Results 1 to 16 of 16

Thread: Wine

  1. #1
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    1,945
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Wine

    I need your help!

    I'm am moving soon (like next week) into my very first apartment. I've lived at home, and in a dorm room, up until this point, but I recently signed on my very first castle. The place is FANTASTIC and I'm psyched. All new appliances and flooring with some renovations, so I'm thrilled. I told Boyfriend, who is to be my roommate, that I want to toast our new castle with some yummy wine. However, I'm not a wine snob, so I need some help.

    I am trying to pick out a good wine. I like fruity, sweeter reds, and I don't like whites. Any suggestions?

  2. #2
    Chicagoeditor
    Guest

    Default Re: Wine

    One favorite of mine is Frog's Leap, a red that costs about $45/bottle. It's my "special occasion" red.

  3. #3
    Senior Member nekosmeow's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2005
    Location
    jacksonville
    Posts
    103
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Default Re: Wine

    i'm a big fan of mont st michelle reisling... it's sweet and only a little dry and quite affordable at 15 a bottle
    i'm a leaf on the wind... watch how i soar!
    Nothing like a furry snatch of doom to brighten your day, lol!

  4. #4
    Yekhefah
    Guest

    Default Re: Wine

    My special occasion wine is , an Italian-Californian blend by Ferrari-Carano. It goes for about $20 a bottle but it's better than most wines that cost three times as much. It's very complex with nice berry tones. Good stuff!

  5. #5
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    1,945
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Wine

    Thanks guys! I'm also looking for advice on a specific type of red wine, in case I can't find these brands. Merlot? Pinot noir? Reisling?

  6. #6
    cameron_keys
    Guest

    Default Re: Wine

    Quote Originally Posted by StrawberrySwitchblade View Post
    Thanks guys! I'm also looking for advice on a specific type of red wine, in case I can't find these brands. Merlot? Pinot noir? Reisling?
    Riesling is a white wine. If you like sweeter wines, burgundy or zinfandel (red not white zin) may be your best bet.Port is a dessert wine and is very sweet. Beaujolais is usually a light, fruity red too.

  7. #7
    God/dess UtahMike's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Utah
    Posts
    2,998
    Thanks
    2
    Thanked 64 Times in 43 Posts
    My Mood
    Amused

    Default Re: Wine

    I love Merlot, especially Robert Mondavi, but I am not sure you would think it to be a sweet wine. It is sweeter than a dry white wine like chardonnay, but not as sweet as a burgundy.

  8. #8
    Veteran Member Santos's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2003
    Posts
    389
    Thanks
    107
    Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts

    Default Re: Wine

    I'm a Pinot Noir fan myself. It's not too dry or too sweet. Prices range considerably, but $10-$15 will get a decent bottle.

  9. #9
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Location
    SoCal (aka the Evil Vortex of Doom)
    Posts
    1,617
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: Wine

    Lighter Red Wines would include:

    *Beaujolais Nouveau--Louis Jadot and Georges DuBoeuf are reliable producers. (Gamay is the grape)

    *Pinot Noir--from Oregon or Washington (that's the grape variety)

    *French Burgundy/Bourgogne Rouge--Burgogne/Burgundy is the region in France, but Pinot Noir is the grape.

    *Merlot, or a blend dominated by merlot. If you go for a Bordeaux, look for the words "St-Emilion" or "Pomerol" on the label (often sandwiched between the words "Appellation" and "Controlee" on the label.) These are from the right (eastern) bank of the bordeaux region and tend to be dominated by the merlot grape, and therefore less tannic and more approachable.

    I have totally different taste in wine than you--I like big, bold, tannic, dry, austere reds, so I'm not sure I can give you any good specific recommendations.

    However! I will say that I recommend the producer/label "Clos Pegase" (look for a pegasus on the label). Also, I had an incredibly delicious Pinot Noir at Vidalia in DC recently--it was called "Four Graces," from Willamette Valley, Oregon, vintage 2004. I highly recommend.

    I also recommend that anyone who wants to know more about wine pick up a copy of "Wine For Dummies." Very informative & fun to read!

    Also, I'm guessing that you are meaning "fruity" when you say "sweet." Easy to confuse these two when it comes to wine.
    "Doc still loved true things, but he knew it was not a general love and it could be a very dangerous mistress." - John Steinbeck, Cannery Row


    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

  10. #10
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Location
    whine country
    Posts
    812
    Thanks
    11
    Thanked 253 Times in 139 Posts

    Default Re: Wine

    If you have a large beverage store near you, they should have a knowledgable wine person who can steer you to something that fits your expectations and budget.

    If not, I'd suggest a Pinot Noir. Less tannic than a zin or merlot, so more chance your bf will enjoy it. Or there are some very affordable french reds available that could work. If this is just for a celebratory toast and not to have with dinner, then you may want to look for a sparkling ros'e. Gloria Ferrer, Roederer Estate, or Mumm Napa all make good ones. However these may be a bit dry for you. I think ros'es, sparkling or not, are the perfect summer wine. And, while not worthy of a special occasion, there are a few decent white zinfandels made, notably Buehler.

    SS and Mike: Speaking of Merlot, I'm resorting to giving away some 2000 Sterling 3 Palms, because it needs to be enjoyed, and I don't get out with my friends enough lately to use it up. Haven't opened one in a while, so I don't know how it's drinking, and I'm unfamiliar with the laws regarding shipping wine to Utah, but pm me if you're interested in a bottle.

    ETA: Doesn't look like shipping by individuals is allowed. It's a felony in Utah. Sorry.
    Last edited by Dirty Ernie; 07-30-2007 at 12:15 AM.

  11. #11
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Location
    SoCal (aka the Evil Vortex of Doom)
    Posts
    1,617
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: Wine

    ^Yes, if you want a sparkling wine, look for a "Blanc de Noir" Or...I know you wanted a light red, but I just have to take a moment to recommend Prosecco, which is the Italian version of Champagne--cheaper, and often tastier. Try it!

    I also second the suggestion to find a store with a knowledgable wine steward. I have found them not only at good wine shops, but also at Bristol Farms, Trader Joes, and even Costco.
    "Doc still loved true things, but he knew it was not a general love and it could be a very dangerous mistress." - John Steinbeck, Cannery Row


    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

  12. #12
    Sitri
    Guest

    Default Re: Wine

    Beaujolais Nouveau is excellent

    Concannon Petite Sirah is very nice if you can find it.

    For some fun try a quality Spanish Sangria. There are lots of receipes on-line.

  13. #13
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Location
    whine country
    Posts
    812
    Thanks
    11
    Thanked 253 Times in 139 Posts

    Default Re: Wine

    I was hesitant to suggest Prosseco (only had it once) but it was really good, almost creamy, kinda sorta. Sorry my wine vernacular is really lacking. I'm amazed at what $15 will get you in a wine made in europe then shipped to the U.S. vs the quality of some of the stuff made here in the valley, in which the location of the winery allows for premium markups. Having said that, I must admit I'm a big fan of big Cal cabs.

  14. #14
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Location
    SoCal (aka the Evil Vortex of Doom)
    Posts
    1,617
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: Wine

    Quote Originally Posted by Dirty Ernie View Post
    Having said that, I must admit I'm a big fan of big Cal cabs.
    yes, me too. I recommend the Parker Estates "Old Vine Street" Cabernet.

    also, the Clos Pegase Cabernet/Meritage blend

    I also very much like the Trapiche Malbec from Argentina (Malbec being the grape).

    And the Bogle Vineyards Petit Sirah.

    But I'm not sure the OP would like these...

    Oh, but some reliable Pinot Noir producers include La Crema, Hitching Post, Cambria, Foxen, and Sanford...

    Maybe try a Northstar Merlot? It's kind of expensive, (about $50/bottle), but I've seen it at the local grocery stores, and it's recommended in Wine For Dummies....
    "Doc still loved true things, but he knew it was not a general love and it could be a very dangerous mistress." - John Steinbeck, Cannery Row


    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

  15. #15
    God/dess UtahMike's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Utah
    Posts
    2,998
    Thanks
    2
    Thanked 64 Times in 43 Posts
    My Mood
    Amused

    Default Re: Wine

    Quote Originally Posted by Dirty Ernie View Post

    SS and Mike: Speaking of Merlot, I'm resorting to giving away some 2000 Sterling 3 Palms, because it needs to be enjoyed, and I don't get out with my friends enough lately to use it up. Haven't opened one in a while, so I don't know how it's drinking, and I'm unfamiliar with the laws regarding shipping wine to Utah, but pm me if you're interested in a bottle.

    ETA: Doesn't look like shipping by individuals is allowed. It's a felony in Utah. Sorry.
    Drool!

    But it is indeed against the law to bring any alcoholic beverage from out of state into Utah or to have it mailed to you.

    But thanks for the offer.

    2000 bottles! have you tried selling it on eBay?

  16. #16
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Location
    whine country
    Posts
    812
    Thanks
    11
    Thanked 253 Times in 139 Posts

    Default Re: Wine

    I had an encounter with a glass of Harlan Estate that was superior to anything I've ever had, which includes Opus One, Insignia, and Bacchus. The kicker was, it was sent over from the table next to us. It really wasn't more than a swallow, but what a swallow!

    Year 2000. I've only got less than a case left, but it's just sitting in my wine fridge with little prospect of being drunk. Too much Siver Oak to be drinking merlot. LOL

Similar Threads

  1. The Wine Rack
    By Will in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 11-15-2010, 12:48 PM
  2. Wine, my new love!
    By Paris in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 30
    Last Post: 06-23-2009, 03:32 PM
  3. Wine, Wine, Wine. I Love Wine!
    By Bella21 in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 41
    Last Post: 01-02-2007, 09:29 AM
  4. wine
    By Rylee one in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 28
    Last Post: 09-22-2006, 05:10 PM
  5. To the wine afficianados
    By LoveSexMoney in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 19
    Last Post: 03-11-2004, 09:31 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •