Fair price, fair taste.

On one hand, Il Valore Sangiovese is a $4 bottle of wine. On the other hand, its grapes are 100 percent Sangiovese grown in the Puglia region of Italy.

What comes out in the mix is an unassuming but pleasant wine. I sampled a 2007 vintage and was pleasantly surprised. This isn’t a great wine, but it might be the best $4 wine I’ve had.

The taste is straightforward and simple–strong grapes with just a hint of red berries. The fruit is somewhat demure and the finish is perhaps a touch too dry. At 12.5 percent abv, it leaves a little bit more booze on the back of the tongue than more expensive wines.

If you’re looking for a simple Italian wine and you’re on a budget, or if you’re looking for a simple pair for a simple meal, Il Valore Sangiovese is a decent choice.