Bottles can be bought for around $10

Aside from the lip and teeth stains of red wine that are left to assuage, there really isn’t anything better than a good splash of the red or white stuff to accompany a perfectly grilled steak or fillet of fish (or to linger on it’s own).

As we stroll the aisles looking for a bottle of something that will make our palate sing, we’re left to contemplate on what bottle to choose. No, as a self-professed foodie, I am not even close to proclaiming to be a sommelier, but I, like many, enjoy wine for its many attributes.

Before you pick the one with the prettiest label (admit it!) consider some budget friendly wines that have received rave reviews!

• (Red) Farnese Sangoivese $10.49

Has a mid-depth scarlet colour, almost purple. The main aroma is strawberry with black cherry and a hint of wood. It tastes medium-bodied with spicy plum and cherry fruit and a typically Italian bite of acidity.

• (Red)Mezzomondo Negroamaro Salento $10.49

This wine is a runaway success at this price. Old World ambiance with deep colour, ripe cherry–plum fruit, vanilla and cedary, peppery spice. Medium weight, substantial feel; some heat and dry tannin.

• (White) Fuzion Chenin Torrontes $9.99

The colour is greenish yellow. On the nose, rose muscat (a type of grape), and lychee aromas. The taste (or as real wino’s describe “mouth”) is well balanced, medium-dry and has a nice balance of acidity and freshness. Tropical fruits and floral flavours finish this full-bodied wine. It will be a good match with your everyday meals.

• (Red) Aresti Pinot Noir $9.99

Described as restrained, but not bombastic - earthy, mushroomy- bright strawberry fruit. Some floral or hay notes. You can taste vanilla ice cream and strawberry rhubarb pie. Some steaminess late in the palate. Wonderful food wine. Good acidity. Overall a very pleasant wine for foodies on a budget.

• (Red) MezzoMondo Negroamaro Rosso Salento 2007 $10.29

This one offers lots and lots of vanilla on the nose, and also blackberries, raspberries, and spices. It is long and lush and mouth-filling on the palate, which adds leather and tar and features firm tannins that end with an “oomph.” Has been noted to be a tiny bit sweet. It is an excellent value at the price, and a great place to start to explore this grape and style of wine.

• (White) Concha y Toro Frontera Sauvignon Blanc 2007 $9.49

When the weather turns a bit nicer, some of us strike for refreshment. Not the kind you can find in a butt-kickin' red. Something to quench our thirst. First on the nose is peach, citrus as we all know a SB to have also. Notably is the drinkability. Nothing offensive about it at all. Best perfectly chilled. Crisp, clean and nothing left behind (aforementioned tannins). Not over the top fruit though. Peaches, citrus and even a hint of green grass. If there was a perfect summer wine out there, this has to rank up there quite nicely. Two thumbs up.
As always, I love your feedback. If you have a favourite, budget wine, I want to hear all about it! Cheers!

Jill Lewis-Watts is a Kennebecasis Valley mom of two who has been practicing a frugal lifestyle for five years. To contact her, email frugalitynb@yahoo.com.