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Spain has long been a reliable source of excellent wines at reasonable prices, exemplified by these 10 picks from diverse regions made in varied styles, all for $30 or less.
Only about 20 percent of Spain's wine production is white, but these wines are appealing both for their food-friendly character and their value. Here, you'll find three whites made from the Albariño grape, which thrives in the Rias Baixas region of northwestern Spain. These generally show bright flavors of peach and citrus with a balancing briny note.
Xarel-lo is a white grape most often used in the blends for sparkling Cava, but is increasingly being bottled as a still wine. This version, from Fermí Bohigas, is fresh and focused.
Reds from Rioja are consistent winners, offering balanced, accessible structures and a mix of fruit and savory herbal flavors. Wines labeled crianza have had enough aging, both in oak barrels and in bottle, to be lovely and approachable on release. The two examples here are from 2015, a very successful vintage.
I was very taken by the rosado from Carlos Serres, a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, which presents a light, refreshing style. At $11 and 88 points, it's a steal.
BOUZA DO REI Albariño Rias Baixas Gran Selección 2016
This round white shows a silky texture that caresses the palate, while firm acidity gives this underlying grip. Peach, lemon curd and light vanilla flavors are harmonious and fresh. Graceful and stylish. Drink now through 2022. 5,000 cases imported.
EL COTO DE RIOJA Garnacha Rioja Crianza 2015
Cherry and raspberry fruit sing in this generous red, while subtle leafy and vanilla accents add interest. Lively acidity and light tannins give this balance. Tender and exuberant. Drink now through 2023. 450 cases imported.
QUINTA COUSELO Albariño Rias Baixas Turonia 2017
Flinty and briny notes give this firm white a distinctly mineral character. Peach and ginger details and leesy flavors fill this out. Quite rich, but remains balanced and energetic. Drink now through 2023. 1,000 cases imported.
BUIL & GINÉ Priorat Giné Giné 2016
This red is dense yet lively, with floral and smoke notes that frame bright cherry and red plum flavors, backed by mineral, licorice and garrigue details. Bright acidity enlivens the silky texture, supported by well-integrated tannins. Cariñena and Garnacha. Drink now through 2028. 3,500 cases imported.
BODEGAS TIONIO Ribera del Duero Crianza 2015
Cocoa, clove and toasty notes frame black cherry and cranberry flavors in this lively red. Racy acidity and light, firm tannins give this a vibrant structure. Not muscular, but has energy, with a minerally and floral finish. Drink now through 2025. 1,000 cases imported.
BODEGAS VALDELACIERVA Rioja Crianza 2015
This red has depth and focus, with plum, currant, espresso and loamy earth flavors mingling over firm, well-integrated acidity, lifted by balsamic acidity. Shows grip, but remains balanced. Drink now through 2027. 1,000 cases imported.
BODEGAS PAZO DE BARRANTES Albariño Rias Baixas 2017
This expressive white delivers peach, lychee and orange blossom flavors in a silky texture supported by lemony acidity. A touch of salinity grounds the finish nicely. Drink now. 2,101 cases imported.
FERMÍ BOHIGAS Xarel-lo Catalunya 2017
This white is round and fruity, while crisp acidity keeps this lively. Offers peach and tangerine flavors, with light herbal and briny notes. Fresh and focused. Drink now. 1,800 cases imported.
BODEGAS FRANCO-ESPAÑOLAS Rioja Bordón Crianza 2015
This plump red offers cherry, licorice, smoky and leafy flavors, with light tannins and orange peel acidity. Balanced, lively and fresh. Drink now through 2023. 2,400 cases imported.
BODEGAS CARLOS SERRES Tempranillo-Garnacha Rioja Rosé 2017
This pale, dry rosé offers berry, spice and leaf notes in a silky but fresh texture. Lively, with savory elements that add an extra dimension. Drink now. 560 cases imported.