Photo: Noble House Wines

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

A new Wine Spectator survey shows that even hardcore oenophiles are downshifting their vino spending. For those of us with modest budgets, here are five more wine steals. This week's theme is international, because even with our dismal exchange rate with most countries and the additional taxes, shipping and middlemen fees, imports are without question some of the best juice in the wine aisle.

5. Bodega Luigi Bosca "Finca la Linda" Torrontes 2008, Argentina ($11): This wine smells like a Viognier with its powerful orange blossom and jasmine aromas. It tastes of lemon, green apples, flowers and minerals, with a nice backbone of acidity to balance out the rather high alcohol (14 percent).

Four more wine steals plus a wine personality poll after the jump.



4. Fortant Chardonnay 2006, Vin de Pays d'Oc, France ($7): Light and bright with touches of honey, this French Chard is a true steal at just $7. The best part? It doesn't reek of oak.

3. Patric Lesec Petit Crau NV, France ($10): Another simple French table wine is a surprise stunner. Made from 50 percent Syrah and 50 percent Merlot, the Petite Crau is unoaked -- refreshing both as a break from overoaked wines and because the fruit truly has to shine without the mask of wood. Dark, rich and meaty, it has major violet undertones, a characteristic shared by both of its parent grapes.

2. Brancott Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, New Zealand ($14): This wine is a perennial favorite: It's easy to find and has those delicious quintessential New Zealand Sauv Blanc flavors that are so incredibly refreshing on a sweltering summer day. (It's especially reviving when you return home hot and tired at dinnertime after hours outside).

1. Tarantas Cava NV, Spain ($13): Speaking of refreshing, this organic bubbly from Spain is yeasty with a hint of almonds, like a very fresh bread. It's an ideal bubbly to serve your green, eco-conscious friends.

Stuck in a rut or adventure personified?
Given the choice between security and change, I'll choose change every time, whether it's moving across the country or buying the variety pack instead of one flavor.

I like my wine the same way -- an endless procession of different varietals and regions, depending on my mood and what I'm making for dinner. But a lot of people I know will say "I'm a Cabernet guy," or "I always order Chardonnay." So which are you? The loyal varietalist or the adventurous sipper? Vote in the poll below!