New to Wine

[stevebody]

Tatiana,

Because we're Americans, we have a tendancy to lean toward the readily available American stuff when we recommend wines but, as one guy said, the Spanish stuff is really amazing for low $$$ and so are the Italians. When people come into my shop and say they want a really great wine for under $20, I'll almost always sell them a Ripasso - like the Zenato or the Boscaini or Masi's Campofiorin - or the Allegrini Pallazo della Torre Valpolicella. There are some wonderful Barberas, too, that come in fairly cheap and the best value going is the Di Majo Norante Sangiovese for around $6 that is made by a guy who is either one of Italy's best or most notorious vintners (depending on who you ask), Ricardo Cottarela. Roberp Parker calls it one of the world's great red wine values and it's wonderful stuff, especially for a beginner. Italy offers up literally tons of fabulous little blended wines, too, like the Monte Antico Toscana, Masciarelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Promessa Rosso Salento, and the amazing Taurino Notarpanaro.

Definitely strike up an aquanitance with someone in your local wine shop and cultivate that. They'll learn what you like and be able to steer you to stuff that expands your range of options. That tasting one guy offered in this forum is great. GO, by all means. Free chances to taste wine are always a good thing.

Hope this helps. Good Luck!