KAREN’S PICK: 2006 Dr. Konstantin Frank Dry Riesling

RATIONALE: A lovely, food-friendly Riesling from one of the oldest and best wineries in the Northeast.

COUNTRY: United States

REGION: New York’s Finger Lakes

WINEMAKER: Frederick Frank

PRICE: $21

GRAPES: 100 percent Riesling

COLOR: light golden hay

AROMAS: hints of peach and grapefruit

FLAVORS: refreshingly sprightly, with honeyed grapefruit and peach

ALCOHOL: 12 percent

PAIRS WITH: ham; plus mild cheeses, poultry and shellfish

DISTRIBUTORS: D.C. and Virginia: Suprex International, 703-237-9209. Maryland: Boutique Vineyards, 410-626-1286

ANDREW’S PICK: 2005/06 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Pinot Noir

RATIONALE: A juicy, fruit-forward pinot noir that’s a steal for the price, given the quality.

COUNTRY: Australia

REGION: South Eastern

WINEMAKER: Philip Laffer

PRICE: $13

GRAPES: 100 percent pinot noir

COLOR: dark purplish-red

AROMAS: bright red fruit with spice

FLAVORS: juicy black cherries and plums, with soft tannins and a long finish

ALCOHOL: 13.5 percent

PAIRS WITH: lamb; plus cheeses, pastas and lighter red-meat dishes

DISTRIBUTORS: D.C.: Washington Wholesale, 202-832-5600. Maryland: Reliable-Churchill, 410-439-5000. Virginia: Associated Distributors, 757-424-6300. Service Distributing, 703-339-6886.

NOTE: Prices are approximate. Check Winesearcher.com to discover where wines are available near you, or ask a favorite wine store to order through the distributor.