I am about to make your day. That's because I'm going to share a fabulous wine with you that can fit easily into the skinniest of booze budgets. --- Don't believe me? Well then, believe Robert Parker. This French white wine made his collection of the "World's Best Wine Values Under $25." And this one is well under $25.%uFFFD

Domaine de Rieux Cotes de Gascogne 2012 sells here for a mere $12.50, but it tastes like a million bucks. %uFFFD

It comes from the southwest of France - the hilly Gers region, specifically, with south-facing slopes and sandy soils. The wine is unoaked - fermented in stainless steel - a blend of Ugni Blanc and Colombard grapes.

Open the screwtop cap and you'll discover gorgeous aromas of honey, pineapple and orange, reminding me a bit of Muscat. On the palate there are citrus, gooseberry, mango and tangerine notes - a truly beautiful wine to sip on the patio or enjoy with a simple roasted chicken.%uFFFD

As I said, Domaine de Rieux Cotes de Gascogne is one of the best wine bargains I've ever come across and I certainly agree with Robert Parker when he says, "Few are the refrigerators that would not benefit from a bottle of it at all times." %uFFFD