Hi,
A few of my favorite values as a wine professional;
for a red try Badia a Coltibuono Cancelli Toscana Rosso 2003 a delicious blend of 70% Sangiovese (the base grape in Chianti) and 30% Syrah for around $12.00/btl. For a white perhaps a nice crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, something like Allan Scott Vineyard Select 2004 at about $12.00/btl.However the best advice I can give you is to find a retailer that you trust, explain you situation and get some advice. That way you can begin to develop a relationship with someone who can help you explore a pretty wide world of wine. Speaking as someone who spent about 9 years in retail there are some really great people out there who are enthusiastic wine lovers and who really want to help you learn and enjoy wine more.
A few of my favorite values as a wine professional;
for a red try Badia a Coltibuono Cancelli Toscana Rosso 2003 a delicious blend of 70% Sangiovese (the base grape in Chianti) and 30% Syrah for around $12.00/btl. For a white perhaps a nice crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, something like Allan Scott Vineyard Select 2004 at about $12.00/btl.However the best advice I can give you is to find a retailer that you trust, explain you situation and get some advice. That way you can begin to develop a relationship with someone who can help you explore a pretty wide world of wine. Speaking as someone who spent about 9 years in retail there are some really great people out there who are enthusiastic wine lovers and who really want to help you learn and enjoy wine more.