Need a suggestion for a red wine choice.

[sgtrahanlsu]

Hi there,

I am, by all means, a complete "wine novice," and I need a suggestion for a great red wine (NOT dry) in the $50.00 range that is readily available.

Thanks a bunch in advance! [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/biggrin.gif[/img]

Have a great day!

[Innkeeper]

Hi Sgtrahanlsu, and welcome to the Wine Board. I'm going to have to assume you mean does not taste dry, because vitually all quality red wines is vinted dry, that is has had all the sugar made into alcohol.

Look for a Vino di Ripasso also known as Valpolicella Classico Superiore. They will run between $12 and $20, and are ready to go when you get them. Don't confuse them or let your retailer confuse you with a journeyman Valpolicella, a much inferior wine, usually selling for less than $10.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 01-17-2003).]

[winoweenie]

Hi Sgt and welcome to the board. If you go back 100 daus on the cabernet thread you'll find lots of suggestions. The 99 vintage in Calif turned out some killer wines in the price range you posted.The Pine Ridge bottlings, the Stags Leap Napa, or the Shafer Napa all will please most ENNY' red wine lover. WW

[Innkeeper]

Am not in anyway trying to say that my recommendation is better than WW's, but all the current releases of the wines he recommended require considerable aging. There are many other reds that are approachable on release. If this is not a problem, go ahead with the CA Cabs.

[stevebody]

For a glorious, drink-now wine in that price range, I suggest three Italians:

La Carraia Fobbiano (about $38), a Merlot that is as interesting and characterful as any wine you'll ever try, and...

Allegrini La Poja, a 100% Corvina (one of the workhorse grapes in Valpolicella) that is elegant while still being earthy and approachable, and...

Seghesio "La Villa" Barolo '97 or '98, a slightly CA styled Barolo that is just simply one of the most accomplished pieces of winemaking you'll EVER encounter. Not the California company of the same name, this Seghesio is an old Italian house that knows the Nebbiolo grape inside and out and crafts these wines like Swiss watches.

Hope that helps.