Drinks: Value, just in time for holidays

"Party wine" and "everyday wine" are descriptions that come down to one thing: value. And this month, a lot of them will be uncorked.

Actually, some may come out of a 3-liter box. Bodegas Osborne Seven, a husky blend of Spanish reds, is $24; same price for the crisp chenin blanc-chardonnay blend from South Africa called Herding Cats. From Cantina di Soave: Duca del Frassino merlot-pinot noir and garganega-pinot grigio blends are good for about $20. CalNaturale sends out organic, appealing Paso Robles cabernet sauvignon and Mendocino chardonnay in 500-ml and 1-liter flexible Tetra Paks for about $7 and $13.

In a bottle, look for the 2010 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere ($12), a dependable, plummy Chilean red imported by Banfi.

Austria contributes the ripe, versatile red 2009 Zantho Burgenland Zweigelt ($14). The 2008 Gabbiano Chianti Classico ($14) is a supple, balanced Tuscan.

If you're feeling very rosé, consider the fruity 2010 M. Chapoutier Côtes-du-Rhône Belleruche ($13) and brisk 2010 Bodegas Chivite Gran Feudo Rosado ($12).

Well-priced whites include the 2010 Rodney Strong Sonoma Chardonnay ($14), with pear and citrus notes; the refreshing 2010 Puiatti Zuccole Pinot Grigio ($13); and, for a holiday-spirit label, the 2011 Christmas at Biltmore blend ($12), with a hint of apricot.

And modest budgets still may include easygoing sparkling wines, such as the Paul Cheneau Lady of Spain Cava and the Valdo Nerello Mascalese Brut Rosé, which bubble in at $13 and $14.