Margaret Swaine’s Wine Picks: Reds that deliver

From cheerful and simple to sublime and complex, these three reds deliver beyond their price. Find them via WineAlign.com/MargaretsPicks.

BBQ Barbera 2009
$9.95 (87 Points)
Perfectly geared for barbecue fare, this purple-hued red from Piedmont in northern Italy is medium-light bodied. Its fresh fruity nose has a touch of spice. Spiced red raspberry comes through on the palate along with refreshing acidity and a savoury spiced finish. Serve slightly chilled with burgers off the grill.

Mitolo Jester Shiraz 2010
$21.95 (90 Points)
Made by renowned Australian winemaker Ben Glaetzer, this South Australian red from McLaren Vale is a bold, forward and rich — a love-it-or-hate-it kind of hedonistic style. Generous with chewy density, it has flavours and aromas of dark chocolate and ripe berry overlaid with suggestions of smoke and oak. Excellent with sauce-slathered barbecued ribs.

Tenuta di Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino 2006
$44.95 (was $49.95)  (93 Points)
This ample, complex wine is made from a special selection of sangiovese grapes (Brunello clone) aged three years in oak. Elegant and sophisticated, firm yet supple, it drinks nicely now yet has plenty of persistent but silky tannins. There are lovely cherry, leather and earthy notes in the bouquet and taste. Savoury and layered, it has hints of underbrush in the dry finish.