Once people find out that I enjoy wine they frequently ask what wine I would recommend that is under, say, $20.

I always refer these people to Winescorecard, of course, because we believe that you are your own best wine reviewer.

But after a bit of discussion, the wine I typically recommend for under $20 is the Jaboulet Parallèle “45″ Côtes du Rhône, which usually goes for about $13. And, really, at this price it is a bargain. Parallèle “45″ is a terrific blend of syrah and grenache grapes. The funny name comes from the latitude that passes just near the Jaboulet property. Parallèle “45″ is very smooth with great ripe fruit - I get hints of cherries, although I’ve seen other reviews say blackberries. This is really a terrific wine for someone just starting to learn about wine because of its light texture, good fruit, and great price.

We enjoyed our most recent bottle just the other night when we met some friends for dinner at Grandma’s Grotto (reviews), a cute BYOB just north of Willow Grove, PA. I’m not sure how long Grandma’s has been around - we don’t go this way too often. From the outside it didn’t look like much, but the food was quite good.

I started with the shrimp and crab bisque. It was creamy and rich, just as one would expect. I thought it was very well done. The Veal ala John John - a lightly breaded veal cutlet topped with bruschetta - was very good as the main dish. And I can’t say enough good things about the the canoli (a particular weakness of mine). The owner stopped to chat for a few minutes (sorry, I missed her name). Her Italian and Brooklyn accent to make you believe that this family knows good food. In fact, the entire management seems to be a family affair - husband cooking, wife working the dining room, kids working the tables.

My only criticism of Grandma’s Grotto is that we were constantly asking for forks, spoons or water. Granted, we were a table of 14, so I can appreciate that were a bit tough to deal with. On the plus side, our party sat and chatted for probably 40 minutes after we finished eating and they never once did anything to hurry us out the door. That, in my book, is priceless. I hate being rushed, and there was certainly no hint of being pestered here.

In any event, the Jaboulet Parallèle “45″ went remarkably well with my meal, as it would with most anything. It is a light, fruity wine, with modest tannins and a smooth texture. All for $13. Put it together with some good food and good conversation, and you have a good night on your hands.