Zestos

A 50/50 blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha. Bright violet. Vibrant aromas of red and dark berries, spicecake and anise. Lively strawberry and raspberry flavors give way to deeper cherry in the middle palate, providing impressive depth for the price. The spicy quality repeats on the nervy, focused finish. This wine’s liveliness reminds me of Pinot Noir.

The 2009 Zestos is a unoaked blend of 50% Tempranillo and 50% Garnacha. Dark ruby-colored, it displays aromas of pepper, damp earth, and black cherry. On the palate it has firm tannin which shortens the finish. Even so, this is a tasty red for near-term drinking.

Looking for the perfect everyday red that will pair well with anything from pasta to tuna to pork? Well, here it is. This medium bodied red is a blend of 50% Garnacha and 50% Tempranillo. Flavors of blueberries, pepper and herbs intertwined with light tannins make it a perfect year-round drinker. Give it a little chill and drink it on warm days; it’s even cheap enough to use as your base for sangria. This red has such flexibility that you should buy it by the case — I do.