During the winter months many turn to red wines to accompany cooler temperatures and heartier foods. Here are a few great budget choices.

There are many great choices in wine stores for reds under $15. Let's feature some fine Italian reds that you can use to warm up your cold winter nights.

1. Allegrini Valpolicella is a fine blend of 60% Corvina Veronese, 35% Rondinella, and 5% Molinara grapes. A deep red with a flavor that will remind you of Beaujolais. It is fruity with medium-body, and is pleasenly tart. This wine should be drunk young. Make sure to let it breathe before serving. The 2001 is available for $10.99
2. Arigiolas Perdera hails from Sardegnia. This full-bodied, refreshing wine has a good juicy fruit flavor. With a lush dark plum color it pairs well with seafood pasta dishes. You can drink it over the next two-three years. A good buy for $9.99 (sometimes on sell for $7.99).
3. Feudo Monaci Primitivo is one of the wines from Puglia that have recently made a splash on the wine scene. If you see it in the store snap it up. Wine Enthusiast gave it a "Best Buy" and 87 points. This wine has a bright purple-color and an elegant flavor with a hint of oak. I personally like the black pepper aromas. It can be found for $5.99 a bottle, but don't be surprised to pay $8.99 a bottle.
4. Ciacci Rosso di Montalcino is a "splurge" wine at $14.99. It's a steal at this price. It has a great bouquet and wonderful finish. It is the type of wine that shows off the excellence of Tuscan wine making. It is a dark ruby red, well-balanced and full of fruit--think ripe, red raspberries. This wine is going fast and prices are rising.
5. The Falesco Vitiano brings us back into the $10 range. Don't let the price fool you. This is the best of the bargains here. Robert Parker calls Vitiano wines, “one of the most unbelievable values in the marketplace.” A value unsurpassed, the Falesco Vitiano is easily one of Italy's finest red wine values. A three-way blend with Merlot, Cabernet, and Sangiovese. This lush wine has a great herbal bouquet.

   Make room in your wine rack for these great wines and enjoy!