Stock your Shelves: Best bets around $10

Inevitably the question I get asked the most is, "what are good, affordable wines?"

These are some of my favorite budget-friendly bottles that show consistency from vintage to vintage. Most are widely available and for ideal for everyday drinking. Stock up and enjoy.

Recommended Reds

Calina, Carmenere
Carmenere is the red grape unique to Chile and Calina's version is rich, ripe, spicy and bold. Think of it as a cross between Zinfandel's spiciness and Merlot's suppleness. At well under $10, it's one of the best values around.

Pepperwood Grove, Cabernet Franc
Usually found for around $6, this is a refreshing red sporting green peppercorn and black cherry notes. It's a little lighter than most Cabernet Sauvignons and can be poured as an alternative.

Echelon Vineyards, Pinot Noir
Affordable Pinots are almost an oxymoron, but this succulent, strawberry-scented wine is always a winner. Elegant and ripe, it doesn't show any leanness of flavor and can be served with dishes from salmon to veal.

Trinity Oaks, Zinfandel
A new label from the folks at Sutter Home, this is a wonderful everyday wine. It has enough "oomph" for a good Zinfandel, yet pairs it up with the right amount of blackberry fruit and tangy black pepper.

Blackstone Cellars, Merlot
Now that Merlot is so popular, affordable bottles are hard to find, but Blackstone always comes through. Soft and supple, it's easy to sip and captures the essence of Merlot. It's often poured in restaurants as their Merlot-by-the-glass.

M. Chapoutier, Cotes-du-Rhone, "Belleruche"
What Cotes-du-Rhone should be: reasonably priced and delicious. Bursting with fresh, vibrant notes of cranberry and spice, it's one wine to buy by the case.

Caliterra, Cabernet Sauvignon
This Chilean property is one to watch for its lush, plush Cab. Masculine, peppery, and ripe, it's an ideal wine to serve with steak off the grill.

Marquis de Chasse, red Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a blend of classic grapes varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, and this is an insanely affordable version is worth hunting down. It's smooth and juicy with just enough hints of black olive and plum to make it interesting.

Ecco Domani, Sangiovese
Sangiovese is the primary red grape of Italy's Chianti region, so if you like Chianti give this a try. Pair it up with pizza and pasta, of course, or serve it with chicken. It's racy acidity and tart cherry flavors make it particularly food-friendly.

Altos, Malbec, "Las Hormigas"
Malbec is the classic grape variety from Argentina and this up-and-coming wine is a terrific value, usually ringing in at around $7. With a combination of soft tannins, bits of mocha and earth on the nose, and lots of dark berry fruit in the mouth, it's another wine to uncork with meat off the BBQ.

Bogle Vineyards, Petite Sirah
If you like your reds big and bold but chock full of fruit, grab the Bogle. Not many wineries produce Petite Sirah so this is the leader in its category. Deep purple in color, it doesn't hide the blackberry and licorice character under too much oak or heavy tannins.

Winning Whites

Gallo of Sonoma, Chardonnay
No doubt about it, Chardonnay is the white wine darling of wine drinkers. This bottle shows why; a little toasty and dripping with ripe pineapple fruit, it's beautifully balanced.

Robert Mondavi, Coastal Chardonnay
A Chardonnay meant to pair with food (not an easy feat for most Chards). There's just a touch of oak, zesty acidity, and lots of green apple character.

Beringer Vineyards, Founders' Estate Chardonnay
Luckily this wine doesn't fall into the "give them oak and they will buy" category. Instead it focuses on fresh tropical fruit flavors and a smooth, succulent mouthfeel.

Casillero del Diablo, Chardonnay
A label from Concha y Toro, one of Chile's top wineries, this bottling is fresh and delicate with exotic melon and peach notes and just a kiss of oak.

Brancott Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc
One of my absolute favorite affordable whites, this comes from Kiwiland New Zealand. Sauvignon Blanc from the small island nation is known for racy, tangy lemon/lime flavors with touches of fresh herbs. Try this with shellfish or chicken in a mustard sauce. Yummy.

Geyser Peak Winery, Gewurztraminer
What a terrific wine to pair up with spicy foods from Thai to Chinese and Mexican fare. It's just off-dry with no oak, floral aromas, melon and apricot flavors, and zesty acidity.

Seven Hills Winery, Pinot Gris
Oregon is known for Pinot Noir, but the state's signature white wine is Pinot Gris. In Italy it's called Pinot Grigio, but in Oregon the grape seems to get riper, richer and more exotic. Try this pink-grapefruit and vanilla-scented winner with fish for a change of pace.

Casa Nuestra Vineyards, Chenin Blanc
You may not be familiar with the grape variety, but give it a go instead of Chardonnay. It sports many of the same apple and spice notes, but offers up a freshness not seen in many Chards.

J. Vidal-Fleury, Cotes-du-Rhone Blanc
A white wine from the south of France with real character and style. Full-bodied and exploding with nutty, spicy, nectarine notes and aromas of flowers, this is one to pair up with power food and spur on discussion.