The first great cheap Spanish red blend to to get noticed in the U.S. was Osborne’s Solaz. Since then, there has been an almost unending stream of red blends, many of which taste like they came from Australia and that they are cheap is about the only thing in their favor. And some of them aren’t even cheap.

Fortunately, the Dis Tinto (about $10, available at Central Market) belongs to the cheap and well made category. It’s a tempranillo and syrah blend from Valenica (known for bulk wine, if not always quality wine) from Ole Imports, which has made a habit of brining in these kinds of wines.

Sign up for our newsletter!

* indicates required

The Dis Tinto is dark and Spanish in nature, not as fruity as the Solaz syrah and tempranillo blend, and a bit higher in alcohol. I had it with chicken and rice seasoned with chili power, paprika, cumin and coriander and it was a terrific fit.

State Fair wine note: I’m going to be on Channel 11 at 6:45 or so on Friday morning talking about the wine events at the State Fair this year.  We’re doing a wine talk in the wine garden every day of the fair; the first talk each day will be Texas Wine 101, and the following talks will be Wine 101. Stop by and say hello.