Travel the globe with these five exotic imported wines

Sometimes you just have to give in to that traveling palate of yours. When an import winks at you from the aisle at the retail store, why resist? There are plenty of Cote du Rhones, garnachas and barberas to explore. They’re not only exotic, but they’re remarkable values for the budget-minded. Here are five that jumped in my cart.

E. Guigal, 2012 Syrah Cote du Rhone Rouge, $19. A tasty Cote du Rhone, medium bodied and round. Aromas and flavors of black cherry, raspberry and black pepper. Great high-toned fruit. Nice length. What makes it a standout is its layered flavors.

Domaine de la Voute des Crozes, 2015 Beaujolais, $13. An irresistible bowl of fruit – cherry, cranberry and raspberry. Fullbodied, with crisp acidity – Beaujolais at its best.

Avaniel, 2015 Ribera del Duero, $11. A kiss of bittersweet chocolate on the palate coupled with bone dry cherry. This has good depth of flavors. It also has nice acidity and it’s nimble, with a nice lift on the finish.

Bodegas Borsao, 2015 Garnacha Campo de Borja, $9. This is a tasty garnacha, uncomplicated but nice. Notes of dry cherry, a hint of cranberry and cracked black pepper. Juicy.

Andrea Oberto, Barbera D’alba, 2015 Italy, Red Wine, $13. Bright red cherry fruit, full-bodied and balanced. Edgy cranberry in the mix. Nice acidity. Lingering finish. A gorgeous, irresistible red, surprising at this price point.