In case you're not familiar with Jenny & Francois , they import natural wines from all over France, from heavy hitters like Burgundy to unsung heroes like the Côtes de Duras (just northeast of Bordeaux, and considered Southwest France). This can't be sauvignon blanc. And this wine is made from CABERNET SAUVIGNON. MORE >>

One thing I should mention - I did not include red grapes other than Cabernet Franc - no Pinot Noir from Menetou Salon or Sancerre, no Gamay from Anjou.I Sancerre, the darling of wine bars everywhere a few years ago, is made from Sauvignon Blanc. Amazing value in young drinking Cabernet Franc. And $17 - c'mon. MORE >>

BrooklynLady enjoyed her Goose Island Nut Brown Ale from Chicago and I was really impressed with my glass of 2006 Castello di Borghese Sauvignon Blanc (about $20, available at the winery or at Vintage NYC). went with a Gamay from the Loire Valley, a glass of 2006 O. We went to Rosewater , a neighborhood favorite. Beaujolais. MORE >>

My beloved Pinot Noir is the one in little known Menetou-Salon, which has generated more attention for its whites made from Sauvignon Blanc than it has for reds. They use Malbec, Gamay, and even Cabernet Sauvignon in Muscadet, Anjou, and Saumur. And at a fraction of the price. And yet, so enjoyable. in his notes. MORE >>

Actually, it's a blend of Pinot and Gamay, so maybe instead I should say that it's the finest under $15 red wine of the season. That's right, no matter how wonderful your Pinot or Cabernet Sauvignon might be in a given year, if you bottle wine made solely from that varietal, your wine becomes Vins de Pays, not Cheverny. It costs $13.50 MORE >>