Life got in the way of my posting last week about the Boston Globe’s annual “Plonkapalooza” feature, in which expert wine tasters select the top red and white buys under $12 a bottle.  No one (in this or any economy) needs to spend top dollar to enjoy a delicious wine – especially something that falls into the “Thursday night with supper” category.

Winners on the white side were: Domaine L’enclose Vin de Pays des Cotes de Gascogne ($10/bottle), a blend of Ugni Blanc and Colombard described by the reviewer as “More complex nose; mild fruit and oak; medium long finish; mineral citrus profile; nice acidity” and Weingut J. Linden Mosel Riesling ($11/bottle), reviewed as “Apple-floral nose; limey-citrus palate; big fruit/bright acid; complex, refreshing finish.”  (Love this one especially, since it can be found at my local store, Busa Wine & Spirits.)

Italy can be proud of its top-place finish with the two reds, including Montupoli Montepulciano D’Abruzzo ($10/bottle), described as “Ripe, high-toned fruit with cherry keynote; some brine and earth” and  Italo Pietrantoni “Etichetta Nera” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo ($12/bottle), “Beautifully balanced with good richness and pleasing juicy quality; good concentration; nicely composed.”

Check out the full article, which includes sources for where to purchase these and other $12 and under wines.