Hailing from the western portion of Spain’s populous Zaragosta Province and not costing a fistful of dollars, the 2010 Bordegas Borsao Granacha ($7) is a simple, fruity red from a blend of Grenache and Tempranillo grapes, perfect to pair with spaghetti with red sauce and pizza. And for a few dollars more, from the same producer, there’s the complex 2010 Bordegas Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha ($14), from 100 percent Grenache grapes, that shows a fragrant bouquet and mouth-filling flavors of ripe berries and a hint of oak. It makes a great mate for grilled beef and lamb and veal chops. Also from Spain for more elaborate fare, like saffron-infused bouillabaisse and paella, there’s the elegant 2006 Viña Mayor Reserva (($24), from 100 percent Tempranillo grapes grown in the Ribera del Duero area (north of Madrid). It exhibits an intense bouquet and taste of ripe cherries and herbs, with a touch of vanilla in the finish.
Usually too heavy to match the flavorful fare of late spring and summer, three recently sampled, widely available Zinfandels and red Bordeaux were notable exceptions. In fact, these wines — a 2009 Chateau du Pin ($11), a Rosenblum Vintner’s Cuvee XXXIII Zinfandel ($11), and a 2009 Edmeades Mendocino Zinfandel ($14) — married quite well with the likes of grilled salmon, pan-fried soft-shell crabs and pasta with pesto.
