Being involved in the wine game, I am sometimes asked by the uninitiated, “What’s your favorite wine?” Like almost every other wine lover I find this question impossible to answer. I have dozens of favorite wines and the list can change almost on a daily basis depending on place, food, company, time of day and my own natural disinclination to be pigeon-holed.

Many of us here at ABC Wine Country are fortunate enough to be able to travel the world and taste some of the greatest (and most expensive) wines in existence. And many of us have our own cellars containing some of these great wines. But I must say that even if I had millions in the bank and could drink whatever I pleased I would still be unable to give up many under $10 wines.

As it happens I do not have millions in the bank so, like most of us, I often save the great wines for special occasions and buy wine on a budget for daily use. Fortunately this is not a great problem as there are some absolute beauties out there in the budget range.

For anyone wanting to buy on a budget, I would offer two general—but not inviolable—rules:

1. Stay away from many of the major noble grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir. These are expensive grapes to grow. Chances are you won’t find a good one under $15 or a great one under $20

2. Stay away from the (usually big name and often line-priced) brands whose business model is based on market shares rather than making good honest wine with what they’ve got. Of course winemakers and estate owners should live well and make good money. Fortunately many of them also want to craft an enjoyable wine that they can be proud of. Unfortunately a few of them don’t care what goes into the bottle as long as the style and label reflect a current market trend or niche.

So here are a few of my under $10 suggestions

Domaine de Joy (Côtes de Gascogne) – This used to be my house white a few years ago and I still enjoy it. Made from 50% Colombard, 25% Ugni Blanc and 25% Gros Manseng the wine is fresh and crisp with an elegant fruitiness, makes a perfect aperitif or pairs well with all light seafood dishes.

Bernard Magrez Tranquillité Rosé (Vin de Pays D’Oc) – They used to say that dry rosé is a summer drink, but I love it year round! Especially here in Florida – what’s not to love? This one is 100% Grenache and has a beautiful pale pink color with enticing dry fruit. What’s more, it pairs with so many kinds of food – Mediterranean cuisine, cold cuts, picnic foods, grilled fish and salads among them.

Sabor Real Joven (Toro) – Estate bottled from 70 year old vines, this Spanish red is made from Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo). It is lush and spicy and has good body and balance with notes of ripe red berries. The current (2008) vintage received 90 points from Wine Advocate.

Plumeria Moscato D’Asti DOCG – Moscato is a delightful wine but with the sudden demand for it in the marketplace, some unscrupulous companies are frankly putting out some real junk. But never fear! Here is a very pleasant Moscato from the homeland of great Moscato – Asti in the northwest of Italy. Try it
with fresh fruit salad or even in a wineglass over fresh fruit salad.

So there you have it. Maybe in future I’ll keep you posted on more of these inexpensive little beauties. In the meantime, how do I answer when I’m asked what my favorite wine is? Usually I say “Whatever one is in front of me at the moment!” Cheers!

Bill Stobbs, ABC Wine Supervisor

Follow me on Twitter @abcwinebills