Ondarre Rioja Reserva 2002

If you are into Riojas this one is a pretty tasty treat. Tempranillo 75%, Garnacha 10%, Mazuelo (Carignane)15%, full body with a deep cherry hue. No oxidation or browning. The nose is typically malolactic: yogurt and sweet fruit.
Sometimes Riojas are too flat for me... this one, although very fruit forward, has enough structure to be fun. Cherry syrup, fig jam and oak. $16 in retail. And yes, it calls for a pork loin!

Castell del Remei- Gotim Bru 2005 Catalonia Spain

Castell del Remei- Gotim Bru 2005 Catalonia Spain

Tempranillo, Merlot, Granache & Cabernet Sauvignon blend

Price U$ 15

http://www.wine.com/V6/Castell-del-Remei-Gotim-Bru-2005/wine/92262/detail.aspx?s=GoogleBase&cid=GoogleBase

This spanish blend which has a total of 4 different varietals is a great value for the price.

With about 70% Tempranillo one can still taste the other 3 blends which gives this full ruby red wine a rich taste. Its spicey and I tasted hints of coffee and cherry in the mix.

Catalan wines are hard to find outside of Europe but this is a good place to start.

Prado Rey- Roble 2006

Prado Rey- Roble 2006

Spain

Price 20 USD

http://www.shoppersvineyard.com/1/42405/Chateau-Haut-Surget-Lalande-De-Pomerol?utm_source=Vinquire&utm_medium=WineFeed&utm_term=winebottle&utm_campaign=base

Coming out of the Ribera del Duero region this great everyday table wine red has a great blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Merlot. As it name implies the wine is aged in oak barrels which give this blend of grapes a very spicy and rich taste.

There are hints of vanilla and of berries.

Great with creamy cheese, pastas and roasts.

Marques de Caceres Crianza 2005

Spain restaurant, Manhattan. 26 dollars. We've all had a trustie Marques from time to time. Classic, cheap, full bodied Rioja. The tapas of albondigas and patatas bravas are compliments of the house. Good recession combo!

Protos 1996 Gran Reserva

Uva, Brooklyn USD$ 48

Protos 1996
The Ribera del Duero region is better known for barrel aged "crianzas" and "reservas". However, wines like this year's Protos show they can also produce pleasnt, easy drinking young wines.
Its a Prototype Pleasant, medium strength aromas of red and black berry fruit with a hint of yeasty youthfulness.

Clos de Torribas 2006

Spanish tempranillo (Penedes), bought the bottle in Bogota. Not an expensive
wine, somwhere around $15. Medium body, vanilla and prune nose, cherry
and blueberry tastes... Amazing stuff, I would give it 8.5! Tried 2003 as well and it wasn't even close...