Red Wines

[gwendawn74]

I just began to appreciated red wines. Can you suggest some that aren't very harsh in flavor...That are easy to find and not overly priced.....and not extremely dry

[Innkeeper]

Hi Gwen and welcome to the Wine Board. You might look for the 2002 Beaujolais Nouveau that will be hitting the ground this week. Get it soon, as it is very short lived. If you buy one on sale next March, I don't want to hear how bad it was.

[gwendawn74]

Thank you Innkeeper. Could you also give me some information on how to select redwines?

[winecollector]

I think he uses the "eenie... meenie... meinie.. moe..." method....

[gwendawn74]

I'm serious. I would like just general info on selecting red wines...

[Auburnwine]

I think that the key is to experiment to find what you personally like, to try wines from different grapes.

Try the Villa Mt. Eden Pinot Noir, the Bogle Petit Syrah or Merlot, and the Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon.

Many of us also enjoy Aussie Shiraz, such as the Marquis Philips Shiraz South Australia (or the yummy Sarah's Blend) or the Paringa Shiraz South Australia Individual Vineyard.

Try these alone or in comparison with one another. These are widely available and none cost more than $15 and most are around $10. They are all very satisfactory wines.

Write notes -- what you like or don't like about each wine that you drink. Relish the color and smell (especially) and whether or not they leave a happy taste in your mouth.

[Innkeeper]

Move up the Beaujolais group to Beaujolais Villages and the Cru Beaujolais that have different names such as Brouilly and Moulin A Vent. Still in France look for Cotes Du Rhone. In Italy look for Barbera d'Asti (the more inexpensive the better), Bardolino, and Valpolicella. Also try some of the inexpensive Australian Shiraz'. These are all "easy" red wines for those just getting into them. Is this the kind of information you are looking for?

[gwendawn74]

Thank you Innkeeper....There is a Beaujolais tasting here this weekend.