French Wine Under $10

Whether you are a White Burgundy lover on a budget, or just someone looking for a great house white for everyday imbibing or for parties/weddings/social functions, Cave de Lugny Macon-Villages "La Cote Blanche" is as close to a no-brainer as anything I've ever come across. Despite the absurdly low price, it gives me the sophistication I look for in $25 White Burgundies – nervy, energetic fruit, subtle minerality, and, most elusively of all, the sheer joie de vivre that only well-made White Burgundy can convey. A virtual clone of the 2010 vintage, named Decanter’s #1 Chardonnay under $15, the 2011 "La Cote Blanche" offers up fresh, Chablis-like mineral, yellow fruit and floral notes, followed on the palate, by light, bright, flavors of fresh cut apple, pear, and white flowers. Completely unoaked, it has a sneaky intensity of flavor that persists right through to the energetic finish.
-- Ben Giliberti, CW Director of Wine Education

Hailed by Robert Parker as “one of the 20 most influential wine personalities of the past 20 years,” Robert “Bobby” Kacher is as passionate about seeking out great and often undiscovered wines today as when he began his eponymous import business more than two decades ago. Constantly challenging his growers and winemakers to produce more authentic and naturally complex wines, Bobby continues to bring higher quality and value to his extensive portfolio every year. The vivid pink 2012 Château Grande Cassagne Rosé, made on the western edge of the Rhône Valley by brother team Benoît and Laurent Dardé, is a special USA-only cuvee produced exclusively for Robert Kacher Selections. Made from 45% Grenache, 45% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre, this rosé offers plush flavors of strawberry, fresh herbs, dark plum, and white pepper, with a hint of minerally tang on a fully dry finish. -- Ben Giliberti

Made by brothers Gérard and Daniel Vinet, this comes from the subregion of Muscadet called Sèvre et Maine, considered the best ripening area for the briskly fruity Muscadet grape. Rich and pure, with up front lemon peel, melon and peach flavors, this is seasoned with mineral notes that stay persistent on the lengthy finish.

CW's No. 1 party white, this fruity blend of Colombard and Ugni-Blanc from southwest France is a genuine crowd-pleaser. Tank-fermentation at very cool temperatures produces a fresh, fruity wine marked by assertive flavors and aromas of grapefruit, lemon-lime and orange peel.