Protocolo Red, Spain, 2006
Price Range: $7-9.
You will be hard-pressed to find an everyday table wine better or more affordable than this. It’s a medium-bodied wine made of Tempranillo grapes that’s silky smooth, with lush fruit flavors. It has a deep-red color and inviting berry aromas. A sip brings complex flavors of raspberry, vanilla and cherry. The soft texture is backed by solid structure and a long finish.
Winery: The Dominio de Eguren label is one of several owned by the Eguren brothers, whose family has grown grapes since 1870.
Goes with: Strong cheeses, grilled meats, hot wings, ham. We had it with Hunan shrimp, and the wine was a good complement to the spicy flavors.
Author Dennis Sodomka