Here’s another winner if the $10 realm. I’m not the biggest fan of Fantini’s regular Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, but this organic version is quite well balanced and definitely worth a try.

Fantini Casale Vecchio Lot 23 Organic Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2019 — Abruzzo, Italy ($9.95)
If I ever put together an annual list of longest wine names, this will probably make it. But to make it easy, just look for the big green “23” on the label. Falling from 1,000 feet in the Apennine mountain range toward the Adriatic sea in east-central Italy, the Montepulciano grapes of this organic red are freshened by consistent sea breezes. Aged six to seven month of French and American oak, it’s medium-bodied with a nose of wet leaves, herbs, dark red fruit and vanilla. On the palate there’s piles of red fruit leaning to sweet plum. It’s quite smooth and round, with nice acidity and medium tannins that stick around on the finish. This is a good one to pour your friends and have them guess the price. And it’s organic to boot! Line up the pizza and hamburgers with this excellent value. 88