need help starting a wine collection!

[winevirgin]

I 've been wanting to start a wine collection for some time, but I 'm not sure how. I like white wines, but all I ever drink are the cheap white zinfandel wines. I like those a lot, and I know I don't like real thick wine, so can someone help me. I'm looking for wine that I can keep for a few years that may appreciate in value and that I may enjoy.

[winoweenie]

Winevirgin, welcome to the board. Sad to say, what you`re looking for doesn`t exist. There`s not a secondary market for Cheap white wines and the wines that appreciate are the rarer Reds from Calif, Bordeaux, and Italy that I suspect you classify as " real thick wines " Maybe we`ll call you " Cabernet-Hooker later-on. winoweenie

[winecollector]

Winevirgin, again welcome aboard! Being you are new to wine, it's not likely that you would enjoy the "really thick wines." For most people they are an aquired taste, just like anything else. Put a good cut of beef in front of an eight year old, and more likely than not, they would rather go to Mcdonalds and get a cheeseburger! If you would seriously like to explore wine, and eventually collect wine, for now look into some inexpensive mass- marketed merlots, such as Sutter Home, Gallo, Talus, and the like. Italian Barbara's will also likely provide a nice bridge for you palate. Though these wines are not ones that are collectable or cellarable, they will introduce you to some lighter red wines for now. Also, try attending some local tastings from time to time, as that's a great way to taste a lot of different wines for a fraction of buying them.

Though I don't recommend you building a "wine cellar" just yet, my suggestions may eventually lead you in the direction you want to go. If not, the important thing to remember is to have fun with wine, and enjoy it. If it turns out that you stick with the white zins all your life, then look at all the money you'll be saving! Good luck!

[This message has been edited by winecollector (edited 12-06-2000).]