By Maureen C. Petrosky

Whether you’re in a bathing suit or a business suit, Chile is overflowing with red, white and pink wines all suitable to your individual sipping style. Incredibly, most Chilean wines are priced under $20. In fact, this is still one wine region serving up delicious sips for under $10. While reds still reign this region, I found there are plenty of white, and even a pink, that are also just as pleasing to the palate and the pocketbook.

1. Errazuriz, Sauvignon Blanc, 2007, $10
Wine that weighs in at $10 a bottle is often one I won’t purchase again. However, this little white zinger was full of all the goodies you want in a Sauvignon Blanc. It’s straw- colored with a tinge of green, a nose full of fresh fruit laced with herbaceous notes, and bursting with mouthwatering acidity. Pick up a case.

2. Concha Y Toro, Casillero del Diablo, Chardonnnay, 2007, $12
Toast the end of summer with a bowl of lobster risotto and a glass of this Chard. It’s rich and buttery, but still has a balanced acidity. Think more pineapple than apple when meeting this Chardonnay for the first time; if you prefer those tropical fruits in your white, then it’s sure to not be your last.

3. Veramonte, Sauvignon Blanc Reserva, 2007, $9
"ZESTY!" was my first thought when this wine hit my tongue. I knew the Casablanca Valley in Chile loves Sauvignon Blanc, but I didn’t know how much until I sipped this S.B. From beginning to end, this white has a lot to offer. It’s got great structure and, while it starts off with that zing, it opens up to show off its softer side with melon and floral notes, too.

4. Montes, Cherub Rose of Syrah, 2006, $14
At first glance, the chubby angel sketched on this label and its hot pink screw cap may lead you to believe this is just a "fun" wine. But there is depth in those shades of red. This rose is made from 100% Syrah, a grape that the producer, Montes, knows its way around. It’s dry and seductive; alone, it’s lovely, but it also elevates a curry or steak au poivre to another level of deliciousness.

5. Montes, Classic Series Malbec, 2006, $9
The Classic Series offered from Montes pours all-around yummy wines at a great value. This Malbec is plummy, with a hint of butterscotch aroma that makes me want to lick the glass. It’s packed with plush fruit and has a hint of chocolate, too. This is a red that can take on a New York strip steak or accompany a slice of chocolate cake.

6. Casa LaPostolle, Cuvee Alexander Merlot $20
Forget all that yelling Paul Giamatti did about Merlot — this wine is no lightweight. In fact, this Merlot is lush and full-bodied. It’s packed with plummy, red berry goodness, twisted with licorice, sweet cedar and cocoa. Merlot from Chile is usually yummy, as is this sip, but it’s also elegant and memorable.

7. Santa Rita, Medalla Real Single Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005, $18
This wine is worth every penny. It is a big, beautiful red with tannins that are easy to swallow now but prove it can rest in the cellar a few years to come. This is a Cab you can count on for full-fruit flavor enrobed in toasted oak. Delicious and decadent.

8. Arboleda, Carmenere, 2006, $18
Carmenere is a grape that was long believed to be Merlot until it was identified as a distinct varietal. While they are similar in the vineyard, they produce slightly different flavors in the glass. This Carmenere is a purply red wine, with blackberry and cherry fruit flavors. It also has that hint of spice that gives Carmenere its sass. This red is smooth with good tannins and goes lovely with lamb chops.

9. Terra Noble, Carmenere, Gran Reserva, $13
The label and nomenclature indeed evoke images of nobility, and the wine delivers in grandeur. This is a big, chewy red wine. A bit heartier than some Carmeneres, making it a good match with grilled meats or beef stew. It is a vision of deep-red velvet, with an abundance of red fruit and a luscious mouth-feel.

10. Palo Alto Reserva, $13
This is a blend of 65 percent Cabernet, 25 percent Carmenere and 10 percent Syrah. It's 100 percent delish. Here I saved the best for last. This brooding red head is delightfully playful on the palate. It smells like cherry pie a la mode, with all its ripe red fruit and topped with a dollop of vanilla whipped cream. It’s just as flavorful as it smells, but it also teases your tongue with sweet tobacco and hints of black pepper. Truly unbelievable, this red is under $20.

Note: Prices listed are based on the standard 750 ml bottle, unless otherwise noted and may vary depending on location and proprietor.

Maureen C. Petrosky is author of The Wine Club: A Month-By-Month Guide to Learning About Wine With Friends.

See all our 10 Wines Under $20 lists