Party time need not be expensive

The party season of late spring is in full pour. There are countless cases to fuel the festivities. They don't have to be expensive. These bottles are less than $20.

Frascati is Rome's house wine. It's refreshing and bargain priced. Try the peachy 2008 Fontana Candida Frascati ($10), now in a traditional bottle, not the amphora shape. Move south to Puglia with an appley, easygoing 2008 Tormaresca Chardonnay ($12).

From Australia comes the 2009 Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa Riesling ($16), a fruity, refreshing, versatile white that's a match for pork, hot dogs, chicken potpie.

Dry and floral, the 2009 Quivira Wine Creek Ranch Dry Creek Valley Grenache Rosé ($15) delivers a springtime picnic in a bottle. The 2009 M. Chapoutier Belleruche Rosé ($13): red fruit, fresh flavor; break out the barbecue.

The 2008 Franciscan Estate Napa Valley Chardonnay ($17) offers apple, pear and citrus notes.

And the medium-bodied 2008 Matanzas Creek Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc ($19) is a subtle, citrusy, round winner. The 2009 Charles Krug Sauvignon Blanc ($18) has tropical fruit and citrus accents. They star with seafood.

Go red with the 2007 Bivio Chianti ($12), with a hint of cherry and almond. It's good with any red-sauced dishes.

Dependable and priced to sell, the 2008 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere ($11) is plummy and spicy, right with red meat and pizza.