Super price for superior reds

Chateau Belles Eaux 2002 and La Vieille Ferme Cotes du Ventoux.

It is easy to choose five top French red wines in New Zealand but they will usually cost considerably more than $20. These top five were all tasted this year and achieved the highest ratings.

2003 Sentura Wines Pinot Noir
$11 to $12

A very light French pinot noir made in bulk for supermarket sales at a low price, so it may seem surprising to find it makes a top-five list. But remember that these are five top French reds tasted this year with a recommended retail price of less than $20, and in that context this simple but spicy and soft little red wine has vast appeal. Modern in style, it has a dry finish.

Available from New World and Pak'N Save supermarkets. Stocks are currently limited but a large shipment arrives late June.

2002 Chateau Belles Eaux
$19 to $20

Talk about sunshine in a glass. This southern French red comes from one of the sunniest wine regions in Europe. It only takes one sip of this weighty young red to make me want to sit in the sunshine with a bowl of warm black olives and crusty hot bread, both of which would taste great with this warm, robust, fruity red wine. It is modern in style with layers of interesting flavours and a satisfyingly bone-dry finish. This wine is deliciously warm and generous in taste and soft in texture.

Available from Wine Direct, Newmarket, Auckland and other fine wine outlets nationwide or by mail order, ph (09) 529 5267.

2003 Domaine de L'Ameillaud Cotes du Rhone
$15 to $18

This lusty little Rhone red has a dense fruity core but it is all those layers of earth, spice and light peppery tastes that add drinkability to the soft smooth tannins. Imported by Aucklander Paul Mitchell, whose talent in ferreting out great-tasting European wines means this one is available for only $15 a bottle if you buy a case.

Available from The Wine Importer, ph (09) 412 8542 or email paul@wineimporter.co.nz

2003 La Vieille Ferme Cotes du Ventoux
$18 to $19

If you're looking for a delicious light, earthy, savoury tasting red to drink with that hard creamy goat's cheese, or just on its own, crack open a bottle of this fantastic, flavour packed sub-$20 French red. Spicy layers of flavour and clean but fresh earthiness. It is great value for money and sealed with a screwcap.

Available from specialist wine stores or contact distributors Vintners New Zealand for more information and stockists near you, ph (09) 979 2900 or email enquiries@vintnersnz.co.nz

2001 Rasteau Dame Victoria Cotes du Rhone Villages
$19 to $20

Like so many really good Cotes du Rhone, this one tastes similar to a light pinot noir because of its gamey aromas and flavours. Then that fruity finish kicks in and stretches out the spicy, slightly peppery tastes to a lingering finish. This wine is satisfyingly complex and very easy to drink with its multi-faceted flavours, soft acids and smooth tannins. Great value for money.

Available from specialist wine stores, including importers Delmaine Trading store, East Tamaki, Auckland