Fall is officially here — which doesn’t necessarily mean cooler temperatures everywhere (yet!), but does seem to turn the page from the search for affordable whites to the desire for affordable reds. Here are five I’ve tasted lately — each for less than twenty bucks:

Dievole 2007 Fourplay Sicilia ($18). A Nero d’Avola blend, this offers an appealing mix of deep black cherry and plum aromas and flavors — ripe and fleshy — with accents of mineral, espresso and chocolate. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Irony 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($16). A nice surprise for a Cab at this price — even if it does have the Napa pedigree. With appealing depth and richness to the black fruit character, picking up toast, sage and dark chocolate on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Zonte’s Footstep 2007 Shiraz Viognier Langhorne Creek Single Site ($15). Aromatic, jammy blueberry and blackberry fruit offers loads of baking spice and a plush, supple finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Castello Banfi 2007 Toscana Centine ($13). I could happily make this my house red for fall, for its easy-drinking, bright red berry and cherry fruit, mineral and spice accents, and medium-body/finish. Food friendly. Buy a case! Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Jose Maria da Fonseca 2006 Terras do Sado Periquita ($10). Seems like this is always a good deal, and this vintage is no different. With nice intensity to the juicy red plum and berry fruit, smoke and spice, and toast on the finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.