Another newbie!

[TrinaG]

I'm looking for recommendations for good, reasonably priced wines. I'm a Stay-at-home-mom who enjoys a glass of wine or two on weekends, but don't want to spend too much. I'd also like to keep some on hand for company and would like to have something tasteful (better than Riunite or Boone's Farm. LOL!) to offer guests. I recently visited our local wine warehouse and was overwhelmed with the choices! I picked out a CA Chardonnay (Beringer) and in fact, am enjoying a glass now as I type! I'm also learning about the different types of wine. I know I like Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and sometimes Merlot, but what others are there? Help! I'm new to this stuff, but love wine and would like to learn more! TIA

[Innkeeper]

Hi Tia, and welcome to the Wine Board. A very nice aperitif wine I keep in the fridge for folks who drop in is an Italian White called Verdicchio. It is widely available in the D.O.C. (appellation) Verdicchio Dei Castelli Di Jesi Classico. I know that sounds high falutin, but it is not an expensive wine at all. There is a bottling by Fazi Battaglia, that comes in a bottle shaped sort of like a young lady, and sells for around $7 or $8. The very best renditions go for $12 to $13. When I say, keep in the fridge, I mean unopened. Once opened, it needs to be drunk up quickly.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 05-18-2002).]