Cheap Cheap!

Nothing beats a good bottle of wine. And nothing beats a CHEAP bottle of good wine.

Two recent finds to seek out:

Du Peloux Ugni Blanc/Viognier 2004, Vin de Pays de Vaucluse, France--The south of France is a bargain hunters dream when it comes to quaffable, inexpensive wines. This little number was found at Trader Joe's for a whopping 5.99! Notes of ripe pear, melon, apricot, with a touch of honeysuckle and white flower. Medium body. A little oily. Short finish.

Yasa 'Old Vines' Macabeo 2005, Calatayud, Spain--Made from knotty 50 year-old vines in Spain's Catalonia region. Macabeo is one of the grapes used to make Cava and also widely used in white Rioja (where it is known as Viura). On its own, it makes a fresh, clean white wine perfect for quaffing on 90 degree, 100% humidity days. Picked this one up at the Wine Specialist for 7.99! Notes of green apple, tropical fruits and citrus fruits. Fresh. Crisp. Zingy. Slightly nutty. Lingering finish.

Photo of old Macebeo vines courtesy of www.kysela.com