Great wine doesn’t have to cost a fortune (though, if you are offering, my glass is ready.)
We are always on the lookout for a solid selection that is quaffable without breaking the bank. Thankfully, in the wide world of wine, there are lots of tasty options from national and international producers that are perfect for everyday enjoyment. Here are a few. #Cheers

Juicy, fruity, and fresh, melding ripe pear, golden citrus, hints of honeydew, and white flowers, Hess Family Estate Pinot Gris ($13) showcases an easy style for effortless enjoyment. Crisp and balanced, crafted sustainably without the use of oak, the wine is intended to be enjoyed in its youth when it is the freshest, enjoyed with creamy cheese, pasta, spring veggies, or simply itself.

Finding the signature selection of key countries across the globe is often a great place to start when looking for quality and affordability. Rioja from Spain, Malbec from Argentina, and Carmenere from Chile deliver bold, earthy, approachable wines with a sense of place. Organically grown in Valle de Colchagua, Chile, Veramonte Carmenere ($12) benefits from the region’s loam and rock-filled, well-draining soils, ensuring vines struggle to find nutrients. Struggling vines create good wine.  Slightly spicy, earthy, and dense, layering blackberry, blueberry, and cherry, the food-friendly wine is perfect with grilled fajitas, flank steak, or sausages.

The Cecchi family has been a part of the wine world since the late 1800s, moving to their home in Castellina within the Chianti region in the 1970s. Italy’s Chianti region has been showcasing the Sangiovese variety for generations. Today the third generation of the Cecchi family crafts their Chianti wines that showcase the terroir, bringing balance and energy to each of their expressive selections. Cecchi Chianti Classico ($18) is juicy and approachable layering ripe raspberry, wild strawberry, and subtle hints of toasted cedar and spice.

Crafted to be enjoyed with family and friends around a table with great food and conversation, each CK Mondavi wine is a varietally correct, balanced beauty that is easy on its own or can easily be added to your favorite cocktails or included as the base of summer sangria. CK Mondavi Pinot Grigio layers ripe pineapple, golden orchard and stone fruit, and fresh citrus. CK Mondavi Sauvignon Blanc had a bit more of an earthy gooseberry note with crisp citrus and soft her. Both are a steal for under $10.

Full-bodied without being overly tannic, revealing the beauty of well made
Negramaro from Salice Salentino within Apulia, the “land between two seas,” sitting between the Ionic Sea and the Adriatic in the south of Italy. The area has long been an agriculture center, with vineyards growing indigenous varieties that thrive in the heat of summer, particularly full-bodied Negroamaro. Marchese di Borgosole Salice Salentino Riserva ($15) reveals layers of ripe red berries, red cherry, and a garigue of herbs including wild thyme, sagebrush, and savory balsamic earthiness. A great weekday night wine, pairing perfectly with braised or grilled meat, or slow-roasted tomato bruschetta.