Don’t let the screw cap fool you. Ca’ del Solo Big House Red is a seriously good wine — despite its less-than-serious trappings.

It’s sad but true that I usually pick a wine based largely on its label. However, I discovered Big House Red when the staff at Martignetti’s recommended it as a good, reasonably priced red wine to serve at a dinner party. A blend of cabernet franc, syrah, and more, it’s great paired with highly flavorful everyday foods, such as garlicky pasta or pizza.

Better still, the label features a searchlight, tied-together sheets trailing from a prison window, and the exhaust pipe of a speeding getaway car. Ransom-note type explains the wine is from California’s Bonny Doon Vineyard, " just out of reach of the state pen in Soledad. "

Finally, a respectable wine my friends just might believe I picked out myself.

Available for approximately $9.99 a bottle at Martignetti’s, 64 Cross Street, Boston, and 1650 Soldiers Field Road, Brighton. Call (617) 782-3700.