Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet is one of the most popular and well-known red wines, and it's easy to see why. This classic grape offers a powerful combination of rich fruit flavor, gripping tannins and aromas of cedar, leather and tobacco. Although this is the grape that produces expensive first growth Bordeaux and the cult Cabernets of California, there are very reasonably priced bottles. The wines of Chile, in particular, offer great bang for the buck. Santa Rita, Los Vascos and Casa Lapostalle all produce very nice Cabernets in the $7-12 range. There are also some great bargains from California and Australia such as the Martin Ray Angeline ($9) or Red Knot ($12).
Merlot: Nine times out of 10, Cabernet in the $7-12 range is much better in quality and value than Merlot at the same price. Personally, I don't have much of an affinity for this variety, although I've tried some excellent Merlots that were quite pricey. Try some of the other options I've outlined here first, and if you're still craving Merlot, ask your local wine merchant what he or she recommends.
Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir is often known as the heartbreak grape, as it is difficult to grow and turn into great wine. Unfortunately, this means that there are few Pinot Noirs worth drinking under $20. Pepperwood Grove ($10) and Ramsay ($14) are two affordable and dependable options, but they are somewhat watery and unexciting.
Syrah/Shiraz: Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape-the name varies depending on where the wine is produced (in Australia and South Africa it's called Shiraz; in California and France it's called Syrah). This wine is full of intense berry fruit, pepper and spice. Australia offers some great Shiraz at reasonable prices. Wishing Tree ($9) and Annie's Lane ($12) are two favorites. From California, I would recommend Bonny Doon Syrah ($11) and Fusée (not as good, but a steal at $6!).
Red Zinfandel: Not to be confused with white Zinfandel, a cloyingly sweet blush wine, red Zinfandel is a powerhouse of a beverage. High in alcohol and jammy flavors, red Zinfandel is a rich wine that can stain one's teeth. A true American variety, almost all the best Zinfandels are found in California. Cline Zinfandel ($9) is a delicious steal that offers amazing flavor and body for its price. Other great buys include the Bogel Old Vines ($11) and Peachy Canyon Incredible Red ($10), both of which are full of spice and blackberry flavor.
Beaujolais: Produced near Burgundy from the gamay grape, Beaujolais is France's classic bistro wine: simple, tasty and inexpensive. Try to avoid the incessant hype surrounding Beaujolais Nouveau; more often than not, this wine tastes watery and unexciting. Much better are Beaujolais Villages, which are blends from the different crus, or growths, of the area and rarely cost more than $10. The individual crus are a bit more expensive, but offer more flavor for the money. Fleurie ($17) tastes exactly like it sounds: light, fruity and floral. Morgon ($14), on the other hand, is the most powerful and tannic, an ideal partner for beef stew. The largest and least expensive producer of Beaujolais is Georges Deboeuf ($17).
Those are all the wine recommendations I can fit in this week's edition of the Flaming Chef. I hope you've enjoyed these last two columns as much as I've loved writing them. Wine is a great passion of mine, and I have been continually studying the subject for the past three years. Enjoy the recommendations and drop me a line at clibman@amherst.edu to let me know what you think!