The Valdepenas D.O. sits within the larger region of La Mancha in south central Spain. For many years, La Mancha was known more for its quantity than its quality due to its ubiquity in the Spanish bulk wine market. But Valdepenas was considered a step above the rest of the region and was therefore granted its own D.O. Now Valdepenas is known for its unbelievable quality-to-price ratio. Take this Reserva from 2006. If this bottle was from Rioja it would easily demand upwards of $30. But because of the lack of pedigree, we get an outstanding wine for a jaw-dropping price. Toasty notes and nuttiness caused by the slow, controlled oxidization in barrel combine with red cherries to make a delicious, elegant red wine.