No food being served what wine to choose?

[Val Amigo]

I am having a friend over and I would like to serve up a bottle of wine. I'm not very familiar with wine but I would like something perferablly red not to dry and not to strong almost fruity & smooth. I heard gamay's and wines from the Loire region of France are a good choice is that true. Can someone help me with some other choices or are the ones I mentioned any good. (price willing to spend 12-18$)

[This message has been edited by Val Amigo (edited 10-14-99).]

[Jerry D Mead]

You have been given good advice. Alas! Your government's wine taxes are so high it's hard to know what fits your price range up there.

Dry roses could be appropriate...champagne is always a good choice for casual consumption with or without food.