Carma chameleon was the obvious joke I thought of to lead off this week’s missive, but then thought, “do we really need some lame 80s joke?”

Not so much.

I am a wine explorer. I am willing to try a wine from anywhere – at least once – especially if it’s a variety I haven’t tried before.

And when the aforementioned exploration costs me under $10, we are so talking my language.

You know where I’m going with this.

This month, you can check out three Malbecs – each under 10 bucks. Zolo, Terrazas and Los Cardos. All big jammy fruity goodness from Argentina.

It’s pronounced “mahl-behk,” by the way. (And it’s one of the varietals used to make French Bordeaux.) Think plum, blackberry and earthy flavors.

Now Carmenere is also French (“carmen-air”), but is primarily grown in Chile. Softer than a Cab, this medium-bodied red has spicy, smoky cherry flavors. Try Calina for about 8 bucks.

One more? Oh, if you insist. Tempranillo, pronounced temp-prah-NEE-yoh is a Spanish varietal. It’s the primary grape in Rioja – but I like the ripe cherry and spice flavors of Tapeña (about $7).

All three of these varieties are great with meat or hearty dishes. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and try ‘em!