Everyone keeps commenting on the Brunellos of Montalcino. Yes, they're good, but they're expensive. Do people (you) normally pay that much for a bottle of wine -- 40-50 Euros?

I found the Nobile di Montepulciano and the Chianti Classico Reserves to be outstanding and great value. 20-25 Euros.

What's your take?

I'll drink to that, Budman! I did bring home a Brunello from Banfi last year. It was less expensive than it would be at home so I thought it was worth it. I liked your suggestions and I also like Orvieto and the Soave. I think both are from Tuscany.

I did buy one bottle of '99 Brunello from a winery we stopped by on a dirt road somewhere in the region. I paid 35 Euro for it and still have it in my wine cellar. I'll open and decant it for a special occasion, but that's probably the most I've ever paid for a bottle of wine. Of course, I make my own.

Orvieto is in Umbria.

I like a lot of wines. The Brunellos are very good but rather expensive unless you take a chance and buy one just coming out. I've been lucky that way.
I too really like Chianti Classico and Riserva, the Rosso di Montalcino, and the Vin Nobile. There are some Super Tuscans that are delicious also.

My mistake, thanks for the correction, Nessundorma!

Unfortunately. I do pay that much for many wines.
Good Brunellos, Barolos, Amarones and the Super Tuscans are not inexpensive. Better values with Aglianicos from southern Italy or Toros, Priorats, etc from Spain.

We love Italien wines, including Bruneelos. Unfortunately, they are very expensive and only show their true potential is they are at least 7 or 8 years old. They are not even brought to market until they are 5 years old.

There are plenty of other great Italien wines which are far more reasonably priced. Our favorite from tuscany is Vino Nobile de Montepulciano. It's far more enjoyable than the average brunello, and about half the price.

Sure, Barolo, Amarone, and Brunello our great. But one does not have to go strictly to southern Italy for superb value. Barbera d'Asti and d'Alba come to mind as wine which can hold their weight against the heavy hitters for a reasonable price tag. In our region, a wine called Albarossa (a hybrid vine cross between the Nebbiolo and the Barbera grape) is gaining popularity, with many of the intial experimental vintages already sold out. There are also many good Nebbiolo wines which are not directly in the DOCG Barolo/Barbaresco districts which are very good and carry attractive price tags.

>Everyone keeps commenting on the Brunellos of Montalcino. Yes, they're good, but they're expensive. <

So are the top wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Alsace, Austria, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Washington, Oregon and California.

You get what you pay for. (Mostly)