These inexpensive wines overperform for their price, which ranges from $9 to $15 — all great values and a good bet for holiday entertaining.

Sinfonia Tempranillo 2011

One and a half stars

Vino de la Tierra de Castilla, Spain, $11

What a delightful wine. Explosively fruity yet well balanced with acidity, this is a crowd pleaser, one to gulp down rather than contemplate. I’m amazed it isn’t more widely available. From D.C. area importer Aurelio Cabestrero.

Elite.

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Wolfberger Pinot Blanc 2011

Two stars 

Alsace, France, $15

Crisp and refreshing, like drinking spring water with a kick.

Kysela.

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Cantele Primitivo 2009

Two stars 

Salento, Italy, $13

Fans of zinfandel should latch onto this southern Italian expression of the same grape. This shares the dried cranberry flavor and woodsy earthiness of its California cousin, but with sharper, more focused acidity and lower alcohol.

Country Vintner.

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Villa Dria Colombard-Sauvignon 2011

Two stars 

Gascony, France, $9

Gascony has become France’s cash cow for cheap, charming white wines. With the Villa Dria, you’re paying a little extra for the heavy bottle (unnecessarily pretentious, especially at this price), yet the wine is crisp, clean and delightful, everything one would hope for at $9.

Dionysus.

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Finca Venta Don Quijote Verdejo 2011

One and a half stars 

Castilla, Spain, $9

Spanish verdejo is one of the most underrated white wines. It tastes a bit like sauvignon blanc, with some orchard fruit flavors to balance the citrus. This one is a nice introduction for the price.

J.W. Sieg.

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Carelli 34 Malbec 2011

One star 

Mendoza, Argentina, $9

Malbec is a star, and this straightforward, fruity wine is a nice introduction to the grape and a good wine for everyday drinking.

J.W. Sieg.

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Three stars: Exceptional; Two stars: Excellent; One star: Very Good

Prices are approximate. Check Winesearcher.com to verify availability, or ask a favorite wine store to order through a distributor.