Light Wines

[Babsy]

Hello,
I am new to wine. I recently bought a bottle of Muller Thurgau (Koster Wolf) that I absolutely love. Finally I have been taken into the real world of wine and away from the depths of Chateau Diana's White Zinfandel. I am interested in trying some other wines perhaps like the Muller, and some other light wines. I felt the Muller Thurgau was not too sweet and quite light, but still had delicious flavoring (nutty?) and delightful aftertaste. I prefer something that has say at least 10% alcohol, not toooo sweet, and has a nice light taste (not too strong). The wines do not have to be cheap. Any suggestions dear wine experts?

[Innkeeper]

Hi Babsy, and welcome to the Wine Board. You might also try some German Riesling. Look for Troken (or dry) on the label. Gruner Veltliner from Austria is also very nice. From France you can get Gewurtztraminer from Alsace and Riesling too, White Bordeaux (blends of Sauvignon Blance and Semillion), White Cotes du Rhone, and, of course, White Burgundy (Chardonnay). With White Burgundy you can range from the Maconnais in the south to some of the most expensive whites you can buy in the north.

You may also want to get into reds. A good place to start is with Beaujolais. Look for '04 Beaujolais Villages.

[plonk]

Hello,

is White Bordeaux always made of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillion?

And how would you descibe the taste of Vinho Verde -- I guess not much alcohol in there, too?

[Innkeeper]

Most White Bordeaux is that blend. If it isn't it usually says so somewhere on the label, for example "100% Sauvignon."

Most of the Vinho Verho imported from Portugal to North America is light and fruity with low alcohol and a touch of sweetness. Sometimes it has a slight fizz. It should be consumed very young.

[plonk]

Thanks for this information. I'll give the Vinho Verde a try.