Velenosi ‘Quattro Mani,’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2006

The perfect pairing for a down-home meal would be a soothing, comfortable red, one with full flavor but not too much tannin or grip. A wine with this sort of profile will complement but not overwhelm the food. How about a Montelpuciano d'Abruzzo from Italy? Though many examples do taste somewhat generic and dull, good renditions prove enticing because richly fruited and seductively supple. They also have the added advantage of being quite reasonably priced. This is one of my current favorites and it's a steal at $10.