Another value wine from Spain

The holidays are on the approach, and it’s great to have affordable, respectable reds in your back pocket to serve as your personal house wine. Spain is always a great place to look. It’s full of solid wines at good prices, and the 2010 Tempranillo from Venta Morales proves the point. You can find it for about $8 in Baton Rouge, and it’s dropped as low as $6 at one online retailer. There’s good ruby color in this medium-bodied red, with a nose of red fruit and smoke. Look for cherry and licorice on the mid-palate, and a clean and sturdy finish. Its balance of acidity means the pairing possibilities range widely. Try sticky balsamic ribs, hoisin beef stew, roast pork with chutney or good ol’ spaghetti with meatballs. The 2008 and 2009 vintages of this wine were also impressive steals. Keep tabs on this La Mancha winemaker.