Good Wine, Bad Economy

Spring is the time for many family get-togethers and special celebrations. Good wines add to the festivities, but given the economy, few people want to splurge on wine. "The Wine Goddess" Diana Hamann, says you don't have to skip the wine if you how to find a few value-oriented gems. She has some suggestions from her recently published "Cheap n' Good Wine List: 2009," available on the home page of www.winegoddess.com.
Bubbly:
*Reginato Rose of Malbec, 2007, Mendoza, Argentina; $18.50
White Wine:
Story continues belowAdvertisementBurgans Albarino, 2007, Rias Baixas, Spain; $13.50
*Inama Soave Classico, 2007, Veneto, Italy; $14.50
Manciat Macon-Charnay, 2006, Burgundy, France; $19.95
Crios Torrontes, 2008, Cafayate, Argentina; $16.50
Mason Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc, 2007, California; $10.95
Red Wine:
*Delta Pinot Noir, 2007, Marlborough, New Zealand; $19.95
Colosi Nero d'Avola, 2007, Sicily, Italy; $13.50
Chateau d'Oupia Minervois, 2007, Languedoc, France; $10.50
*Marco Real Tempranillo, 2005, Navarra, Spain; $9.95
La Posta "Cocina Blend," 2007, Mendoza, Argentina; $14.95

* indicates Wine Goddess special pick
Top Tips for "Cheap n' Good" Wine Acquisition
You don't need to be rich to drink well; you just need to know how to buy wisely, says Diana Hamann.
Get to know your local wine merchantthey're the very best tool for sourcing inexpensive gems--put them to work for you, it's their job!
Take advantage of all the free wine tastings at retailers around town-where you can actually taste before you buy. This is a great place to taste eclectic selections from far-flung, geographically un-locate-able appellations you might otherwise pass by. This is where the values are.
Take a wine class-we offer a wine class called "Cheap n' Good Wines" at The Chopping Block www.thechoppingblock.net
Start a tasting group with friends with themed tasting sessions such as "Under $15 and Fabulous!"