Domaine de la Maurelle 2009
Rhone Valley, France, $13
Hints of herb and mineral notes from a blend of 50 percent Grenache, 40 percent Syrah and 5 percent Mourvedre. Juicy berry fruits fill the palate and the flavors continue through the finish. This Côtes du Rhone will go with pizza, pasta, ribs or chicken, making it a truly food-friendly wine. High in alcohol at 15 percent.

Domaine Le Garrignon 2010
Rhone Valley, France, $13
Although the vineyard is located in the northern Rhone region, two grape varieties from the southern Rhone come together to create a well-balanced wine with long finish. Aroma of raspberries and spices will complement duck, veal, roast pork, lamb and hard cheeses.

Ferraton Pere et Fils Samorens 2011
Rhone Valley, France, $13
The front label does not say this is a white, but the light green glass tells you the contents are white. The vines are cultivated with environmentally-friendly practices and result in a dry wine full of delicious white fruit character and subtle notes of dried flowers. Try it instead of Chardonnay when pairing with foods.

Les Acanthes 2012
Rhone Valley, France, $13
A mix of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Mourvedre that comes together to create a complex blend of dark fruits, herbal notes, cherry and black fruit flavors. Probably the most well-rounded of all these Côtes du Rhone, it is consistent year after year.

Chateau Cambis 2012
Rhone Valley, France, $12
This is a Côtes du Rhone Villages wine, a higher designation created from 50 percent Grenache and 50 percent Syrah. Terrific red fruit aroma, with spices and red cherries on the palate. It is dry, bursting with flavors, and ends with a long finish that you would expect from a $25 wine.