When it comes to real cheapies (under $8), I find it really hard to find a white I'd buy again (other than an occasional Vinho Verde, but that's not exactly versatile). With reds I stock things like Borsao or Iche Heretiques, wines I like and that Betsy knows she can open for cooking with impunity, but since the dollar weakened I've had to raise the ceiling for "house whites" to $10 and above as the Pepiere Muscadet and CRB Touraine SB have gotten more expensive. But just in time for summer I've found a $6.75 white winner. Well, actually it's $9, but that's for a liter bottle.
The wine is the 2005 H.u.M Hofer Gruner Veltliner. Odd-looking bottle, but nice tasting wine. Nose of ripe apples with a little lentil and white pepper, smooth texture and nice finish for an inexpensive wine. Just a slight hint of off-dryness, but enough acidity to offset; some chalk and talc on the finish. Pleasant, long, and interesting. A B, but an A for value.
Has a crown-cap, so be sure you have a stopper of some sort. Very food
-friendly- matched well with grilled pork chops & artichoke/pepper pasta last night, I had a half-glass with grilled chicken this evening, and am sipping some now after returning from city with some chevre and salami.
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.