Holiday credit card balances got you down? Flummoxed every time it costs $50 to buy gas? Utility bills make you wonder if you’ll still be paying for winter when summer arrives?

Sign up for our newsletter

* indicates required

 

Have no fear. It’s time for our third annual Cheap Wine extravaganza, designed to soothe your pocketbook and take the edge off your daily woes, and all for $10 or less. This year, we even have a celebrity endorsement, from international wine guru Andrea Immer, who was in town last month to promote a cookbook featuring — believe it or not — inexpensive wines. Her mantra: Americans must learn they don’t need to pay $35 for a drinkable, everyday bottle of wine.

 

With that in mind, here are this year’s top picks. (Note they don’t include those already in the our Cheap Wine Hall of Fame — Boggy Doon’s Big House Red, White, and Pacific Rim Riesling; Texas’ Ste. Genevieve Chardonnay; most of California’s Bogle Vineyards line; and Osborne Solaz, a Spanish red blend.)

 

• Odfjell Vineyards Rojo 2002 ($9). This cabernet sauvignon from is more French-like, which means not as heavy and with more fruit, than its California counterparts. Stunningly good for the price.

 

• Take your pick — the Rancho Zabaco Dancing Bull Sauvignon Blanc 2003 ($8), Benziger Fume Blanc 2003 ($9), and Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2003 ($9) are all worthy, with continued excellence, of earning a Hall of Fame berth. Each is well made, citrusy and clean.

 

• Freixenet Brut de Noir NV ($9). This rose sparkling wine is one of Immer’s favorites, drinkable as an aperitif as well as with a grilled salmon or chicken with saffron rice. Serve chilled.