new to wines

[mrdutton]

For medium sweetness, try a white or red Lambrusco (which also has a slight fizziness to it) from Italy.

Or you might try Liebfraumilch, Riesling Kabinett or Riesling Spatlese from Germany, or Chenin Blanc from California. (These are white wines.)

For sweet you might try a Sauternes from France or Riesling Auslese from Germany. (Again white wines.)

There are also sparkling wines (Asti Spumante from Italy) or Champagnes (demi-sec) that are sweet.

Sweet fortified wines include those such as Ruby port or Cream sherry (Harvey's Bristol Cream comes to mind).

Another thing comes to mind, but not really for after dinner. A nice drink, especially in the summer, made with red wine with fruit and sugar added. Go to www.epicurious.com and look up thier recipe for Sangria. But if you decide to try Sangria, please do not buy the bottled stuff. Get a good recipe and make your own, using a decent red wine. I've spent many a pleasing afternoon in Barcelona sitting at a sidewalk "cafe" drinking Sangria and people watching.

Above all check with your local wine merchant, spend some time with him letting him know what your tastes are. He should be able to point you toward something you might like. Once you've established a "baseline", then you can branch out from there trying different wines.

[This message has been edited by mrdutton (edited 02-06-2000).]