How can I tell which wines are dry wines?

[sumbunnyshoney2002]

Hello,
I have been buying lots of different wines to try. I do not really care for dry wines. I am not sure how to tell the difference when its not on the label. So I end up dumping a lot out.
In the cheaper wines, I have been drinking Blackberry wine from Door County in Wisconsin. Its not too sweet.
As you can tell I am just learning.
I would apprecate any help you can give me.
Thank You,
Sandy

[tandkvd]

Welcome to the board SBH. Well most of the experts are off enjoying them selves at a get together in Finger Lakes.

But here is a discussion reciently about dry wines that will help you.
http://wines.com/ubb2/Forum37/HTML/002671.html

BTW, most wine drinkers agree that true wines are only made from grapes, I don't believe that blackberrys fall into that catagory. But, keep an open mind. The exploration of wine is a wonderfull experiance. Especialy when you find the perfect match of food and wine.
I am a novice myself and there is alot of good information here.

[chittychattykathy]

Welcome to the Board!!!
Can you do this little tasting; it will allow us to help you more!
Buy any Washington "late harvest" riesling (Hogue 2003 would be great) + a bottle of Kendal Jackson, Chardonnay, Vintner's Reserve-- taste/drink them.
Post on this thread the name of the riesling you end up buying, what you liked and didn't like about it, including the sugar levels. Was it about right, too sweet, what?
Do the same for the KJ.
From this we can get you "dialed" in to what you want to be buying in the future.
I guarantee it!

[sumbunnyshoney2002]

Hi chittychattykathy,
I never thought to mention some of the wines i did try. I will also pick up those 2 bottles tomorrow.
Here are some wines i really liked. Markham - vineyards
Cabernet Sawignon
Napevalley 1998 and 1999

Rosemont estate
Shirz 2001

Rosemont Estate
Mudge
Hill of Gold
Shiraz 2002
Here are some i did not like at all.

Beaujolais - villages 2002
appellation Controlee - France

Fetzer - vineyards
Valley Oaks, California 2000

Here are some that are ok but not thrilling.

Bella Sera 2001
Cabernet sauvignon - italy

Greg Norman Estates ( white )
yarra Valley
Chardonnay - 2000

Please let me know what you think or any one else that has opinion.
I will try those 2 wines and get back to you.
thank you,
Sandy

[dananne]

Hi, and welcome to the board. Door County blackberry wine . . . remember that well from long ago when my family used to get it in the summers. I spent long periods of my childhood in Rhinelander, WI, on Sugarcamp Lake. My family had a home there, and I've got family all over the state. My father lives in Williams Bay on Lake Geneva now. In fact, I know Plymouth well, and have been all over the Sheboygan/Milwaukee area. We also have a board member from Mequon who posts now and again.

The wines you indicated that you liked are, in fact, dry wines (excepting the blackberry "wine"). For my tastes, the wines you indicated that didn't thrill you don't thrill me either.

Kathy's little "experiment" is a very good one that will help us try and make some better suggestions. You may also want to pick up some good beginner books such as Andrea Immer's "Great Wines Made Simple" or "Wine for Dummies," which will both have some good info for you.

Let us know how you're enjoying the ones you try and come back often!