A Good Bottle of Wine Does Not Have to Break Your BudgetYou are invited to a friend’s house. You know they enjoy fine wine, but you have not a clue how to tell a good wine from something extraordinary. Besides, your budget does not allow $50 or $75 for a hostess gift. On the other hand, you sure would like to show them you have some class.Take heart. Buying good wine on a budget is easier than you think. In fact, you might even end up with your hosts asking you for wine buying advice. All it takes is a basic understanding of common wines coupled with a reliable authority - and you  are set to impress.Understanding Common WinesBefore you can buying good wine on a budget, you need to understand some wine basics. Wines come in red or white. Reds offer a bolder, stronger flavor. White are more subtle; sometimes tart, sometimes sweet.Common White Wines- Chenin Blanc ranges from dry to very sweet and goes well with salad, seafood, white meats, and mild to spicy rice dishes.- Gewurtztraminer comes in sweet or dry varieties and pares well with spicy dishes and Asian foods.- Pinot Blanc is a light wine with fruity flavors over a mineral or smokey undertone. It goes well with seafood, light sauces, cheese dishes, and lightly flavored meats.- Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris) is straw colored with a honey or smokey base and fruity overtones. It complements seafood, cheese and cracker combinations, and light pasta dishes.- Riesling combines fruity and floral flavors which compliment a wide variety of food including pork, fish, poultry, and spicy foods.- Chardonnay is a popular white wine. Boasting a rich citrus flavor and full body, Chardonnay goes well with most fish and chicken dishes.- Sauvignon Blanc is a light wine with herbal undertones and fruit accents. It will compliment seafood, chicken, or salads.Common Red Wines- Shiraz (Syrah) bursts with wild black fruit flavors, black pepper undertones, and gripping tannins. It pairs well with beef and wild game.- Merlot blends well with any food. Often boasting plum, blackberry, and herb scents, Merlot has a less tannic flavor than Cabernet.