Pinot Noir $20 and less

Combined with demand and the grape's persnickety nature, the price of California Pinot Noir has escalated, with many good wines costing $40 and more. Some - especially limited production bottlings - can command upwards of $60. And don't even consider venturing into really good French Burgundy territory unless you aren't too worried about the current economy.

Winemakers in more countries are trying their hand with Pinot Noir with varying success. German, Italian, South African and South American Pinots can be found, though it can take several tries to find good and more reasonably priced examples.

Better bets are those from areas with a longer track record like California, Oregon and New Zealand. Here are five widely available wines that you don't have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy.

2007 A to Z Wineworks Oregon Pinot Noir ($20) It is noteworthy to find a nice Oregon Pinot Noir at or below the $20 mark since many wineries have limited production. A to Z - a negociant effort founded in 2002 - currently vinifies several varietals, upwards of 120,000 cases a year. This wine's sweet dark cherry and slight earthiness has some weight and dark fruit bolstering the leaner cherry, which is typical of most Oregon Pinots.

2007 Castle Rock Mendocino Pinot Noir ($12) Greg Popovich founded this winery in 1994 with the goal of making good, affordable, appellation-specific wine. Consulting winemaker August Briggs produced eight 2007 Pinot Noir bottlings including one each from Willamette Valley (Oregon) and Columbia Valley (Washington state). Floral, cherry and vanilla bean aromas and flavors are supported with acidity in this nicely made, well-balanced wine.

2006 Fuedo Arancio Sicilian Pinot Noir ($10) Arancio makes 100 percent varietal wine from its 1,500 acres of vineyards located on Sicily's southern coast. Aromas of black cherry, baking spice and woodsy hints meld with dense cherry with cranberry highlights on the palate. Medium-bodied; finishes with slight tannic grip on the finish and would be great with grilled salmon. (Importer: Prestige Wine Imports)

2008 Innocent Bystander Victoria Pinot Noir ($20) Best known for Shiraz, Australia is doing well with other grape varieties, including ventures to Pinot-land. We liked this winery's Moscato and also enjoy its Pinot Noir. The nose offers layered aromas: juicy sweet cherry, slight loam, subtle spice and violet/floral undertones. A moderately full palate of Bing cherry and pomegranate fruitiness is balanced by the wine's good acidity. (Importer: Old Bridge Cellars)

2008 Matua Valley Wines Marlborough Pinot Noir ($14) This 35-year-old winery's Regional Series Pinot from winemaker Peter Munro was aged in stainless steel tanks and both new and used French oak barrels. It has an almost delicate, tart red berry nose with floral perfume and loamy hints. Intense red plum, Bing and tart cherry flavors and light body make this a great food wine. (Importer: Fosters Wine Estates Imports)