Spanish wines at a charity event in Raleigh

[wondersofwine]

Friends of mine own Zely & Ritz Restaurant and were hosting a benefit for Triangle Family Services (counseling for domestic violence and other problems). They had appetizers (hummus, pita bread, olives, etc.) and five wines you could try. They retail for $9.99 a bottle with the exception of the Taurus Marco Real which is all of $10.99 a bottle.
Didn't note the vintage of the first two, both white wines.
1. Gran Reboreda Bodegas Campante (Reboreda grape?) Okay, but nothing I would seek out to buy. Bone dry.

2. Palacio De Menade Verdelho
Verdelho grape with a bit of Sauvignon Blanc.
I really liked this as did one of the men trying it about the same time. Crisp, lifted, fruity, citrusy note, dry finish. Could see this with shrimp ceviche or such.
Good summer wine value at $9.99.

Then the red wines:
3. 2003 Sierra De Siles Tempranillo
Fruity nose-perhaps raspberry. Spent 12 months in French and American barrels before bottling. Wood gives background strength to a basically fruity wine. I liked this one and actually all three reds. 13% alcohol

4. 2004 Carchelo Monastrell I expected this to be 100% Monastrell or Mourvedre but it actually had Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blended in according to the pourer. Nice for the price. 13.5% alcohol

5. 2003 Taurus Marco Real, Navarra 14% alcohol
Tinta de Toro grape. Pretty crimson color; not opaque. Didn't taste that much more robust than the lower alcohol reds. Quite fruity.

The Tempranillo and the Verdelho with Sauvignon Blanc are the two I might be tempted to buy.