WineSimply is a twice-monthly newsletter for people who love wine and want to keep it simple. Every other week, we highlight some key information on fantastic wines from the U.S. as well as the greats from France, Italy, Spain, South America, the Southern Hemisphere and beyond. Most importantly, WineSimply makes it easy to understand wine basics, and you'll have a handy tool to save, print or take with you on your PDA.

We make it easy for you to navigate any wine list or wine store - and give you some great new ideas for everyday wines, special events and favorite meals. From great bargains to everyday favorites to rare bottles -- WineSimply is wine for every occasion and budget.

South America's Wallet-Friendly Alternatives!

We've decided to change our theme this week for some rather obvious reasons (we'll talk Pinot Blanc in a couple of weeks!) With these tough economical times, we wanted to focus on some delicious, easy-on-the-wallet wines - both red and white. We're all getting wiser about what we spend - but let's face it - we could use a drink! South America has become one of world's great winemaking areas - famous for delicious bottles at always-reasonable prices.

What We Love About Wine from South America

Argentina and Chile are producing some truly outstanding wines right now. And because our trade and currency is relatively strong with these countries, we're finding some fantastic bargains in stores and restaurants everywhere. South America has its own signature grapes like Malbec, Carmenere and Torrontes - all of which grow prolifically and make beautiful, easy-to-drink wines. Here's a quick rundown:

Torrontes: This white grape creates what is known as THE white wine of Argentina. It's planted in all the major winemaking regions and has recently become one of its countries best new exports. It's got some serious flavor - expect a splash of jasmine fragrance in the nose and then flavors of peach, lychee and tropical fruits throughout. But its high acidity makes sure that it stays crisp and dry as well. Perfectly refreshing, but flavorful enough for fall foods and cool weather.

Carmenere: This red grape originated in Bordeaux, France and made its way to Chile's Central Valley. The Carmenere is similar to Merlot, another Bordeaux-region grape which is also extremely easy to grow in Chile. For ages, Carmenere was used for blending with Chilean Merlot, but it's come into its own in the last few years - it's a little less round and and plummy and a little more smoky and peppery.

Malbec: The most famous of all of Argentina's red grapes, Malbec just satisfies. We talked about it a few months ago - and all we have to add is that we've never had a bad one. And for the most part, we've never paid more than $20 retail for them!

Argentina and Chile also grow a lot of the same grapes that we love from around the world like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot & Pinot Noir. Argentinians like to take their cues from the old-world European winemakers - but they create some wonderful, well-priced versions of these wines that are perfect alternatives.

Indian Take-Out + South American Wines = Cultural Harmony

We can't come up with any great cultural reason for it - we only know that flavorful South American wines are the fist thing we think of when ordering Indian take-out! NYC's Baluci is always delicious and fresh-tasting - and their takaway dinners are some of the best deals in NY. We ordered a spread for 4 - Chicken Tikka Masala (tomato and cream), Saag Panir (spinach and cheese) and Bhartha (eggplant and onions in spicy sauce) as well as garlic naan bread. The meal made everyone happy - and at just under $13 per person, the night got even better. Montes Sauvignon Blanc and Postino Malbec (see above) were both on hand and balanced the tangy spices to perfection.

Baluci - multiple locations in NYC
www.Baluci.com

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Cathleen Murphy - WineSimply.com - NY Cathleen is an entertainment executive and the former sommelier for Jams Restaurant - Jonathan Waxman's first restaurant in NY. She is a passionate wine-lover living in NYC.

Joanne Schwartz - WineSimply.com - L.A Joanne is an entertainment, marketing and brand executive and passionate wine-lover living in Los Angeles.