Wine review: 2009 Palacios Remondo ‘La Montesa’ Rioja

Spain’s Alvaro Palacios is that rare winemaker who makes great wine at every price level. This happens to be one of his lower-priced wines, yet this 2009 Rioja from the La Montesa Vineyard has all the right stuff. The smooth blend of 65% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo and 5% Mazuelo tastes of cherries, plums and white pepper, an elegant Rioja for well under $20.

It’s a versatile, food-friendly wine that goes with just about anything: burgers, barbecue, tapas, paella, grilled meats.

Region: Rioja, Spain

Price: $14 to $17

Style: Elegant and lightly spicy

What it goes with: burgers, barbecue, tapas, paella, grilled meats

Where to find it: BestWinesOnline, (888) 817-8880, Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, (949) 650-8463, Mission Wine & Spirits in Pasadena, (626) 794-7026, and Glendale, (818) 242-0683, and Wine Exchange in Orange, (800) 76WINEX.

irene.virbila@latimes.com