($70, Grapes of Spain): It’s not often that a producer’s early wines from a new area are so outstanding.  Usually it takes time to discern the quirks of the vineyards and area.  But the 2001 Paixar has it all.  Powerful, but not overdone- — a mere 13.5% alcohol — it delivers layers of mineral-infused nuances seamlessly intertwined with succulent black cherry-like flavor.  … Read more

($10, Freixenet USA): Made by the Ferrer family who owns the Spanish sparkling wine (Cava) house, Freixenet, Tapeña Tempranillo is an easy-to-drink, fruit forward, cheery kind of wine. 86 Michael Apstein May 22, 2007… Read more

($8, Shaw Ross International): Marques de Riscal is one of the leading Rioja producers.  They have branched out from their Rioja home to create this Tempranillo-based wine from grapes grown in Spain’s vast central plateau, an area not well known for producing quality wine. … Read more

($22, Moet Hennessy USA): Marques de Grinon’s estate, Dominio de Valdepusa, is considered one of Spain’s vinous gems.  It was Spain’s first Denominación de Origen (DO) Pago, or officially recognized single estate.  (To date there are still only two other estates). … Read more

($8, W. J. Deutsch and Sons): This two-thirds Merlot and one-third Tempranillo blend is a charming wine.  Supple, but not soft, the acidity keeps it fresh so you can keep tasting the black-cherry flavors.  If it were Italian, I’d call it a good ‘pizza’ wine, but since it’s from Spain, think of it as a wine for tapas. … Read more

($37, Shaw-Ross International): One of the great things about Spanish wines is that many producers age them for years–sometimes even decades–before release so the consumer has an opportunity to taste the complexity bottle aging imparts.  This 1999 Gran Reserva, the current release, still has tannins of youth, but mature leather and coffee nuances peak out from under fresh dark fruit flavors. … Read more

($70, Eric Solomon): Made from the classic blend of 50% Carignan and 40% Grenache (with the remaining portion split between Merlot and Syrah), this succulent Priorat blends power and elegance.  Not over done, as can be the risk with wines from this region, La Basseta is a stylish wine. … Read more

($7, Eric Solomon Selections/European Cellars): Yecla, a small area on Spain’s southeastern coast surrounding the town of the same name, is well suited for the Monastrell grape (a.k.a. Mourvèdre in France or Mataro in Australia) because it needs the warmth of the Mediterranean sun to ripen. … Read more

($14, Eric Solomon Selections/European Cellars): Although Spanish regulators awarded the Calatayud region, about 150 miles northeast of Madrid, D.O. status (official recognition as a unique wine growing area) about 15 years ago, it remains obscure, which probably explains why such bargains as this one still abound. … Read more

($20, Frederick Wildman): This succulent, easy-to-drink wine from Spain’s Rioja region is filled with cherry-like fruit, supple tannins, and a little spice imparted by aging in American oak casks.  It shows why Rioja remains the most recognizable name in Spanish wines.… Read more

($14, Eric Solomon Selections): Yecla, a small DO (Denominación de Origen or DO is comparable to France’s Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, or AOC) on Spain’s southeastern coast is well suited for the Monastrell grape (aka Mourvèdre) because it needs the Mediterranean sun to ripen. … Read more

($11, Eric Solomon Selections): Castell del Remei judiciously blends Ull de Llebre-literally, the ‘hare’s eye’ and the local Catalan name for Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to make Gotim Bru.  They avoid the pitfall of making an ‘international’ wine dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, instead delivering a unique, spicy, yet refined wine. … Read more

($10, Ole Imports): Torremorón, a cooperative in Ribera del Duero, one of Spain’s priciest and most renowned wine districts, offers this attractive wine at a gorgeous price.  An under-appreciated asset of cooperatives is most of the members are poor and have not been able to afford to replant their vines. … Read more

($13, Ole Imports): Made exclusively from Tempranillo aged without benefit of oak barrels, the Mibal Tinto shows the incredible depth of fruit flavors interwoven with minerality that Tempranillo planted in the soils of Ribera del Duero can produce. Try it the next time you grill a steak.… Read more

($10, Ole Imports): Spain is leading the way in providing distinctive wines at bargain prices.  This blend of Garnacha (aka Grenache), Tempranillo, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon provides plenty of fruit flavors without losing its sense of balance.  Supple and spicy, it has more to it than you’d expect from the price.… Read more

($12, Fine Wine Imports): A small cooperative in Ribera del Duero hired Oscar Aragón, winemaker at the well-regarded Cillar de Silos winery, to manage the vineyard and oversee the production of this wine made exclusively from Tempranillo grapes. Rather intense with a healthy dose of minerality, as is fitting for wines from Ribera del Duero, it has unusual class for a wine of this price.… Read more

($16, Fine Wine Imports): A blend of 95 percent Tinto Fino (aka Tempranillo) with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot making up the difference, Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro has managed to craft a delicious, yet well-priced, wine from Ribera del Duero, an area better known for the high priced spread.… Read more

($11, Kobrand): This is the Spanish equivalent of what I refer to in Italy as ‘pizza wine.’ It’s a well-constructed blend of mostly Tempranillo-for black fruit flavors-some Garnacha-for bright spice-and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon for structure. The grapes work well together, which makes this wine a good choice for take-out rotisserie chicken.… Read more

($12, Grapes of Spain): Leave it to Aurelio Cabestrero, owner of Grapes of Spain, to find an inexpensive delicious wine from the virtually unknown Denominación de Origen (DO) of Almansa, southwest of Valencia, not far from the Mediterranean. Made by a cooperative, the wine is 2/3 Garnacha, 1/3 Syrah and 100% enjoyable.… Read more

($6, Appellation Imports): I haven’t had a $6 wine I could recommend this enthusiastically in years. Yes, the label is confusing because Cariñena, the geographical applellation of the wine, is also the name of a grape, though not the grape from which this wine is made.… Read more

($12, Appellation Imports): An upscale version of their regular Garnacha, the “Old Vine” selection is aged in oak barrels for six months. The judicious use of oak adds a creamy patina without overwhelming the attractive fruity spiciness. The lip-smacking cherry acidity keeps it lively throughout the meal.… Read more

($15, Kobrand): Here is another great bargain from the family of Julián Chivite, a well-respected Spanish winemaker. The family owns this property in Navarra and another in Rioja. The Gran Feudo Reserva, a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and merlot, has exquisite balance.… Read more

($16, Polaner Selections): Minerality and herbal notes balance a refreshing edginess from the almost effervescent-like acidity. A lovely persistent finish completes the picture. 90 Michael Apstein Sep 5, 2006… Read more

($10, Click Imports): At least some Spaniards have learned quickly how to market Old World wines to us geographically-challenged New World wines drinkers. They put the seemingly incomprehensible, but of course, essential, geographic material on the back label. The consumer is captured by the far more memorable name, Mad Dogs and Englishmen, followed by the varietal blend, on the front label.… Read more