by Steve Hansell

Created on: October 27, 2009

For the last several years, decoding the grocery store wine aisle has been my mission. It's easy to walk into a wine shop and ask the nearest expert what to buy. At my local grocery store, you are on your own. However, if saving a lot of money and still enjoying the best wines are important to you, you need to learn to navigate the wine aisle.

First of all, I know very little about wine but I am beginning to know what I like, and I have learned something about my own tastes as the process continues. That is pretty important when you are buying wine. Just because the wine shop suggests an Argentine Malbec to go with your lamb stew, there isn't a rule that says you have to go that route. If you generally like Merlot or Pinot Noir, then explore it. You can find your own comfort zone with just a few clues to follow.

One thing you should know is that there really is a difference between South American, Californian, and European reds. This is especially true in the lower price range. Try them, and more than once. I personally like Northern California the best, the Pinot Noir usually has more fruit and less acidic taste. Again, this is in the "modestly priced" range. When you spend over 15 bucks, you usually can get something more consistent no matter where you get them. My next choice for a good table red is always France, then Italy, and lastly I go to South America. That is not to say that New York or even Ohio don't have a good wine list, they are just a little harder to decipher.

My choices for the 10 best red wines under 10 bucks (I tried to put them in some order, but this is the best I could do.);

Castle Rock Pinot Noir-Pinot Noir is generally more expensive because it's harder to grow according to the proper specifications of the grape. Of course, it's my favorite kind, and I bought this at a local grocery for $9.89. This one is as good as it gets for the price. You can drink it with a good cheese and red meat dinner or as a cocktail wine, and you will not be disappointed.

Fish-Eye Merlot-This one is a little hard to believe. In a grocery store, there is usually a retail price, then the "sale" price. This wine "retails" for about 12 dollars, according to the sign that I saw. I usually buy it for $4.99. And it's very good. This make for a very fine table red and goes with anything a more expensive wine does. And you can afford to put a few more bottles on the table, and your guests won't be hesitant about seconds. It does come in a screw-top bottle, and

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