The Great White Hope in Wine

While many newcomers to the vineyards are intimidated by the price of a bottle of wine, the worry is often misguided. In fact, some of the savviest connoisseurs I know have come to appreciate value more than price and "cheap finds" more than the "expensive gems" when it comes to wine.

I think of it this way: I am rarely disappointed by a bottle of wine under $20. My expectations are tempered and the pleasant surprises outdistance the vinegar-like bottles 10-to-1. However, when I am disappointed by a $50-$100 bottle of wine I am really disappointed, sometimes to the point of tarnishing an otherwise lovely evening.

There are a number of tips on finding great value. Some say it has to do with the grape. In reds, instead of a Cabernet, look to the Merlots or the Pinot Noirs for value. Among whites, instead of looking toward the suave Chardonnay, try the crisp taste of Sauvignon Blanc or even the Vigoner.

With that in mind, today we embark on a journey of inexpensive -- dare I say cheap? -- wine. And, in this case, I guarantee you that those who don't know the price will ever call you cheap when you serve these wines at your next social gathering.

The ABCs of White Wine: Anything but Chardonnay

We begin this journey with tasty yet inexpensive whites. While many wine enthusiasts swear by their California Chards, there is a growing number of wine pundits that think as I do; while California Chardonnays are nice, many have become way over-oaked (think sap from your favorite oak tree for some) and almost all of the first-class Chardonnays have developed egos -- and prices to match -- that are rarely justified. Sure, there are exceptions, but Chardonnays have become far too popular for the contrarian wine drinker.