Help This Dumb Beginner

[scottafa1]

I need help. I am just now getting into the wines and don't even know "A" of my ABC's. What is tthe differnce between a Brunello and a Caberneta? What is the differnece between a bordeaux and a burgandy? I currently have two bottles of a brunello (Banfi) that I am told are good wines but were a little pricey ($60 each). Can someone out there give me a few basic pointers to get me started?

[Thomas]

Your questions, simple though they may seem to you, are large.Suffice to say for now that Brunello is a wine, Cabernet is the prefix for two different grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Aside from the fact that Bordeaux and Burgundy are two separate wine regions in France, their wine differences include an array of different grape varieties, different climates, different winemaking techniques, and different local regulations.

You are in NY City. Visit my shop, is-wine, at 225 East 5th Street. You can learn much from us. 212 254 7800. We are in fact having a Bordeaux wine tasting this Saturday, the 21st.



[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 12-20-2002).]

[wondersofwine]

I too have two bottles (on order) of the Banfi Brunello ('97 vintage)for which I paid about $50 each. But I don't buy wines for everyday drinking in that price range and did not start out learning about wines with such pricey items. (I started out with German Rieslings while working in Germany and got some real bargains--tax-free at the Class VI stores). I hope you will visit is-wine and take advantage of the tastings and classes they offer. The proprietor is known for finding good wine values to recommend to the customer.

[Innkeeper]

Hi Scott, and welcome to the Wine Board. Look at the date on your Brunellos and add fifteen years. That is when they will be at their peak. You will have to store them in the manner you will hopefully learn at Is-Wine. There is a lot to learn on this board too. Many novices ask the same sort of questions on this thread. You can learn much by perusing the postings. We also have separate threads for Bordeaux, Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Italy (where Brunello comes from).

[joeyz6]

Also, ask for wine books for Christmas!