2007-02-26 04:05:32 · 11 answers · asked by peggy b 1 in Food & Drink ➔ Beer, Wine & Spirits
Do you have a price range? Likes or Dislikes? Favourite Varietals?
I'll give a super broad answer - hope it helps. : )
Wines I've been liking lately for daily drinking:
Cycles Gladiator Syrah (under $10)
Archery Summit Premier Cuvee Pinot Noir (under $40)
Concha Y Toro Casillero del Diablo Cabernet (under $10)
Noval Porto 1999 (under $25)
Yangarra Cadenzia ($25)
Six Prong Red (under $10)
Montes Alpha Syrah (under $20)
The next best thing to do is to start attending tastings. Most wine shops have them, so start going. Write down wines that you like and what you like about them. Also, do the converse. If one tastes like dirt, write down that's why you don't like it. Don't get hyperbolic and write things like "it tastes like gasoline" or simply "it sucks" as you'll never be able to pinpoint what it is that you are disliking. Once you have your list, talk to the shop person about it. Have them help you pick something out that has the traits that you like while avoiding the traits that you don't.
2007-02-26 07:47:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all this is too broad of a question. We need to know what type of wine you typically like, when are you driniking it and with what, what "not a lot" means- $5 or $20?, ... If you are just getting into wine say so so that we can direct our answers. I will assume you are just experimenting.
First, read some articles or books on wine so you understand terms and variations. Second, ask at your local store for advice. Once you try something decide what you liked about it and what you didn't so that you have a better idea of what wines appeal to your palate. Next time you go in explain what those observations to the wine guy. Just keep tasting so that you get a good idea of how a syrah is different than a merlot, how a European wine differs from Australian and US wines, etc.
Given that, the Rosemont brand from Australia is very good and inexpensive. Also try Alice White, Menage et Tois, and So. American wines are good values. Check out the wine mags "buying guides" which have a smattering of under $20 wines with high ratings. On the cheap end you will find wines from lighter and fruitier to heavier and more harsh in this order (my opinion) - pinot noir (heavier as they get >$30), syrah/shiraz, zinfandel, merlot, cabernet savignon. There are other grapes but these are the big 5. Start there and branch out.
Note that sometimes, especially with younger and/or more expensive wines, the first sip might not please you but 15 -30 minutes it has "opened" and tastes much better. Have fun!
2007-02-26 12:54:40 · answer #2 · answered by KeithB 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you say "not a lot," what do you mean? Under $25? Under $10?
You can't go by varietal. There are $5 merlots and $100 merlots.
Do you like dry wine? Fruity wine? Spicy wine?
As for inexpensive red wines that I like and would recommend, Luna Sangiovese is good, as is Seghesio Zinfandel. I cannot recommend any inexpensive merlots or cabernet sauvignons. You can get decent inexpensive Syrah from Australia (where it's called 'shiraz').
If you're willing to spend $40 per bottle, you'll have a multitude of possibilities.
2007-02-26 21:11:09 · answer #3 · answered by bedhead 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go for Spanish wines!!!
They tend to be really good, and since they are just coming onto the US market (more or less), you can find very good deals on them. A winemaker in Virginia tipped us off on this, and he was completely right.
As for type, that's entirely a personal choice, I recommend that you try a few and see what you like. A good wine is a wine that you like, so don't drink something just because someone else says it's good.
2007-02-26 12:48:06 · answer #4 · answered by glavnayadevochka1979 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Robert Mondavi Private Selection Merlot
2007-02-26 15:09:49 · answer #5 · answered by Twin+1 Mommy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never been disappointed with the Beringer brand. Good everyday wine. I am particularly fond of their Pinot Noir.
2007-02-26 12:32:03 · answer #6 · answered by KC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A chianti, montepulciano d'abruzzi, not too costly but pretty good Italian wines
2007-02-26 14:37:28 · answer #7 · answered by Silver Fox 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mouton Cadet Bordeaux...yum and inexpensive
2007-02-26 12:12:22 · answer #8 · answered by kat k 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
merlot....is one of my favorites and usually not to expensive...most of the wine makers make good merlot 2
2007-02-26 12:10:07 · answer #9 · answered by Ty D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sangiovese and montepulciano are both nice italian reds that aren't too expensive
2007-02-26 12:21:52 · answer #10 · answered by D. 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋