Can you suggest a red wine that isn't too strong?

Question

I have thought about getting some red wine for it's health benefits. I thought I would have a glass in the evening. I don't drink anything (beer, wine coolers, etc) so I have no idea which red wine would be "soft" enough for me. I have had sips of wine at like Olive Garden and those were very strong. I thought they actually tasted like stinky feet! Anyway, I just want a daily red wine that isn't too strong. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I'm from New Zealand and we have quite a good selection in wines. Here's a few good reds; Coopers Creek Glamour Puss Pinot Noir, Tom Cat Merlot , and red wine from Chile is always nice. Montana has another good selection in reds.

When you mean strong do you mean the taste or the alcohol content because it depends on what you drank. Shiraz has its detractors there are some people who can drink that wine and some who can't . I'm in the latter I would prefer either a good Merlot or Pinot Noir rather than Shiraz.

http://www.cooperscreek.co.nz

http://www.montana.co.nz

Answer 2

It depends on what you mean by "strong". If you are talking the alcoholic strength, most red wines are over 10% proof. However if you mean the taste, which I think is what you mean and "strong meaning as in "vinegar", you've been tasting the wrong wines. For a good Red Wine, I always recommend an Italian or Sicilian wine. You can never go wrong with those. You could try a Montepulciano or a good Chianti. If you ever want a white wine, always consider a German one first. The same applies, you can't go wrong with a German white.

Other wines to consider -

Australian / NZ - fruity and no bitterness
Romanian, Bulgarian, Latvian (Baltic Region) - fruity and not as bitter as French
South African - variable, SA Wine has had some really good years but can be bad ocassionally
Ethiopian - beautiful wine but so difficult to get hold of

Wines to avoid are -

French - tastes like spirit vinegar that's why it is the cheapest

Spanish - would taste as bad as French but the Spanish are well known for putting additives in their wine. A few years back, they killed people, all over Europe as they had been adding "Anti-Freeze" to the wine, to sweeten it.

Portuguese - Like the French wine, tastes like vinegar
(French, Spanish and Portuguese are only good for cooking with and Spanish is good as a tool (poisonous) for murderers LOL)

Californian - tastes a little better than French but under par when compared with Eastern European wines.

Answer 3

LMAO at Mad Dog. I used to drink Royal Raspberry.... when I didn't know better.

For a "soft" wine, I'm assuming you mean on the sweet side, rather than the dry. A really good one is Fredonia. It's light and fruity. You could also go with any red wine that is known for it's super fruity flavor. Like a Merlot infused with cherry, raspberry, blackberry (super yum-o) or anything like that.

Sangria is a good choice. It's usually a red wine with a bunch of fruit, like oranges, lemons and limes in it, but you can get it in a box now, with the fruit flavors already there. They also make a white Sangria.

If you're not going to be drinking the wine in one evening, I wouldn't bother with bottles, as the wines often oxidate quickly. Your best bet may be to get a boxed wine, and be sure to ask the store personnel for their input. They are supposed to know the alcohol they sell.

Answer 4

Studies suggest benefits of drinking moderate amount of red wine (one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men) lowers the risk of heart attack for people in middle age by 30 to 50 percent. One of my friend send me some links for red wine a while back http://www.hotelcookware.com/Wine.html

Answer 5

Reunite Royal Rasberry,,,,or Merlot,,, Merlot's are usually a dry wine but Reunite's is on the sweet side,,,,,,both are a sweet wine,,,I think you would like the flavor,,most women do. Or just ask the clerk at the store for a sweet red wine.

Answer 6

Hmm, to get the feel of red wine, these are inexpensive ones that I like..Try more expensive wines after you decide if you prefer Merlot, Cabernet etc.
1.) Rosemont, Cabernet/Merlot or Sharaz mix
2.) Yellow Tail, Cabernet or Merlot
3.) Charles Shaw, Cabernet (Two buck Chuck from Trader Joe's)

Answer 7

Pinot noir would be a good grape for you, not to dry which gives it a slightly less strong taste but still a good aroma. Since you're American you should go for wine from Oregon. If you want other countries try Australia and South Africa. I recommend South Africa or Bourgondie (France).

Answer 8

a pinot noir or a merlot is nice

red wine is a dry style. you can get some fruity reds that are dry but fruity. people get sweet and fruity mixed up.

try to track down brown brothers "dolchetto and syrah" or "tarango" or sunstones "lucious fruity red" or banrock stations "crimson cabernet" these are fruity dry reds that are seved chilled.

red lambrusco might be worth a try too

Answer 9

Just add water to your wine glass. Buy inexpensive California red wine, fill your glass half way, then add water.

Answer 10

I agree with beans mom.
Sangria might be good for a start.
Merlot tends to be a bit dry, and sometimes "oaky".

And the yellowtail,...nice wines