{Wines provided as media samples. I received no other compensation. Thoughts, opinions are my own.}

You’re having a party for 30 of your closest friends. They know you’re a wine lover. You know you’re a wine lover. You want to provide wines that will impress but not break the bank. You need elegant wine at Monday wine prices. Look at Côtes de Bordeax.

The region skirts the legendary Bordeaux region and consists of five appellations: Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon, Francs and Sainte-Foy. Located on the hillsides (côtes) of the right banks of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers with clay, sand and limestone soils. The blends are Merlot dominant making them versatile, with ripe fruit and gentle tannins. Each wine is rounded out with a combination of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, some Malbec. The oak treatment varies from stainless to new oak.

I recently sampled five from the region and was equally impressed with every bottle. The fruit was present and ranged from red to black to blue. Some floral, some pepper, some spice. These wines are balanced, great mouthfeel, and easy to pair or drink alone. Just what you want for your holiday party. And with price points from $15-19, they won’t break the budget.