Bargain bottles for grill-time gatherings

Parties scheduled and grill ready, it's time to find bargain bottles to go with the festivities. These very good wines are $20 or less.

Start rosily with the 2012 CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir ($15), a fruity, refreshing wine with peach and citrus notes. Enjoy with salads, barbecue, Asian fare.

The plummy 2009 Tangley Oaks Merlot ($15) is a very versatile red that goes with everything from burgers and steaks to tuna or salmon.

To complement any red-sauced pasta, assorted Parmigianas and antipasti: the 2011 Coltibuono Chianti "Cetamura" ($10); and the 2010 Fattoria La Valentina Montepulciano d'Abruzzo ($14), which also works with grilled cod, halibut, swordfish and grilled beef.

The 2010 Layer Cake Primitivo ($15), similar to red zinfandel, is a match for burgers, steaks, even a pizza with all the toppings.

Ripe, toasty and ready for grilled red meat is the full-bodied 2011 Greystone Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon ($11). Add a dollar for the dependable Chilean red 2011 Casillero del Diablo Carmenere and a satisfying white, 2011 Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay.

The 2011 La Crema Monterey Pinot Gris ($20), hinting of citrus, pear, is fine with most seafood and lighter chicken dishes. The refined, citrusy 2010 Dry Creek Vineyard Foggy Oaks Chardonnay ($20) pairs well with finfish and shellfish.

And at $11 each, you'll enjoy sipping both the 2010 Thorny Rose Chardonnay and 2009 Thorny Rose Red Blend. They're good solo, with appetizers and uncomplicated main courses.