Cheap Merlots or Pinot Noirs for the Beginner?

[hotwine]

Welcome to the board, Red.

You don't specify your location... but if you have a World Market in your area, you'll find they have a good selection of cheap wines, esp. from Italy, Spain and Portugal. For starters, try a Grenache (Garnacha) from Spain and a Chianti Classico from Italy; the former is usually $10 or less, although the Chianti Classico might be closer to $20 (and Costco is the best mass-market source for those). Also try Sam's Wholesae Club for cheap Spanish and Italian reds.

When you make a purchase, plan a meal around the wine. Look here under Wine and Food for ideas on pairings. Personally, we don't use wine as a cocktail, as seems to be quite common; rather we always have it with foods, even if it's just snacks. And pairing a wine with an appropriiate menu can make all the difference in your perceptions.

Enjoy, and let us know what works and doesn't work for you.