Good Red, Dry, and cost effective

[SFItaliangirl]

I would love a suggestion of a good, dry, smooth red wine that is not too expensive.

[hotwine]

Welcome to the board, SFI. There are many possibilities to fill those requirements, but we need to know how you define "not too expensive". If you mean under $10, your choices for one that is "good, dry and smooth" are rather limited.... but if your ceiling is $20, or $50 or $100 per bottle, there are many more options. The higher the price ceiling, the more options you have. If you'll look down the board at the listing of varietals, you'll see threads on Pinot Noirs/Burgundies, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, etc. And you'll also see threads on specific geographic regions.... Italy, Rhone, NW wines, etc. You'll find wines discussed that meet your requirements in each of those threads. Please read a bit, using the search function, and see if you can narrow your preferences.

[Innkeeper]

Not Italian, but meets criteria: http://www.wines.com/ubb2/Forum23/HTML/000253.html

[SFItaliangirl]

I would like a $10-$15 smooth, dry red wine. I like cabs. I am starting to get into reds, but the variety and prices are overwhelming. Thank you both so much.

[wondersofwine]

One inexpensive Cabernet Sauvignon that has been getting good comments is that from Joel Gott. There are many nice Italian wines in your price range. You can check out the Italian thread or ask a wine retailer for a recommendation. A Spanish Rioja is another option.

[hotwine]

Right around that $15 point, there are a couple of nice Italians I've reported on in the Italian wine thread. They're both Barolos and available at wholesale clubs: Rucas at Sam's Wholesale and Villa Rossa at Costco. Both are worth twice the asking price, in my estimation.

I agree with Wonders' recommendation of the Joel Gott cab, if you can find it; very nice indeed. But there are so many others.... Ruvei Barbera d'Alba and Lincourt Pinot Noir (both Costco), virtually any Spanish Rioja Gran Reserva (check both Sam's and Costco and look for a bottle wrapped in wire mesh), most Montepulciano d'Abruzzo ... many many more.