Newbie

[Theo77]

[This message has been edited by Theo77 (edited 08-16-99).]

[Tabby]

Hi Theo. The best way to learn about the different grape varieties is simply to try as many as you can! I learnt a lot more initially by simply buying a Cabernet Sauvignon one week, a Pinot Noir the next, etc., and comparing styles and flavours. I agree, when you first start out, a row of similar-looking wine bottles on the shelves of your local store is terrifying at first, but you soon learn your way around, and which bottles to avoid!

[Thomas]

Why not take a drive to wine country (50 minutes away) and explore by tasting in the tasting rooms!

[Theo77]

oops! screwed up the original message I told you I was new [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

foodie - I'd love to drive to wine country, but in my rush to get out here, I had to leave my car in Minnesota for repairs, but you can be sure I plan to do that as soon as I get it here!

tabby - good advice, it's what got me into the wine section - glazed eyes and all - in the first place! I guess what I was looking for was a description of the different types i.e. what goes well with barbeque vs. candlelight dinner, or a party versus a romantic evening. I suppose I could do the visual thing and start off buying wines with the most appealing labels!

[Tabby]

Theo: I did that too, at first. It's not a reliable method!! [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img]

[Theo77]

Tabby - Actually, I've already learned a lot by reading some of the other posts (I probably learned the most from supervirgo's lengthy "A silly question..." post!) what I've read about Pinot Noir sounds appealing (do you know any good ones to try?) also, I recall having a glass or two of port years ago and I enjoyed that as well, but isn't that considered more a dessert wine?

[n144mann]

Port is often considered a dessert wine, yes.....but it is great by itself in front of a warm fire, or cuddled up on the couch with that special someone....really, it is something that I enjoy anytime....sometimes at the end of a mealwith a wonderful chocolate dessert, other times, at 10:00 at night, or on dark cold winter day....it can be the perfect 'warm me up' drink when I get home. It is not just for dessert anymore....<grin> There are a lot of nice ones out there.....I like Graham's and Taylor, and for Cali Port, I like Ficklins and you will find Quady fans here also....but there are many many nice ones to chose from...different styles and different price points, find the ones you like, and enjoy them whenever you want. The only rules about wine are the ones YOU make and chose to honor.
Nancy

[Tabby]

I enjoy port a lot. I've currently got a bottle of Grahams LBV 1991 on the go, which is a lovely drink, as Nancy says, perfect for sipping at any time.

As for Pinot Noir, for something a little different why not try Samuel's Bay Eden Valley, from Australia? I tasted their 1996 last year, and it was lovely. My notes read "a heady nose of raspberry and blood"!!! May sound weird, but I enjoyed it at any rate! Pinot is a terribly difficult grape to grow...