1997 Terra Noble Merlot, Chile (About $8)

OK, all you Merlot fans out there, this Chilean Merlot is one to try when you just don’t feel that the occasion justifies opening that last bottle of Newton Merlot. Terra Noble is actually made by French winemaker Henry Marionnet from grafted French vines. A beautiful deep red edged with violet, it has a sweet clean nose, plenty of ripe fruit with notes of black pepper, and the structure to give it weight and interest.

For $8 a bottle, it’s brilliant. Served slightly chilled, it’s a great complement to anything grilled or charred.