Ergo Rioja 2006

This Spanish red, a Rioja but marketed by a Galician combine owned by Gallo, is made mostly from the Tempranillo grape. Allowed to breathe for at least an hour ( I know that I harp on this ad nauseam, but it really is essential), it exhibits a nicely balanced character, mostly dark cherry and vanilla, with just enough acidity and soft tannins to give it substance. It was perfect with our steak. At the sale price of $8.99 it constitutes a genuine bargain, to be snapped up while it lasts.