Five Best Reds Under $10

It's party time. And with all the holiday gatherings coming up, it's fair to say there's going to be a lot of good food.

Wine, as it's often said, goes well with food -- so you're probably going to have to buy some soon.

It's all part of the fun: dressing up, dinner parties and of course dragging yourself to the local wine shop.

This time, as your mind starts to go blank in the middle of the Bordeaux aisle, take along this trusty little list to help you get your bearings.

The good news is that there are a lot of great red wines to choose from. And by some incredible twist of fate, if you believe the latest studies, chemical properties in red wine can preserve your youth and extend your wonderful life.

It also becomes clear, after you try several bottles -- and consequently, pile more years onto your life span -- that there is an abundance of good affordable reds.

And unlike our past hunt for the great cheap whites which ventured well outside the common categories, a successful red search can stay well within the famous wine regions of the world.

Most of the classic red producers are represented, with the notable exception of France. No effrontery intended, but while the French lead the league in top-tier wines, it's not the place to look for value-hunting.

2004 Campos Reales Tempranillo (La Mancha, Spain), $8

This is the red from La Mancha.

Only two years old, this Spanish red has a very vigorous, youthful flavor. The first sip comes on like a big, berry-packed wave followed by a tart and sturdy tannic finish. Some tasters may find it a bit overpowering at first, but with a little air time (or breathing), it mellows to a well-balanced dinner wine. What stood out most is how the wine steadily improved over the course of a meal -- and it was even better the next day.