Spain produces some of the greatest wine values on the planet. I have been especially enamored with the imports from Jorge Ordonez. He has some great stuff in his catalog. Today I am sending you out in search of Tarima, Monastrel. Produced from 25- to 35-year-old vines in the Alicante, it sports a berried floral nose and deep purple colors. The mouth has plenty of flesh and ripe berry fruit. It finishes with a touch of tar, black licorice and spice. The wine is medium weight with hardly any tannin. Still, it is complex enough to please and serve with dinner. Best of all, it's about $12.
-- Michael McVittie reviews wines available locally
Michael McVittie