Next week it’s back-to-school week, a week that is looked forward to by parents and dreaded by students.  It’s also a week where there is a major outlay of money for books, school supplies, clothes and those little extras that pop up.  Thankfully, I am all past this but having had four children in school at the same time, I can sympathize with today’s parents.  With all this money being diverted to school supplies, it may not be a good time to by those $20-$30 wines that we enjoyed throughout the summer.  However, we do not need to take a vow of abstinence. There are lots of great bargains out there.

The amount of great value wine coming out of Portugal at the moment is beyond comprehension.  Previously relegated to the “rustic wine” category, improvements in growing and production have increased the quality considerably.  One of the hot up-and-coming regions to look out for is Alentejo.  Located in the south-central part of Portugal and one of Portugal’s most important red wine regions, traditional Portuguese grape varieties dominate the region, but newcomers such as Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon are beginning to make inroads often blended with the local varieties.

The 2007 Herdade Paço do Conde ($11) is a blend of Aragonez (Tempranillo), Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet (Garnacha Tintorera) and Cabernet Sauvignon. Displaying a rich ruby colour with juicy aromas and flavours of red currant, black cherry, strawberry and leather, the palate is soft and lush with juicy black and red fruit flavours and a medium finish.  A superb bargain and a great match with grilled beef (including hamburgers), roast pork, poultry and vegetable stews.  Exceptional bargains such as this do not come around very often and it is always best to grab as much as possible when they do.  A wine that is meant for immediate consumption, it can also be cellared for fall and winter enjoyment.

Italy has long been known for Chianti but those in the know look at other areas for interesting wines.  One of those regions is Tre Venezie or The Three Venices, a region in Northeast Italy which encompasses Verona, Trentino-Alto Adige and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.  Known mainly as the home of Valpolicella and Amarone, Pinot Grigio is also a staple grape producing excellent wines.

The 2010 Gabbiano Pinot Grigio ($15) is a brilliant straw-gold colour with aromas of white flowers, pear, honeydew melon and a hint of orange blossom.  The juicy, crisp texture livens the palate with its complex flavours of green apple, orange and soft lemon-lime.  The finish is lively with a light, crisp mouth feel that reveals hints of citrus and almonds.

Since the debut of Chilean wine in the BC market over 20 years ago, they have, for the most part, been known for their good value wine with the occasional stellar bottling that captures the wine world by surprise.  Nevertheless, with the vast array of varieties like Syrah, Carmenère, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir being produced in unique micro-climate valleys such as Colchagua, Limari, Leyda, Casablanca and others, the potential for Chile is endless.

Produced in the heart of the Colchagua valley, the 2011 Estación Carménère ($13) has a brilliant ruby colour with aromas of blackberry, cassis, black liquorice, black cherry and chocolate liqueur. Flavours of blackberry, black currant, gobs of black liquorice and hints of cherry kirsch are on the palate with a ripe, pure mouth-filling texture that is absolutely delicious.  The finish exhibits soft acidity, smooth tannins on the finish. Enjoy with garlic-roasted lamb, spicy empanadas or fajitas or simply it on its own.

California is not really known for value wines unless you’re drinking from one on the bulk, jug brands.  So value has another meaning here; not cheap, but great value for the price.  The 2010 Cameron Hughes Lot 320 Arroyo Seco Chardonnay ($25) is just such a wine.  This wine shows a light straw-gold colour with a green tinge, luscious aromas of citrusy lime, pineapple, mango and papaya. The palate is rich and full with gobs of luscious tropical and orchard fruit, honeysuckle, creamery butter and crisp spicy acidity.  The slight hint of nutmeg on the lush finish adds that little extra layer of complexity.  A fantastic example of Chardonnay for those who like the rich, buttery style.

The 2010 Villa Borghetti Valpolicella ($13) is the traditional Valpolicella blend of 70% Corvina Veronese, 20% Rondinella and 10% Corvinone.  Aged for three — six months in traditional Slavonian oak, the wine displays a rich, ruby red colour with vibrant violet hues.  The aromas and flavours are of black cherry, raspberry, cloves, tobacco, licorice, smoke and vanilla.  Super-soft acidity and firm tannins on the finish, this wine is one of the better Valpolicella on the market.  Very Yummy!!!!

An excellent value for the money, the 2010 Terre Montepulciano d’Abruzzo ($14) is slow to open up but after 30 minutes look for rich, spicy black cherry, aromatic tobacco leaf, spicy smoky, plum, prune, licorice and graphite. Velvety soft acidity, medium tannins, it is absolutely perfect with homemade Chicken Cannelloni.