red wine- I need suggestions on red wine for beginners?
Thursday, August 14th, 2008 at
3:24 pm
J.C. asked:
I usually drink beer and mixed drinks but I really want to start drinking red wine instead. I don’t drink often and every red wine I’ve tasted was too strong and couldn’t take a second sip. Whenever I attend nicer occasions when there is mostly wines served, I usually just head to the sparkling wine or champagne. I know there are many types of reds, like merlot, pinot noir, etc. Any suggestions on types of reds that are not too strong that a beginner could handle.
I usually drink beer and mixed drinks but I really want to start drinking red wine instead. I don’t drink often and every red wine I’ve tasted was too strong and couldn’t take a second sip. Whenever I attend nicer occasions when there is mostly wines served, I usually just head to the sparkling wine or champagne. I know there are many types of reds, like merlot, pinot noir, etc. Any suggestions on types of reds that are not too strong that a beginner could handle.
Tagged with: Mixed Drinks • Sip • Wines
Filed under: Wine
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I would suggest a Pinot Noir or a Gamay to start. They are light and easy to drink red wines. If you need help choosing one from the store you are in, ask for a good value wine. Cheap is not always bad and expensive is not always good. I have found some gems from asking for a good value bottle in my price range from knowledgable staff.
Hope this helps!
Red wine is an aquired taste. It also has a wide spectrum of flavors. Start with a Pinot Noir, slowly move up to a Merlot, then try a Shiraz, and eventually you’ll get into Cabernet. Pinot Noir is the closest to a white wine, and it won’t stain your mouth purple like Cabs do. Some good cheap pinots to try would be: Toasted Head or barefoot.
Where to start? Let’s start with the basics. You’re looking for light, fruity, without a lot of tannins (component in red wine that dries out your mouth). I’d recommend starting with a Beaujolais Villages. You can drink it lightly chilled by itself or with a light meal. A young Dolcetto d’Alba from Italy has much the same light, fruity characteristics of Beaujolais but with a little more acidity. Goes well with pasta and red sauces. I love california cabs, but, on the other, I’ve bought into the belief that European wines are more food friendly. And food is key to really enjoying wines. So, grab a bottle of Dolcetto or Barbara d’Alba; cook up some pasta with tomato basil sauce and enjoy.
Red wine is good for you to fight against cancer and diabetes. It is very delicious. Alcohol free table wine containing only natural spirits is not much strong.
Try Reunite Lambrusco, Not to dry not to sweet, I bet you’ll enjoy it….
If you really can’t do a second sip of every red you have had, why continue to chase the reds. If you want to try something other than sparklings I would start with a sweet to semi-sweet white like a white Zinfandel (which is actually a rose’ ) or a Riesling. This may start developing your palate. Then try the drier whites like Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Soave or a dry Riesling. It takes time but if you can work into the dry whites then start with a red like Pinot Noir.
Robert Mondavi, Carneros Nappa 2006
Chateau Souverain, Alexander Valley 2004
Fire Station Red Red Zinfandel, Lodi 2006
Atwater Estates Merlot, New York 2002/2005
Pazzo, Sangiovese Blend, Napa 2003
These are very good wines to try I have listed them in order of my preferance. but you and I will like and dislike certain things. I hope I have choosen something you would like.