2000 Remelluri Rioja

This beautiful, contemporary Rioja, a clear, bright garnet, has a warm, burnished quality that brings you back to the glass again and again. Gently furred with tannins, it’s not a wine for idle sipping. But it’s great with food, especially steak tartare.

Ring out the old Riojas and bring in the new: Remelluri is consistently one of the stars of the region, and its Riojas are new classics.

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Quick swirl

Region: Rioja, Spain.

Price: About $20

Style: Juicy and bright

Food it goes with: Roast leg of lamb or grilled chops, steak tartare. It’s lovely with braised meats too.

Where you find it: Beverage Warehouse in Marina del Rey, (310) 306-2822; Foothill Wine & Spirits in La Canada Flintridge, (818) 952-4084; Larchmont Village Wine & Cheese in Los Angeles, (323) 856-8699; Wine Bank in San Diego, (858) 234-7487; Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454; and the Wine House in Los Angeles, (310) 479-3731.

--S. Irene Virbila