One of those questions

[andypandy]

I know, these types of questions get asked all the time, but I'm going to ask it anyway. My friend says the drier the better--she would like her mouth to turn in to sand when she drinks wine. She wants what she calls a "sweet" wine though too, but from my experience drinking wine with her, I would say a more specific description of what she likes is what I call "fruit-forward." We are talking red wines here. As we look to try new wines, we are also looking for suggestions. I've got a Valpollicella in the basement, I don't remember right now the producer, and have never tried this varietal. Another type of wine I'd like to explore but never have is the red zinfandels--I tried one once but didn't enjoy it. What do y'all think?

[wondersofwine]

You might try a Ridge Lytton Springs (about $30--the main grape is Zinfandel but other varietals are in the blend). At a lower price range the Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel can be quite good (2003 maybe not the best example) or a Frei Brothers Zinfandel. I found this brand at the grocery store and really liked it. It is actually a Gallo
product but sourced from really good grapes and will have that fruit-forward quality you think your friend prefers. Some Spanish Rioja is dry but fruit-forward and Valpolicella is probably a good choice also (one you indicate you already have). The Rioja may not be like "sand in the mouth" but the basic ones such as Muga or Baroja Riserva are not that expensive and you could give them a try. The Rioja Crianza may seem more dry.

[Thomas]

Andypandy,

It's a difficult subject to get across quickly but keep this in mind:

"varietal" is a made up word that refers to the grape variety (which is the real word) on a label.

Valpolicella is not a grape; it is a place. That wine is not a varietal. There are a few grapes blended into it, the major one being Corvina.

The wine is light bodied, cherry fruit forward, and dry--great food wine--unless the one you have is from a bad year, mediocre producer or just poorly produced.