smooth wine

[Botafogo]

Try to find some RIPASSO (a style, not a brand) Valpolicella. Almost every producer has some and many are widely distributed (Zenato, Masi and Boscaini in particular) and I do not think you can find a better bang for your buck in "smooth" red, many are around $12 and even the best (Villa Bellini's "Taso" for instance) are under $25.

Roberto

You might also try some Salice Salentino which is a LOT less money and fits the bill texuture wise but will have more meat and less fruit in the flavors.