My wife publishes a community newsletter for which she asked me to write a wine column on inexpensive wines (I dont get paid). Always glad to help out:
2007 Sielo Blu Pinot Grigio
$10 Ohio. Alto Adige is an Italian province near the border of Austria and the home to this delicious white wine. The wineries of northern Italy turn out some the best white wines taking advantage of the mountain air and soils. This wine delivers a crisp and fruit filled aroma (think peaches and green apples). It sees no oak when being made allowing the natural vibrancy to remain. It has a lush juicy texture that you rarely find in wines at this price range. It would be a terrific match with sea food or pastas which a cream or cheese sauce. At 12.5% alcohol, it would work great on its own or with some cheeses too. 88
2006 Don Ramon Red Wine
75% Grenache, 25% Tempranillo from Campo de Borga. Purple/ruby in color. The nose has little to offer, perhaps some light raspberries. The palate is bitter without being interesting. Undrinkable on Day 2 and not much better on Day 1. For $8, there are better places to put your money. 77
2005 Mosen Cleto
$10 Ohio. This is a very tasty Spanish wine from the home of some great wine values – the region of Campo de Borja. It has an unusual bottle that is covered with rough particles. I guess it shouldn’t slip out of your hand when pouring, but the wine inside is velvety smooth. From the beautiful purple color, to the attractive nose of vanilla and raspberries to the sweet raspberry and cocoa taste, this is a lovely wine. The grapes come from old vines, some over one hundred years old, which gives it some backbone and complexity. This is a wine that can be sipped on its own or would go great with hearty winter dishes this time of year. 87