In Europe, wine is a beverage, here in the US, it’s a profit maker.  Unlike Europe, it’s just not part of our history or culture, and as you make your way towards the middle of the country, a decent bottle of wine is often treated (and priced) like a rare delicacy.  –I have a funny story about trying to buy Italian wine in Sioux Falls SD-  Luckily, here in NYC (and most large metro areas in the US), there is a strong demand for solid everyday wines at everyday prices.  Finding them is not exactly easy.  Here’s my shortlist of reds, and at the end, a full disclosure:

The Deals:

Rene Junot (France) – 1.5 liter (double bottle) $10 – $14; 750ml $6 – $8

Masciarelli Montepulciano (Italy) – 1.5 liter $15 – $18; 750ml $8 – $10

Grifone Primitivo (Italy) – 750ml $6 (Trader Joe’s exclusive)

Arboreto Montepulciano (Italy) – 750ml $7 – $9

I have some friends who are actual, real life, wine experts.  They know A LOT more than I do about wine, and they are very good at what they do.  I have zero training in the wine field, BUT I have a ton of experience drinking the house wine at restaurants and homes across Europe as well as buying bottles in basic grocery stores from France to Bosnia to The Netherlands.  It’s effortless and affordable.  The wine is part of the meal, whether you’re out or cooking at home.  Last time you went out to dinner, how many wines on the wine list did you really know?  Did you just blindly pick the second cheapest bottle on the list?  Didn’t want to appear “cheap” by ordering the least expensive bottle, right?  Was there a house wine?  If there was, it was likely at the very bottom of the list.  I’m not a big fan of the wine list, it puts so many people in an uncomfortable situation.  I’m not a big fan of going to a family style trattoria restaurant in the East Village or a Pizzeria in Brooklyn Heights with paper table cloths and getting a wine list that starts at $27 for a bottle I’ve never heard of.  I guess a good, simple house wine doesn’t generate the profit margin it needs to.

So the list of wine…it probably won’t help you when your given that daunting wine list at your local trattoria/pizzeria, but these wines are easily found here in wine stores across NY and elsewhere.  It’s worth a shot, you may be pleasantly surprised.  Inexpensive doesn’t have to mean cheap.