Need white wine suggestion

[swayzar]

I am 56 and never been an alcoholic beverage drinker, passed a sip or two or in cooking. Currently, a diet I'm on, suggests a glass or two of White Wine or Champange. No other alcohol is allowed except an occasional "Cordial, such as Creme De Menthe or Schnapps". I don't know what these are. And I don't know what to buy to try. There seem to be dozens of White Wines, etc. I can only imagine that I would only like something sweet and low-level in alcohol content. In non-alcoholic drinks I like things like White Grape, Cranberry or Cran/Ras, Canada Dry. And do I have to go with an expensive wine just to get a reasonable good taste? What would you suggest for someone like me? Can I get samples of any wine to try before I buy a big bottle?

[Innkeeper]

Hi Swayzar, and welcome to the Wine Board. You might try to find a local retailer who provides periodic wine tastings. Many do this on a once a week or once a month basis. This way you can try many to see what you like.

In the meantime you might want to try a Riesling. The grape Riesling is very versitile and makes wines across the sweetness spectrum from dry to very sweet. Look a bottle that does not say "Dry" on the label. If it just says "Riesling" or words like "Semi-dry", that is what you want. You might also look for locally produced wines. Michigan vinters make some very nice Rieslings. Wines made with this grape also run the price spectrum, but nice ones can be found in the $10-$12 price range.

[hotwine]

Welcome, Swayzar. You might also try a Prosecco, a low-alcohol white sparkling wine from Italy. I picked one up called Ciao at Costco that is very light and refreshing, and all of $6.99 per bottle. Chill it for an hour in the fridge before serving.

[This message has been edited by hotwine (edited 08-18-2006).]

[swayzar]

Thank you so much for the information. I will check out both of these.