Some wines are produced in such small quantities that only the vintner's first cousins can get them. But these bottles are most likely to be right there on the shelf of your local wine shop or supermarket. These popular wines were among the 400 reviewed by consumers and professional wine buyers for the book Andrea Immer's Wine Buying Guide for Everyone (Broadway Books, $13, www.amazon.com). The bottles here all got top marks for taste and value. To put it plainly, they are good, inexpensive wines. The blue ones are Immer's personal picks.

RIESLING

Hogue Johannisberg, Washington, $8*.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Johannisberg, Washington, $8.

Fetzer Echo Ridge Johannisberg, California, $8.

Taste
Light-bodied; dripping with the flavor of fresh peaches.
Summer-Food Match
Barbecued shrimp is perfect. Better yet, use a marinade with kick — the wine's hint of sweetness will help temper the spicy heat.
Snob Appeal
White-zinfandel fans: If your friends are snooty about your favorite "pink wine," drink this. It has a similar flavor, but Riesling is one of the darling grapes of wine pros and collectors.

SAUVIGNON OR FUME BLANC

Dry Creek Vineyard, California, $11.

Sterling Vineyards, California, $11.

Clos du Bois, California, $10. (Fume Blanc is a synonym for Sauvignon Blanc.)

Taste
Medium-bodied; it has a zingy tartness that is balanced with juicy melon flavors.
Summer-Food Match
This wine's zest begs to be paired with tomato's tang. Hit the farmers' market and top some juicy slices with fresh goat cheese.
Snob Appeal
The sailboat label and regatta sponsorships make this wine popular with the yachting set, but the great price makes it work for rowboat budgets, too.

CHARDONNAY

Gallo of Sonoma, California, $11.

Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve, California, $11.

Meridian, California, $10.

Taste
Full-bodied; the lush pineapple-mango flavor is California Chardonnay at its best.
Summer-Food Match
Fresh corn on the cob. The buttery flavor of corn is the all-time best match with buttery-rich Chardonnay. Add steamed mussels, littlenecks, and potatoes for a complete clambake.
Snob Appeal
It was a Cinderella story for Gallo, a former jug-wine specialist: In the tastings, no California Chardonnay received more accolades from collectors and elite wine pros.

PINOT NOIR

Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve, California, $14.

BV Coastal, California, $10.

Robert Mondavi Coastal, California, $13.

Taste
Light-bodied; the scrumptious cherry flavor and silken texture will please white- and red-wine fans alike.
Summer-Food Match
Matchless for a cold-salad supper because the wine's light body is a perfect "salad weight." Think salad Nicoise, or chicken salad with grapes, or a crunchy chopped salad with blue cheese and bacon.
Snob Appeal
The Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay is very popular, but this red is just as good. Call it Pinot for short, the way connoisseurs do.

MERLOT

Columbia Crest Grand Estates, Washington, $10.

Fetzer Eagle Peak, California, $9.

Turning Leaf, California, $8.

Taste
Medium-bodied; the texture is plump but soft; the plum flavor is rich without being overwhelming.
Summer-Food Match
A salmon bake, with the fish cooked over an open fire, is Washingtonians' choice match with their local Merlot. To recreate the taste, toss mesquite or hickory chips on the coals for your grilled salmon.
Snob Appeal
Bordeaux-esque flavor on a budget. Wine insiders compare the classy taste of Washington Merlots to the powerful-but-elegant French Bordeaux on which they're modeled.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Beringer Founders' Estate, California, $12.

Gallo of Sonoma, California, $13.

J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks, California, $15.

Taste
Full-bodied; this has the lush blackberry flavor and rich, velvety texture that Cabernet drinkers love.
Summer-Food Match
Burgers (beef, turkey, or veggie) on the grill, topped with grilled onions and a great cheese — Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Maytag Blue. Strong cheese and the smoky flavors of the grill spotlight the Cabernet's intense fruit flavors.
Snob Appeal
Yes, you can still enjoy a blue-chip reputation at an everyday price. Many wine collectors favor this one, making note of its cedar scent.

*These are manufacturers' suggested retail prices, which are often discounted.