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+--- Thread: New to Wines (/thread-15759.html)
- Howie57 - 01-09-2004
Being mostly a beer drinker I have no clue about wines what so ever. Would like to start. a couple of quick questions please. What are a few inexpensive wines that I can purchase that should be easy on my taste so that i can aquire a taste for wine and then go from there? Also when is wine to be chilled and when not? Is it different types that need chilling and then other types don't? help! Thanks in advance Howie
- winoweenie - 01-09-2004
Hi Howie57 and welcome to the board. Most of the guys on the board agree that White Zinfandel ( Either Beringer or Sutter Home )
is the starting point for most novices. YTry them and let us know your reaction. WW
- wineguruchgo - 01-10-2004
I am fortunate that I grew up in NY and we had several wineries that were pretty good. They specialized in the German Varietals and I started there.
There are many Rieslings or Gewurtztraminers (Ge-vurtz-tra-meener) that are fairly inexpensive. That is another alternative for a beginner.
Rule of Thumb: All whites should be chilled. Put in fridge for a few hours before consumming. Red wines do not need to be chilled although you might find them easier to drink. For the most part I would stay away from red wines for a little while until you acquire the taste for wine. Unless, of course, if you enjoy big beers like Chimay. If you can handle Chimay you can handle red wine. I would, however, consume the wines with food. I've been drinking red wine for years and I have trouble drinking it without food.
When trying wine for the first time - the first sip doesn't count. Your brain might be thinking wine, but your taste buds are thinking beer and it's going to be a shock. Take a few sips before you come to conclusion.
Another rule of thumb! Smell the wine before you try it. If it smells like Grandma's basement, don't drink it. That smell means the wine is bad and you should put the cork back in the bottle and take it back where you bought it. I would hate for you to have a really bad experience right out of the gate!
It's a great big wine world out there and I'm so glad that you have decided to explore it.
[This message has been edited by wineguruchgo (edited 01-09-2004).]