression on the palate with a full complement of spice and oak keeping it all together. Pretty darn good red at this price.

Dog House Maxies Merlot 2004
($14 LCBO)

An unpretentious red from California with interesting sweet cherry and black currant aromas. It's soft and fruity on the palate with a touch of cedar and vanilla.