New to wines...any suggestions to try?!
After a while you might like to try red wine - again start off with a fairly light (not full bodied) wine. I find that the Italian wines are much more palatable and superior to the French wines but many of the new world (Australian, South African, Chilean) wines are also to be recommended.
Cin-cin!
Answers: As one or two others have said, start off with a white wine, not too sweet, a medium dry; you need to educate you palate with wine. Don't be put off by the snobbery associated with wine - if you discover one that you like, don't let people put you off it by making snobby comments - it's your palate and your pocket so stick to what your like!
After a while you might like to try red wine - again start off with a fairly light (not full bodied) wine. I find that the Italian wines are much more palatable and superior to the French wines but many of the new world (Australian, South African, Chilean) wines are also to be recommended.
Cin-cin!
Chenin Blanc -A real sweet white wine that goes well with desserts
Ecco Domani - Pinot Grigio
Start with white wines, Rieslings are fun, light with just the right amount of dry and fruity. (I think they are a little effervescent as well. ) Eventually graduate to reds, probably a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. I'm really a rookie myself, but I have been drinking red for years. Have fun.
There's a lot of wines out there to recommend.
What are your preferences?
Salud!!! os....
I enjoy white zinfandel and reisling wines. Both are slightly sweet, and good with chicken and fish dishes.
I agree with the previous answer - ignore snobs and drink what you like. Also on the quality of Italian wine over French.
On the other hand, I'm not sure why you can't start with reds if that's what you like. I feel that most people like reds better than whites so why not look there first? I would start looking at merlot and pinot noir as they are lighter-bodied.
Also ignore price - there are tons of really good wines that are under $15. For example - Columbia Crest merlot has rated really high this year and runs about $6-7. I like the Goats do Roam blend from South Africa, another $6-7 bottle with tons of flavor.
I'd recommend these 3:
Kim Crawford 2006 Sauvignon Blanc
Spectator Top 100 of 2006. Unfolds with flavors of passionfruit, gooseberry and subtle herbaceousness. The wine is mouthfilling with good texture and finishes well with cleansing acidity and great length. ($17.29)
Pewsey Vale 2006 Riesling
White Wine by Pewsey Vale from Barossa Valley, Australia. The 2006 Pewsey Vale Riesling is a rich and intensely flavored wine. Pale straw in color with green hues it has intense classic fruit aromas of limes and lemons, with a hint of overlaying dried.... ($15.29)
Columbia Winery 2006 Gewurztraminer
Pale straw yellow color. Hints of allspice and pink grapefruit accent the sweet fruit palate. Crisp finish with a good balance of acidity. Versatile with food, especially with spicy ($9.99)
So many good ones out there. Pair your wine with food, only us experienced winos drink it solo. Italian reds are my favorites, thin, a bit sour and not too expensive except for Chianti imported. Friends don't let friends drink Zinfandel. Salud.