Yikes! Prices for everything are going up, and rapidly. Gasoline, food, clothing. Even houses in certain locations. NPR reports that housing near Metro Stations in Washington, DC and Atlanta are actually rising as more and more people are willing to pay more for a house so they can get out of thier cars. (Toscano and Downtown Dadeland here in Miami should soon reflect that trend)It may be just a current situation but no doubt living is getting more expensive.So how can we continue to enjoy good wine as an aperitif or with our meals? I’ve been on a quest. Turns out that in France there is a glut of very, very good wine. So much in fact that the bad wine is now being turned into ethanol as the farmers are reluctant to rip up the vineyards. And the global competion is also keepng prices down. Wines from all over are popping up in our stores at remarkably low prices for the qualitiy in the bottle. Here are a few I have spotted. Some I have tried at tastings and others I buy for everyday use. It helps to beat inflation. These are available at wine shops, liquor stores, and grocery stores.Let’s start with Argentina:Gascon makes delicious Syrah and Malbec for $7 and $8 respectively. Their premium Malbec, called Don Miguel, is only $12.Luigi Bosca’s 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve should be on sale for $13. And Amancaya’s 2006 Cabernet/Merlot Blend from Mendoza is excellent at $14.Not to be outdone, the Chileans continue to lead South America in quality and value:Montes Cabernet Sauvignon is on sale for under $8.Unbelievably, Walnut Crest Merlot (yes, from Chile) 2005 was a “doorbuster” at $3.99 (marked down from $6.99)And for a crisp, warm weather white (we need that here) try the 2007 Sauvignon Blanc from Casa Lapastolle (Rapel Valley, Chile) for under $10.While we are still in the Southern Hemisphere check out Australia:Hill of Content Shiraz @ $12. and Marquis Phillips Shiraz @ $14 are both delicious fruit bobms with great reputations. I recently saw a Shiraz from Jindalee at an amazing $5.And neighboring New Zealand, known for their Sauvignon Blanc, has Kim Crawford 2007 Sauvignon Blanc ranging from $12 to $15 depending on sales. Also look for Redcliffe Sauvignon Blanc @ about $12.If you are not happy with the way the US dollar is declining in the global monetary market, and/or you just want to stick with the good ole US of A ,then you can drink very well with these goodies:Cycles Gladiator 2005 Merlot (Central Coast California) $8.Sterling 2006 Sauvignon Blanc (Napa) $11.Toasted Head ( from the winery of R.H. Phillips) 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (California North Coast) $8. They also make a Russian River (California) 2005 Chardonnay for $14.Truly a fabulous deal is the Edna Valley 2006 Chardonnay (California) $10.The old but still revered Louis Martini (Napa) has a 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon for $15.I have seen, but not yet tried, Bearboat Russina River Valley 2005 Pinot Noir advertised for $15.And keep an eye out for the fastest rising star in America, Washington State.Try Snoqualmie Winery. Their 2006 Sauvignon Blanc is $7 and their 2006 “Naked” Riesling is almost 100% organically grown and a bargain at $10.Columbia Crest in Washington is always a reliable source for red and white wines.Some of these suggestions have come from Miami Herald wine writer/critic, fellow blogger, and man about town Fred Tasker. Check out his incredibly cool, hugely informative blog, complete with videos, sources and lots of fun wine stuff. He’s at www.miamiherald.com/Wine. He has a lot more time than I do.You should be able to drink well and save some money for gas with these ideas.Enjoy!
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