Explore new tastes in 2012 with inexpensive, tasty wines

By Chuck Furuya

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jan 04, 2012

~~I have heard more than one person say they will look to do things differently in 2012 instead of keeping the status quo. To help wine lovers break out of the status quo, here are a few recommendations to get you started that retail for under $20:
» Albino Armani Pinot Grigio "Vigneto Corvara" (about $13 a bottle): Recent studies have shown that Italian pinot grigio is the No. 1 U.S. wine import. Having said that, for me, though, it is really hard to find "good" ones. Too many are either bitter or syrupy and insipid. This is one definitely worth searching out for its deliciousness, amazing lightness on the palate and its terrific compatibility with food. It deftly displays what regional cafes or bistros along the Mediterranean basin would serve with their lighter fare. In all of my years of tasting wines, this has been a real standout, even more so when one considers the price point.
~~

I have heard more than one person say they will look to do things differently in 2012 instead of keeping the status quo. To help wine lovers break out of the status quo, here are a few recommendations to get you started that retail for under $20:

» Albino Armani Pinot Grigio "Vigneto Corvara" (about $13 a bottle): Recent studies have shown that Italian pinot grigio is the No. 1 U.S. wine import. Having said that, for me, though, it is really hard to find "good" ones. Too many are either bitter or syrupy and insipid. This is one definitely worth searching out for its deliciousness, amazing lightness on the palate and its terrific compatibility with food. It deftly displays what regional cafes or bistros along the Mediterranean basin would serve with their lighter fare. In all of my years of tasting wines, this has been a real standout, even more so when one considers the price point. Login for more...