From a NYTimes article by Eric Asimov - he lists several Beaujolais, which I do think of as economical but not much else than again, I still think of George DeBeoff when I think of that wine.
Here are his French treasures under $20, listed alphabetically:
Domaine des Aubuisières/Bernard Fouquet Vouvray Cuvée de Silex 2007, $16.99
Rich and lively with minerals and a touch of honey. (Importer: Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, Pa.)
Bernard Baudry Chinon Les Granges 2006, $17.99
Pliant and fruity with a healthy dollop of earth. (Louis/Dressner Selections, New York)
Pierre Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Beaujolais 2007, $14.99
Pale, pure, absolutely dry and refreshing. Textbook Beaujolais. (Weygandt-Metzler)
Clos Roche Blanche Touraine Cuvée Gamay 2007, $15.99
Juicy and minerally; my Thanksgiving wine for crowds. (Louis/Dressner Selections)
Marc Kreydenweiss Costières de Nîmes Perrières 2005, $15.99
Felicitous combination of fruit, funk and earth. (Wilson Daniels, St. Helena, Calif.)
Marc Ollivier Domaine de la Pépière Muscadet Sèvre et Maine 2007, $12.99
All texture and tanginess, not extravagant fruit. (Louis/Dressner Selections)
Château d’Orschwihr Alsace Riesling Bollenberg 2006, $18.99
A dry Alsace nod to earth and flowers. (T. Edward Wines, New York)
Thierry Puzelat Touraine KO In Côt We Trust 2006, $19.99
Loire malbec, gorgeous, pure and delicious. (Louis/Dressner Selections)
Domaine Rimbert St.-Chinian Les Travers de Marceau 2006, $13.99
Light, juicy, floral and tangy. (Jenny & François/U.S.A. Wine Imports, New York)
Domaine Sainte Barbe Mâcon L’Expression du Chardonnay 2006, $15.99
Lively and fresh, with minerals and citrus. (A Becky Wasserman Selection/Willette Wines, New York)
