This blog is dedicated to some of my favorite (and your favorite) wines that won't hurt our recession-faced wallets.  It's true, times are tough and everyone is looking to save a penny or two, so here's what I suggest trying:
For light tasty whites:
-Can't go wrong with an Albarino from Spain (this is the grape varietal).  The peach and apricot aromatics of the Burgans Albarino is wallet-friendly AND delicious!  The wine is creamy on the mid-palate, and really expressive, and is sincerely some of the best value-dollar AND seafood-friendly wines on the market.
-Also, go and explore the world of Italian whites. Prosecco is great, but if you can get your hands on a Franciacorta sparkling white from Piedmont, you will be in heaven, I promise.   Others you should try come from southern Italy: Greco di Tufo, Fiano di Avellino, Falanghina...
For Lighter Reds:
-Palmina winery from Santa Barbara specializes in Italian varietals.  All of their wines have the feminine touch (it's a husband-wife team).  My favorite is her barbera.  She also makes a Tocai to die for (it's a white from north eastern Italy)
-Lane Tanner (again another female winemaker) makes the most sensual, delicate and complex pinots around.  She's based out of Santa Barbara, but her style is right out of burgundy..her wines are ethereal, all of her pinots are amazing :-) 
-I can't help but mention Barnett Vineyards based out of Napa.  His Russian River Pinot is truly layers upon lavish layers of palate pleasure.
-Oh, and Milla Handley of Handley wines also makes fantastic pinots..yummy! (they aren't super cheap, but worth every single penny)
For Bigger Bolder Reds:
- Sick of paying California real estate?  me too...get out and get your palates to Washington.  I love the Cabs and syrahs coming out of that neck of the woods.  Try the Dunham Cellars Syrah..it's huge but is so dark wild berries, you feel like you're eating them fresh..blueberries, blackberries,  you get the drift... Or try the DiStefano Cabernet, another berry tasty big red. (I'm cheesy, I know)
-Go with Spain!  They offer great value to dollar.  The Bodegas Nekeas Garnacha is totally affordable and has some depth and complexity to it, not to mention a nice spicy finish.  I also have grown fond of wines coming out of Priorato and Jumilla regions. If you can find the Pico Madama, buy it! 
-2001 Brunellos 2003 Barolos you can't really go wrong.  The marchesi di Barolo 2003 is drinking insanely good right now (still really young, but if you're a impulsive wine buyer, this is right up your alley)
Okay, that's enough wine shopping homework for now!  See you soon :-)
 
Lindsay Pomeroy, CSW
Director Events and Marketing
Wine Director, Dussini Mediterranean Bistro, The House of Congress, Dudley's Wine and Gifts
Principal Consultant, The Wine Smarties