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+--- Thread: HELP! (/thread-17481.html)
- butterflymedic - 03-31-2003
I want to begin trying different wines but don't know exactly how to start. I usually drink a white zinfendel, occasionally a chardonnay, have tasted a merlot...I enjoy a smooth wine and tend to like a sweeter taste but I want to broaden my horizons! Any pointers are welcome. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/confused.gif[/img]
- Innkeeper - 03-31-2003
Hi BFM, and welcome to the Wine Board. If you haven't tried a very recent Reunite Lambrusco, you might. Also look at Sutter Home reds, the same folks that bring you White Zin. After that you might want to try some of the popular CA Blends. These include Marietta Old Vine Red Lot #30, Bonney Doon Big House Red, and others of that ilk. Also, don't forget Beaujolais Village, and other Baoujolais'. There are also alot of smooth reds from central and southern Italy.
- BEEBEEP - 04-01-2003
I’m relatively new to red’s myself (3 or 4 months), and I tend to like the “sweet stuff†as well. Some of the red’s that I’ve discovered I like are the Bogle merlot, J. Lohr cabernet, Francis Coppola claret, and a blend called Jest Red.
I don’t think any of these are actually sweet, but they all have a sweet fruity taste to me, and they’re all relatively inexpensive (between $10 and $18).
I’m told the J.Lohr zin if very good as well, but I’m not a big zin fan, (but maybe I haven’t found the right one yet).
A couple of cab’s that I like in the sub $10 range are Canyon Oaks, and Hardys. The flavors aren’t as complex as what’s found in the ones I listed above, but they’re still quite tasty [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/biggrin.gif[/img]
Happy Hunting [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/biggrin.gif[/img]
- stevebody - 04-02-2003
BFM,
Greetings to Thomasville from a Greensboro native stranded in Seattle! (By choice, for twelve years)
In answering the same question for my customers, I've found these wines to be great starter bottles, at a modest cost, that help you get to know the varietals (grapes) and experience them in a friendly, easy-to-drink style. They should be available in NC. If you can't find any of them, I'll be glad to offer alternatives or you can ask around at Triad wine shops and see if they can get them.
Cabernet: Estancia or Lockwood (both about $11)
Zinfandel: Ravenswood Vintner's Blend or Bogle Old Vines (Both about $10)
Syrah: PEPPERWOOD GROVE or J. Lohr (7/11)
Merlot: Blackwood or Hogue Genesis (8/12)
Blends: Laurel Glen Reds, Coppola Rosso, Masi Modello della Venezia
Those are the basics. Pinot, Grenache, and all the various Italian stuff can wait until you decide if you like the more popular stuff. Remember two things: Wine BREATHES. After you take the first sip, you may not like the wine all that much. Let it sit open for an hour or so and then try it again. It should soften and develop other flavors. Secondly, these are just MY suggestions. My customers seem to agree but ask your local wine guys for others. Develop a relationship with a wine steward in Greensboro or W-S. Let them get to know your likes and dislikes and they can lead you to new stuff, IF they're listening. If they keep suggesting clunkers, MOVE ON. Life is too short to drink bad wine!
- wondersofwine - 04-02-2003
We haven't gotten into whites, but if you like your wines on the fruity or sweet side, consider German Riesling Spatlese or Auslese.
One that several on the board like and that is widely available is Wehlener Sonnenuhr from a vineyard on the Mosel River. You might also try a California riesling. Rieslings are made in both dry and sweet styles and are very versatile with food.
- butterflymedic - 04-03-2003
Thanks for the suggestions. I recently tried a Kendall-Jackson Collage Zinfandel-Shriaz. I really liked it.
stevebody...thanks for you're input from a "hometown" boy. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/biggrin.gif[/img]
Looking forward to developing new tastes....
- ShortWiner - 04-03-2003
"butterflymedic" . . . are you an etymologist?