Howard W. Hewitt of Grape Sense says his column educates consumers on wine quality. He reports that people who want a great wine for $10 have several good choices. His favorites in this category are Robert Mondavi Central Coast and Menage a Trois.
He cautions you not to pick a wine by its cute label or interesting name.
Menage a Trois is a mass produced wine that will surprise you with its balance, flavor, good finish, and ability to pair with food, he says. The label covers some 15 different wines and is one of the fastest-growing brands in the value category. It's all about red blends like Midnight and Silk at $8.99 or less.
Mondavi's Central Coast scores big with its line varietals at $9.99. The Cab tastes like Pinot Noir.
Other good $10 wines include Bogle, Blackstone, Mark West, Mirrasou and Clos de Bois.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
