What Would Be The Best Type Of Red Wine For A Beginner?!
So, what do you think would be the best brand/type of red wine for me to go for? I'd prefer if it was something that isn't too expensive but still has a nice taste to it.
Answers:
I always tell new wine drinkers to stay away from the most well known wines - Cabernet Sauvignon (red) and Chardonnay (white). Neither are really easy drinking wines.
For reds, I would recommend a California Zinfandel or a California/Australian Syrah/Shiraz. Look in the $6-10 range in the grocery store (you'll do even better in that price range at a Trader Joe's or Cost Plus World Market if you have either of those two places available).
Zins and Syrahs will be big and fruity. They are not sweet at all, but because of the level of fruit and the jammy feel, you'll think they are sweet. They are both good sipping wines. But be careful - they can get VERY high in alcohol, so a glass or two should do it!
EDIT: Hey KK - I'm with you all the way on Pinots, but I tend to not recommend them because there are a lot of lovely, subtle, delicate Pinots (that might taste like flowers or barnyard, not big jammy fruits) that, I, for example, love to drink, but really aren't appealing to first timers ;D
I have three sugestions for you:
If you are new to red wine I would recommend a variety that will be easy on the palate. Merlots are generally pretty soft and very enjoyable. A cabernet, on the other hand, can be pretty strong and may not leave a favorable first impression.
Also, stay away from the lesser expensive wines. Generally $10 or more will get you something that will taste pretty good.
Finally, go to visit a retail store that specializes in wines and ask them this same question. They will steer you in the right direction with a good first red wine, because they want you to be happy and become return customer! Hope this helps..
http://www.modernwinerack.net
Plump gave you some pretty good advice, although I'd start with Pinot Noir, personally. It tends to be light bodied, not very intensely flavored, fruity (but dry) and easy to pair with food. Also, they don't tend to be as high in alcohol as Zin, for example.
Edit: Plump, agreed that the subtleties of PN will be lost on beginners. I was thinking more along the lines of approachability.
Cheers!
I'm a sommelier.
moscato is the best
