Just Getting Started

[MZVETTE]

Recently, I've wanted to get way from the liquor and decided to become a wine drinker so to speak. I wanted to know what is a good wine for relaxing?

[Innkeeper]

HI MZVETTE, and welcome to the Wine Board. Don't know if you want to start with red or white or still or bubbly or table or dessert wines; but just to take a shot in the dark you might want to start with an inexpensive Australian Shiraz (red) or a French Cotes du Rhone (also red) a blend starting with much the same grapes that in the Shiraz.

[AzWino]

Hi Mz

I agree with the InnKeeper on starting with a shiraz or a rhone. Being that they tend to be a little more fruity and lighter tasting for a beginning wine drinker.

Also if drinking at home, red wines may be more convienent as you don't have to keep it chilled. Set the bottle next to where you are relaxing so you don't have to keep getting up to get a glass. (Reds are better at room temp 62 to 65 F). If you prefer white wines then you may consider purchasing a wine bucket to keep it chilled or you will be jumping up and running to the fridge everytime you want a glass of wine.

Experiment with the Pinot Noirs and Merlots also.Your local wine or grocery store should have plenty of inexpensive ones to try until you develope a taste of your own.

Good Luck, Good Drinking and Cheers!

P.S. don't be afraid to try Cabernet Sauvigons also.

[lcwatewine]

Hi, I'm new to wine too and agree with most of what the others here said. The only thing I haven't liked so far is Shiraz. I found that it's not juicy enough and I think it's the peppery taste I don't like. I'm still going to experiment with it as all the ones I've tried were Australian before I rule it out completely. I like Beaujolais alot. It's not sweet but it's fruity and light. I like the Cabernet Sauvignon's too as long as it's the right one. Red Zinfandel is another good one. I've tried one Merlot very recently, am working on a bottle now actually, and I really like it so far. I haven't tried lots of whites that I like but will soon. Good luck, wine is a great hobby and is about the senory experience, discovering new things you can detect in wine, and learning all about it. It's fun when you smell or taste something new and suddenly all wines don't taste the same any more. Good luck and have fun.