Red Wines

[sspiller]

What is a good sweet - not bitter smooth red wine? Would I be better with a merlot or Bordeaux or what? HELP!!!!
THANKS!!! Stephi

[Auburnwine]

Bogle Petit Syrah, Bogle Merlot, and Villa Mt. Eden Pinot Noir might be good places to start. They are decent, inexpensive wines that can help you gain a sense of what you like.

[mrdutton]

None of those wines suggested are sweet.....

Most red wines are dry although some may have a perception of sweetness because the taste of the fruit in the wine is predominate. 'Dry' means not sweet.

There are, of course, exceptions..... always.

Try a Beaujolais from France or a Lambrusco from Italy. The Beaujolais is a light bodied dry wine with a decent amount of fruit. The Lambrusco is a slightly fizzy red with some sweetness on the palate.

[This message has been edited by mrdutton (edited 02-14-2003).]

[sspiller]

Thanks yall - we tried a merlot last night that had an incredibly bitter after taste - we'll try again. We are just starting - the suggestions really help.
THANKS!!!!
Stephi

[Auburnwine]

My theory is that for new wine drinkers, "bitter" means tannins. I am not sure that folks really want a "sweet" wine, they want a wine without bitterness.

[seashall6]

Hi,
I just tried a red wine that was not dry but very pleasing to the taste. Try this one
Gallo-Twin Valley/Merlot (California). It's not expensive either. I finished the bottle in two days....could have finished it in one.

[mrdutton]

I have not had this particular Gallo Merlot, but I'll venture a pretty solid guess that the wine was dry.

It may have been fruit forward with minimal tannins. That would have given you the perception of a sweet wine because of the flavor of the fruit in the wine.

Now I'll have to go out to the local grocery store, see if I can find a bottle and give it a taste to see if my guess is correct.