There’s a chili cookoff happening in my neck of the woods this weekend, which puts me in mind of Malbec. It’s a great match for chili, not to mention roasted meats, grilled vegetables and more. In other words, it’s a food-friendly, versatile red wine — aromatic and usually made in a smooth, easy-to-like style. Here are a few I’ve enjoyed lately, at a range of prices:

Ambas 2008 Malbec Mendoza ($6). Quite a nice surprise at this price, offering pretty, medium- to light-bodied blackberry and currant fruit with pepper and toast accents. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Arido 2007 Malbec Mendoza ($10). Seriously a bargain, with appealing savory and mineral notes balancing the smooth red berry, toasty vanilla and baking spice aromas and flavors. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Navarro Correas 2007 Malbec Mendoza Coleccion Privada ($11). Smooth, ripe blackberry and cherry flavors are accented with smoky vanilla and fresh herbs. An easy drink. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Clayhouse 2008 Malbec Paso Robles ($15). Nice price on a bold, full-flavored wine, with loads of rich, concentrated blackberry and raspberry fruit accented with light peppery and tobacco notes and milk chocolate that lingers on the smooth finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Layer Cake 2008 Malbec Mendoza ($15). Big and full and slurpably good, offering lush blackberry jam, black cherry, tangy spices, dark chocolate and a long, smooth finish. A lot of bang for the buck. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Ikal 1150 2007 Malbec Mendoza ($20). Fruit driven and pretty, with violet aromas, concentrated berry and currant flavors, a touch of herbs, and a bright finish with very little oak influence. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Finca del Origen 2008 Malbec Uco Valley Gran Reserva ($23). Just a baby — and should age nicely! Bright and intensely flavored, with violet aromas accenting focused blackberry and raspberry flavors, picking up baking spices and mocha. Give it a minute to breathe and it smooths out nicely. Drink now and over the next 3-4 years. Locate this wine online or in your area.