Any wine suggestions?!
Answers: I want to start drinking wine, but I just don't know what to start out with. I also don't want to break the bank trying to figure out what I like and don't like. I do tend to like more of the Chardonay more than a Cabernet.
This is more of a referral than a straight answer -- because there's no one answer that will suit everyone. There are lots of sites out there for people who want to drink wine but don't want to break the bank and just want to know the basics. I'm a little biased since I write one of them, but see what you think:
I would reccomend
Francis Coppola 2005 "Diamond Collection Gold Label", Chardonnay, Monterey County $15
I like Lambrusco.. it's an Itallian merlot. It has a sweet fruity taste too it and is great by itself or with food.
It's also very affordable but tastes really good.
i would ( because im a cheap black ghetto trash ) try the boones farm wine. it goes for about 3.50$
The Francis Coppola list above is good. If you can I know I might catch some flak for saying this, but fish-eye makes a shiraz that comes in an orange box... decently priced for someone that is not looking to spend more than $20 a bottle.
I would recommend softer and fruity wines.
Reds would include:
Zinfandel
Merlot
Syrah/Shiraz
Pinot Noir
Whites would include:
Riesling
Pinot Grigio
Chenin Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
.
Merlot
Syrah/Shiraz
Pinot Noir
Start with white wine. You might find stuff with a little residula sugar is a good start before going totally dry, perhaps some Aussie chards. Or try some pinot grigio wines, light, fruity, but usually dry. When you get used to thesse, try a chablis (from France, not some cheap plonk in a jug), then a sauvingnon blanc from Marlborough in New Zealand (Kim Crawford may be the best). You will be surprised at the aromatics in these later wines.
But eventually you just must get into red wines. Start with pinot noirs (especially from Craneros district in California), or Aussie shiraz/grenache blends. These wines are likely to be on the light/fruity side, perhaps with a little residual sugar in them. Once you get used to them, try some Napa cabernets. Once you get used to big dry reds, try a premier cru burgundy, a St Emillion grand cru bordeaux, an amorone from Italy...you will be hooked!