Argentina
The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Los Cardos, from the Dona Paula winery, is a terrific and inexpensive Argentine wine. Los Cardos, Spanish for the thistles that grow in the vineyard’s Andean region, has a deep, rich color but balanced light chocolate and berry flavors. I have had it on several occasions, and it was excellent with a spicy chicken Kashi and a lusty beef stew.
The Los Cardos Cab is regularly $8.99, but it goes on sale frequently at the New Hampshire Liquor Store for $7.99.
There are at least two very good Argentine Malbecs available in the Upper Valley for less than $10 a bottle. They are both finished in oak casks and have a smooth, velvety taste. Try Trapiche, which also produces a nice Cabernet Sauvignon. Both sell for around $8 a bottle at the New Hampshire Liquor stores and elsewhere in both states.