smooth wine

[Stitchesman]

Hello all,

I am a novice at wine drinking and need some advice. I have tasted a couple different wines and am still looking for a wine that I like. I have narrowed my search down to what I want in a wine. I don't like very sweet tasting wine or very dry and bitter tasting wine. I need to know if anyone knows of a red wine that is very smooth drinking. Not very sweet, not very dry, not very strong tasting. Just a smooth overall taste. Also for about $20.

Thank you very much,
Steven

[Drew]

Stitchesman, this is a shot in the dark given your request but here goes. Most Merlot and some Australian Shiraz might fit the bill.

1998 Koonunga Hill Cab/Shiraz blend $10
1999 Rosemount Shiraz, diamond label $10
1998 Blackstone Napa Merlot $18

Give one of these a whirl and let us know the results.

Drew

[Innkeeper]

Hi Stitchesman, and welcome to the Wine Board. In addition to Drew's good choices, let me add two. First you find most cabernet franc smooth and fragrant. Californian's starting with $10 Ironstone Cabernet Franc and on up, and also those from Washington State are a good place to start. Also those from the Loire Valley in France with names like Chinon, and Saumur-Champigny are excellent.

The second group are the Beaujolais from Southern Burgundy in France. They are made from the gamay grape. Starting with plain ole Beaujolais, going to Beaujolais Villages, and on to the Cru Beaujolais with names like Morgon, Moulin-A-Vent, and Fleurie (and no Beaujolais name on the label) are all wines that should be right up your ally.

[Botafogo]

Try to find some RIPASSO (a style, not a brand) Valpolicella. Almost every producer has some and many are widely distributed (Zenato, Masi and Boscaini in particular) and I do not think you can find a better bang for your buck in "smooth" red, many are around $12 and even the best (Villa Bellini's "Taso" for instance) are under $25.

Roberto

You might also try some Salice Salentino which is a LOT less money and fits the bill texuture wise but will have more meat and less fruit in the flavors.

[tomsch]

Some more off-beat choices would be blends. Here's some different examples:

V. Sattui Gamay Rouge
Sierra Vista Bella Rose
Oakstone Caberanet Blush

We keep a little of each of these handy during pool/spa season.