The Rhone Valley is the source of some of France's most varied, affordable reds

Have you ever wondered how some wines get that extra little kick?

This time of year, a good bargain is a welcome sight; here are three good whitesPrice key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= eliteVALUE = exceptional quality for the money

If you're feeling a little jaded, why not try something truly exotic: Sake!Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= eliteVALUE = exceptional quality for the money

Most of us are on a tight post-holiday budget, so good buys in red wine make sense.Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= eliteVALUE = exceptional quality for the money

We're in the heart of the holidays now, and we all could use a little advice on tasty alternatives to costly Champagne.Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= eliteVALUE = exceptional quality for the money

We're all on the lookout for something new in the Bubbly Department during the holidays, so get to know Crémant d'Alsace, one of the best.Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= eliteVALUE = exceptional quality for the money

It's the time of year to indulge ourselves, so pour a sweet little something after dinner.Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= eliteVALUE = exceptional quality for the money

Over the years, there are a few wines Al will practically buy on sight. Here are some of his favorites.

(Over the years, these are the wines that Al has gravitated to every November.)Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= eliteVALUE = exceptional quality for the money