A cheap-ass glass

Worldly wines that won't break the bank

By TYLER BALLIET

del.ico.us | digg it! | reddit!

print | email | 0 Comments

Common sense dictates that when purchasing sushi or a tattoo, it is important not to skimp on the price—there's no point risking ringworm or having that badass eagle on your chest looking like a turkey. The saying "you get what you pay for" is true for many consumer items, but luckily wine is not one of them.

Wine prices vary dramatically from region to region, making your local wine shop a place where Rodeo Drive meets a Thai bazaar. All it takes is a little insider info, and you can drink like the Four Seasons at Motel 6 prices. In future columns we'll dive deeper into the hierarchy of regions, but for now, this is your cheap wine cheat sheet.

SOUTH AMERICA

No other place in the world is exporting this much inexpensive, yet high-quality, wine. Chile has become the Southern Hemisphere's king of Cabernet Sauvignon with bottles starting at only a few bucks. Even the high-end Chilean stuff is affordable, compared to the big ballers from Napa Valley or Bordeaux. Next-door Argentina is cranking out its bold, juicy rockstar Malbec along with more unique varietals, such as earthy Bonarda and the crisp and floral Torrontés. Even Uruguay has jumped into the mix growing the little-known red, Tannat.

Undurraga Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile ($12) is available at Downtown Wine and Spirits [225 Elm St., Davis Sq., Somerville. 617.625.7777. downtownwineandspirits.com]

NEW ZEALAND

They may have more sheep than people, but this country is producing great wine for the money. The Kiwis are best known for their Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, which has grassy flavors with a crisp, citrus acidity, but they also produce high-quality Pinot Noir and Bordeaux-style blends of Cabernet and Merlot. Most major wineries here have switched to screw caps, but fear not—we assure you it's actually better and cheaper than a cork.

Matua Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand ($15) is available at Brookline Liquor Mart [1354 Comm. Ave., Allston. 617.734.7700. blmwine.com]

SPAIN

This is our sparkling wine country of choice. The Spanish produce enough Cava—their version of Champagne without the heavy price tag—to flood your next party in drunken sexy enjoyment. If you crave red, the big jammy wines from sun-soaked Jumilla and the Tempranillo blends from Ribero del Duero are a terrific bargain.

Vinos Sin-Ley M2 Monastrell from Spain ($8) is available at Blanchards [741 Centre St., Jamaica Plain. 617.522.9300. blanchardsliquor.com]

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

One of the last major wine frontiers in the western United States, this region produces top-notch, Bordeaux-style blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Young wineries are shaking things up with unique takes on the classics like the Owen Roe "Sinister Hand", an artful blend of traditional Rhone grapes. Larger and more established wineries like Chateau Ste. Michelle pump out full-bodied and affordable Riesling and Gewürztraminer, showing the full diversity and range of this region.

House Red by Magnificent Wine Co. ($10) is available at Bauer Wine & Spirits [330 Newbury St., Boston. 617.262.0363. bauerwines.com]

FOR MORE INFORMATION: THESECONDGLASS.COM