Pasqua Villa Borghetti Metodo 2010 Passimento Rosso Veneto IGT From Veneto, Italy

This red blend is very drinkable: a non-descript Italian wine that has no standout flavors, but is pleasantly acidic and refined. At $14 or less per bottle, this is a good value.

Paid $13.99 at Petzinger's

Fournier Pere & Fils 2007 Sancerre Les Belles Vignes Rouge From Loire, France

This Pinot Noir is from the Loire Valley, which seems uncommon (only 20% of wines from the area are red). Despite its age, the wine was a delicate red. This pinot noir struck me as a cross between a Sangiovese and a Sauvignon Blanc: earthy and acidic with a somewhat tart finish (and totally unlike U.S. pinot noir). I could drink this wine with or without food, but it is not for everyone.

Paid: $15.99 at Sherry-Lehmann

Beringer Vineyards 2010 Founders' Estate Pinot Noir From California, USA

This is a great Pinot Noir, though I'm struggling to find adjectives to describe it. The wine is aromatic: somewhat floral and perfumey. And it has a beautiful taste, but no individual flavor stands out. Put simply, this is a good, inexpensive red wine. A lot of fun to drink.

Paid $10.99 at Petzinger's in Brooklyn

Georges Duboeuf 2010 Chiroubles From Beaujolais, France

This is the best Georges Duboeuf wine that I've had. It is unlike the Gamay wines that you'd normally associate (stereotype) with Beaujolais. This Red Burgundy is aromatic, almost scented like berries and cream, and tastes of plum, berries and licorice. The price is very reasonable and this wine can be drunk with or without food.

Paid $12.50 at Sherry-Lehmann

Zardetto NV Prosecco di Treviso Brut From Veneto, Italy

This is an excellent Prosecco. We find it superior to Mionetto varieties and it can be purchased at desirable prices. Like most Prosecco, this is best drank before a meal (it can't hold up to hearty foods like a Champagne can), but is perfect for a toast or appetizers.

Paid $9.99 at Sherry-Lehmann

Santero Villa Jolanda NV Asti Spumante DOCG From Piedmont, Italy

This Asti Spumante is very enjoyable unlike the others I've had, which are repulsively sweet. We received this in a gift basket, apparently it can be purchased for $10 or less -- a great deal. Comparable to a good Prosecco and perfect for a toast.

Kerner Estate 2011 Sauvignon Blanc From Marlborough, New Zealand

This Sauvignon Blanc is more distinctive than others from Marlborough, New Zealand, but not better. The wine is acidic and has a citrus finish, almost like a lime rind, which can be disconcerting. It's a perfectly good-if-not overpriced, wine. We prefer Babich Family Estates 2011 Sauvignon Blanc which costs considerably less.

Paid: $21.00 at Chamber's Street Wines via the Marcus Friday Wine Club