My 21st birthday was only a couple days ago (19th) and I have always said I wanted to get into wine, but considering I only just hit legal age in the USA I'm a complete novice.
Does anyone have any specific favorite wines (preferably cheap, poor college student here) that would be worth a try?
2006-08-21 15:21:49 · 26 answers · asked by kakumei_keahi 3 in Food & Drink ➔ Beer, Wine & Spirits
Despite what you might think, the price of wine does not directly correlate to the quality. I have had tasted wine that is ranging between $3 per bottle to over $500 and don't worry, you don't have to spend a ton of money to enjoy great wine!
I would start at your supermarket. If you live near a Trader Joe's , www.traderjoes.com, they by far have the best selection. They have a wine called Charles Shaw that is between $2 and $4 per bottle - and its pretty good stuff. The Charles Shaw label is available in most of the major varietals (type of grape used) - Chardonnay, Sauvingon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvingon, and Shiraz. If you don't live near Trader Joe's, don't worry, most grocery stores are getting a better wine selection, and you can generally find some good buys for under $10 per bottle.
One thing to remember while you begin on your wine journey - you have to drink it to learn about it. Every person has a different taste, some people like really sweet whites while others like really big reds. You might consider getting a wine journal and keeping notes - there's a lot of wine out there!
2006-08-21 15:54:40 · answer #1 · answered by Andrea M 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't start out too bold. For red, try a Beaujolais. Also, the reasonably priced Pinot Noirs are not too complex. Shiraz, the Aussie version of French Syrah, is also light. If you want something white, maybe a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Chill the whites -- the reds can be slightly chilled or low room temp. Buy what's on sale; $10-$12 should get you something drinkable. If you got the bank, get a couple bottles, or several, and compare. Notice I said "bottles", not boxes. Ask the folks in the store for assistance and do some reading. Over time, you will learn what you like.
2006-08-21 15:46:26 · answer #2 · answered by Electron_Guru 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you want a full bodied red try the Syrah.
For a lighter red try Zinfandel.
For a good white wine Chardonay is safe and usually dry.
A sweet light white wine get a Reisling.
Not a lot of people will suggest the grapes I did but they are the ones I like, enjoy.
Robert Mondavi or E&J Gallo are inexpensive and safe to try. The best thing to do if you have the means is go to a wine tasting, learn what you like and then go from there.
2006-08-21 19:27:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally I am not fond of Yellow Tail. Italian wines are frequently good value. I think the most important thing is to try a number of different kinds: Red, White, Rose, Sparkling, fortified (like Sherry, not Mad Dog!), and from different regions. Also, you can frequently find 1/2 bottles (375ml) which is a good way to sample.
But also, sometime, please save up and buy a more expensive bottle - just to give it a try. Though there are many wines which are overpriced (due to the forces of supply/demand), there are many wines which are more expensive because they simply are way better. I never spent more than $20/bottle for most of my life and never liked wine very much until I tried a more expensive bottle and it changed my life.
2006-08-21 18:43:48 · answer #4 · answered by Tastevin 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
try a couple bottles out and drink what you like, hangin out in a wine store is a great way to learn about certain wines, reading the tag that accompanies some wines is a good way to learn.
My personal favorite is Pinot Noir, a medium red Oregon is a good place to get a good Pinot Noir.Just avoid those 5 dollar bottle of white Zinfandel, or anything that comes in a jug.
But most importantly drink what you like
2006-08-21 15:46:50 · answer #5 · answered by 7 Words You Can't Say On T.V 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rieslings - Moselland or Schmidt Sohne $13 - $15 white
Pinot Grigio - Voss $9 - $12 white
Lambrusco - Reunite $4 - $7 red
2006-08-21 15:49:59 · answer #6 · answered by lolitakali 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look for Louis Martini they have a $12.00 Cabernet Saugivnon that is a quality way above the price. For inexpensive but good wines look into Chilean wines, Austrailian wines are good as well but tend to be sweeter than their American counterparts within the same varietal.
2006-08-21 15:27:48 · answer #7 · answered by beer234 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it would be good to start simple and eventually get into the more complex tastes. Try a nice riesling. If you find a nice shop that has someone that knows a bit about wine, they can help you out. Just make sure you tell them your price range and they will usually let you taste until you find something you like
2006-08-21 16:42:03 · answer #8 · answered by tacetviola 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Myself I prefer the Asti Tosta Sparkling Wine has a very smooth taste .My only mistake was letting my kids try it lol now when I buy it have to get 2 bottles lo its between $10-$12 a bottle.
2006-08-21 20:21:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Start with a Reisling. It's a crisp, but slightly sweet white wine. Not an overpowering sweetness, but if you're just getting into wine, it's a good one to start with. Go to your local State Store and as the clerk to recommend one for you, but you will do well with basically any brand of Reisling. Happy Birthday!!
2006-08-21 15:34:55 · answer #10 · answered by wizibuff 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋