Feel festive, stay frugal with these vine values under $15

Feel festive, stay frugal with these vine values under $15

Look for wines from lesser-known wine regions such as those in Bulgaria, Turkey or Croatia, says Mike DeSimone, who with Jeff Jenssen is author of the recently released book, Wines of California.

Once upon a time, California abounded with sub-$15 wines, but these days it more resembles a desert populated by sparse and prickly wines that I don't really feel like drinking.

Contrast that with the incredible number of reasonably priced imports coming from Greece, France, Chile, Argentina and more, and you have to feel sorry for most American winemakers, he says.

Two French wines made the list, with one being the 2014 Chateau de Fontenille Bordeaux Blanc recommended by Ray Isle, executive wine editor of Food & Wine magazine.

Light red in color, it's "very juicy and easy to drink."

Bonarda, a red grape, is "the next red wine from Argentina you're going to be drinking after you grow weary of malbec," Alsop predicts.

Loaded with "wild blackberries, pepper, African violets and a hint of bacon," the syrah is a perfect burger wine, he says.

Chateau Burgozone viognier from Bulgaria — aromas of orange zest and pineapple, with flavors of citrus and stone fruits.

A white wine made from 100 percent grasevina grapes, it's light and fruity and pairs perfectly with lighter holiday recipes, says DeSimone.

[...] notes Kravitz, "there is no greater joy, when it comes to wine, than finding a bottle that has depth, shows a sense of place and that you can afford on any given night."