If you're looking for great red wine with a lot of character, spice and a touch of pepper than check out the fabulous Garnacha(Grenache) from Spain. This country has excellent old vine vineyards and the quality is superb. Some of the hot spots for great value Garnacha are Calatayud and Campo de Borja. These areas are putting out gems at prices too good to be true. This is the same grape that is king in the southern Rhone region of France and is the principle grape in a Chateauneuf du Pape. Think of succulent red fruits with licorice and white pepper with silky textures and you have a fine Grenache. I get the chance to taste a lot of wine on a weekly basis and the Spanish Garnacha only seems to be getting better and better. These wines pair wonderfully with a wide array of foods. Try stews, chili, grilled pork and steaks and many other robust dishes that you would pair big bold reds with. So if you need a new red wine that won't break the bank but has tons of flavor and is a joy to experience, do check out these killer wines from Spain. Here is a list of six of my favorite bottles that are sure to please any wine lover.

1)      Monte Oton, Campo de Borja  2008 - This is another great value Garnacha from the awesome importer Jorge Ordonez.  Heady raspberry, plum and peppers fill the glass and coat the palate. A must try for the fall and winter. Pair with pulled pork and chili. 

2)      Vina Alarba, Calatayud 2006 - This wine comes from vineyards planted at 2500 ft. altitude on a mountain side. The wine displays aromas and flavors of cherries, dark plums and white pepper. A real value for the money. Pair with beef stew and grilled sirloin. 

3)      Las Rocas, Calatayud 2007 - A killer wine vintage after vintage. Robert Parker scored the 2007 90 pts. Pretty good for a wine that is under 15 bucks a bottle. This wine has aromas and flavors of black cherry, raspberry and spice. Nice length on the finish. Another must try. Pair with a nice grilled pork loin. 

4)      Evodia , Calatayud 2007 - This gem is brought to us from the famous Eric Soloman. This is the guy who first brought us Las Rocas and other fine gems from Spain. Tons of blackberry, raspberry and cracked pepper sing on the palate. Silky mouth feel with a great finish. Pair with Asian ribs off the grill. 

5)      Garnacha de Fuego, Calatayud 2008 - I think this wine is one of the greatest values from Spain right now. Ripe raspberry aromas and flavors with a touch of licorice and vanilla. Nice juicy fruits with mouthwatering acidity. Best Value in Wine Spectator. Pair with a good movie and a warm fireplace. 

6)      Tres Picos, Campo de Borja 2007 - The grapes in this wine come from the famous Moncayo  mountain. Low yields produce a very complex wine that tastes like a wine triple its price. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, strawberry, vanilla and plums fill the mouth with a nice weight and long finish. This wine is sure to please all serious red wine drinkers. Always rated extremely  well in Wine Spectator. The 2007 and the 2008 are both great vintages. Pair with a blackened Ribeye.