Have you ever been inspired to make a fascinating recipe one minute but changed your mind the next because you just couldn't manage (or bear) a trip to the supermarket? As every good cook knows, cooking is easier when you've got a well-stocked pantry to draw from.

The same holds true for wine. Having a selection of good wines on hand means that no matter what flavor you need, you're always ready. There's no need to set up a fancy wine cellar stocked with multiple vintages of Bordeaux or a cache of well-known Cabernets. Instead, try something smaller and simpler -- try creating a wine pantry that contains a few bottles for typical occasions.

Great Comfort Wine
Whether you're serving coq au vin or just plain old macaroni and cheese, comfort foods need comfort wines -- nothing fussy or too expensive. A simple, refreshing white like Zenato Pinot Grigio from Italy (about $10) fits the bill. For a red, the soft berry flavors of Zinfandels are especially cozy. Try Geyser Peak's Zinfandel from Sonoma County (about $17).

Wine for Spicy Dishes
Spicy dishes considered exotic just a decade ago are now mainstream. If you think spice is nice, make sure your wine pantry has an equally spicy white. Try the excellent Thomas Fogarty Gewürztraminer from Monterey (about $13). If you'd rather have red, go with a Beaujolais, such as Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages (about $8) -- it's a superfruity wine that provides your palate with a sort of landing cushion for spices.

"Big Meat" Wine
From prime rib to pot roast, meaty dishes need big wines; well-structured reds are best. Try a Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia, such as the sensational Penfolds Bin 407 (about $25). For a more modestly priced bottle, consider the full-bodied, berry-flavored Hogue Cellars Cabernet-Merlot from Washington State (about $9).

Midweek Wine
Why not keep a very inexpensive wine on hand for Wednesday night meat loaf? Consider it your economy model. Juicy and appealing, Lindemans Bin 40 Merlot from Australia (about $9) is a good choice. If you're looking for a white, try a sassy, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, such as the one from Kenwood of Sonoma County (about $13).

Celebratory Wine
It's probably safe to say we could all use a little more celebration in our lives. And you don't need to wait for a raise; sometimes, just getting to Friday night can feel like a victory. I always have an affordable sparkling wine on hand, like the fresh, snappy Mirabelle Brut (just $13). I also like to keep an expensive wine that signifies a truly special treat. Try the Hess Collection Cabernet Sau-vignon (about $35).

Gift Wine
It's Saturday night; you're going to a coworker's home for dinner. Wouldn't it be convenient to have a bottle on hand to take as a gift? A gift wine should be serious and delicious, but not ostentatious. Consider Markham Merlot from the Napa Valley (about $22).

Two Good Standbys
Finally, it's always great to have two good standby wines (one red, one white) you can open for any occasion, be it a surprise visit from an in-law or just a friend dropping by. Chardonnay is a good standby white, especially if it isn't too oaky. A good one is Trefethen's Chardonnay from the Napa Valley (about $22). For the red, opt for something appealingly soft and lush like an Australian Shiraz. The Barossa Vale Shiraz (about $35) is redolent with ripe blackberry pie flavors.

Wine prices are national retail estimates, and may vary.