Many consider footballs soaring through the autumn sky a signal that the tailgate party has begun. After extensive research, your "Wine Talk" correspondent has also concluded that this is a signal to transition from crisp white wines to robust reds.

After the seasons change and temperatures dip the object, of course, is to warm the body as well as the soul.

The tailgate party isn't necessarily the place to uncork your finest wines, but that's not a reason to sacrifice taste. This week I present 10 delicious, robust red wines to warm the innards as the days grow shorter and the shadows longer. All 10 won medals at the 2016 San Diego International Wine Challenge, and all retail for less than $30 a bottle.

Allegrini 2012 Palazzo della Torre, Veronese IGT, Italy, $23 — This brilliant red blend from one of northern Italy's top producers is a bargain by any measure.

Black Stallion 2014 Pinot Noir, Carneros, $25 — A tasty Carneros pinot for $25? Are you kidding me?

Bolla 2011 Creso, Veronese IGT, Italy, $25 — Some of the best red-wine bargains in the world are coming from the vineyards around Verona, a small city in northern Italy. This Veronese blend is one of them.

Cycles Gladiator 2014 Petite Sirah, Central Coast, $11 — This is the petite sirah that just might change your opinion of this controversial wine. They've tamed the tannins and dialed back the alcohol, so you can actually taste the vivid petite sirah flavors.

Dona Paula 2015 "Los Cardos" Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina, $10 — In the land of malbec this cabernet stands out. So does the price.

Dry Creek Vineyard 2014 Heritage Vines Zinfandel, Sonoma County, $21 — This is a winery that does everything right, including zinfandel, which is easy to overdo. This one is balanced and beautiful.

Eberle Winery 2013 Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, $22 — This cabernet is typically made from purchased grapes and not the Eberle estate cab, but it's always superb, and it's a tremendous value.

Girard 2013 Old Vine Zinfandel, Napa Valley, $28 — When you're searching for bold flavors and a delicious, juicy mouthfeel, look no further.

Ramon Bilbao 2011 Rioja Reserva DOC, Spain, $20 — Buying red wine this good for barely $20 (or less if you shop around or buy six bottles or more) is pretty much stealing.

Ventana 2014 Rubystone, Arroyo Seco, $28 — For many consecutive vintages, this is now one of my favorite domestic red Rhone-style blends. It's famous for its pepper spice note.

Tasting Notes

Wines are rated on a 100-point scale. Wines are chosen for review because they represent outstanding quality or value, and the scores are simply a measure of this reviewer's enthusiasm for the recommended wine.

Canava Chryssou 2015 Assyrtiko, Tselepos Santorini, Greece ($22) — The beauty of assyrtiko from the Greek island of Santorini is its purity and freshness. This expression offers intense notes of citrus and a stony minerality that is seductive and mouthwatering with excellent balance. Serve it with simply grilled fish, a pinch of sea salt and a squirt of lemon. Rating: 92.

Poliziano 2013 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy ($28) — Another beautiful vino nobile from Poliziano, the 2013 vintage offers exceptional fruit purity and a hint of black truffle. This wine is built for the long haul, with massive black cherry aroma at its core and firm tannins that suggest a long and glorious life. You could drink it now, but you will pat yourself on the back if you hold it at least until 2020. Rating: 91.

Code Rouge Brut Eternal, Blanc de Blancs, Cremant de Limoux AOP, France ($28) — The flamboyance of vintner Gerard Bertrand shines through in this unique Cremant de Limoux. First there is the red glass bottle to get everyone's attention. Then there's what's in the bottle. This is a blanc de blancs in the truest sense of the meaning, a cuvee of three grapes with the indigenous mauzac in a supporting role. The primary character is chardonnay, at 70 percent, and chenin blanc fills out the blend. This is a serious Cremant de Limoux — with the price to prove it! Showing notes of pear, melon and citrus, it is more complex than everyday Cremant de Limoux, and worthy of its bold and festive packaging. Rating: 90.

Flora Springs 2014 Merlot, Napa Valley ($30) — Just in time for merlot month (October), Flora Springs is out with a beauty from the Napa Valley, at an attractive price to boot. This vintage delivers an upfront burst of blueberry and plum with a note of vanilla and fall spice. It's an excellent value. Rating: 90.

Priest Ranch 2015 Grenache Blanc, Estate, Napa Valley ($22) — Grenache blanc is a rarely cultivated grape variety in the United States, but the conditions for it are ideal in many parts of California. The Priest Ranch grenache blanc is bold and expressive; it shows notes of orange blossom and citrus, excellent roundness on the palate and good balance. It's a refreshing alternative to heavier or more pungent white wines. Rating: 90.

Follow Robert on Twitter at @wineguru. To find out more about Robert Whitley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.