Good sweet wines (or something like it)

[littlelizzy04]

Hi!
I am new to wines, and haven't decided whether I like white or red. I can guess that I would like white, as I am a wuss and don't like tart or "sour" things (as rudimentary as "sour" would seem to describe wine) I have heard that German wines are very sweet (something about a Riesling grape...) and that Italian Lambrusco is a good thing. I would like to get something good but not too expensive ($15-$20) Also, I live in Iowa, so local wines and wineries are out of the question (I have heard bad things about the wine here, and with the extremes in temperature, I can see why.) I guess the bottom line is I'm looking for something sweet for cheap I can find at the local liquor store or (gasp!!) grocery store.

Thanks so much!

[JSHelgerson]

Rieslings are my favorite! They are perfectly sweet and refreshing. You should be able to find Loosen Riesling or Thanisch Riesling I would think. We have them at most liqour stores up here in Minneapolis. They range from about $12-20.

[robr]

The best American Reisling, in my opinion, is Chateau St. Michelle, from Washington. I can find it in my local grocery store for $10.

[Jackie]

See http://wines.com/faq.html

Among the Frequently Asked Questions are suggestions for sweet wines.

[wondersofwine]

Riesling doesn't have to produce sweet wine. It the bottle says dry or Trocken, it will not have noticeable residual sugar. If it is Spatlese (late picked) without a Trocken indication it probably has a little residual sugar. Auslese and other grades in German nomenclature are likely to be even sweeter. I think Spatlese is often a nice category for newcomers to German wine--not too expensive and not cloyingly sweet but not too tart. It can be consumed with food (veal, chicken, fish, maybe even dessert).

[jmcginley1]

And if you want something on the very sweet side, try a "Moscato D'asti" from northern Italy. They are typically only 5.5% alcohol, lightly fizzy, and a lot of fun. They are my favorite desert wine.

[wdonovan]

<try a "Moscato D'asti" ......a lot of fun>

Yeah! What he said!