2006 Strozzi Chianti

Chianti is the natural choice for spaghetti, with enough acidity to match the tomatoes. I had a good bargain recommended to me at the wine shop, the 2006 Strozzi Chianti ($10). Seeing it was young, I let it breathe for a solid hour, after which it showed soft, lush plummy fruit and just a bit of leathiness to give it some backbone. If you find this one in the store, pick up a few bottles for simply pasta or pizza meals!

Price: $10
QPR: Excellent
Food: pasta, pizza
Region: Chianti

Beaux Freres

Just finished reading this month's Food & Wine article on Oregeon pinot noirs, and the Beaux Freres sounds like one I'd like to try!

2006 McManis Petite Sirah

I'll break my silence of a few weeks here with the suggestion that you pick up a bottle of the 2006 McManis Petite Sirah ($13) if you come across it. I was busy finishing dinner prep when I was first tasting it, so I didn't take notes. But the big fruit forwardness of the wine with good structure stand out the next morning here. Definitely a good find at this price.

This wine hails from a newly named California wine region, the River Junction appellation. It's south of Lodi in the San Joaquin Valley. I've also previously enjoyed one of their cabs, also at a good price.The petite sirah was a great match for the roasted porterhouse steak, served with creamed spinach and a baked potato. I'd say this would also be a great wine to keep in mind for grilling season. I can't claim credit for the simple but tasty recipe; it comes from my Williams-Sonoma Essentials of Roasting which is a great go-to resource in the cold weather.

Price: $13
QPR: Excellent
Region: River Junction, California
Food: beef, grilling