Red wine for a new Lady in my life...

[sonewtothis]

I am not into wine by any means. The new girlfriend however loves it. Its our first real romantic get together, and all I know is she likes really nice red wine. I dont want her to know Im gettin some though so....I need advice on what kind to get. Mind you Im on a military post and we dont have alot to choose from. I am willing to spend up to $50 for a bottle.

[wondersofwine]

Welcome to the board.
Perhaps a Ridge Lytton Springs (zinfandel blended with other grapes) if available. Around the $30 mark here and should be less in a Class Six store. If that's not available, maybe a Chianti Classico (this wine has some acid and tannins and is better with food--pasta with a tomato sauce, beef, etc.--than by itself). In fact, that's true of most wines. You could also provide a nice cheddar cheese or smoked Gouda cheese with a red wine. A Beaujolais Villages is another possibility.

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 05-12-2005).]

[Innkeeper]

You should have Columbia Crest Grand Estate wines in your exchange. I would go for the Cabernet Sauvignon first and the Merlot second. They should also have some Australian brands such as Rosemount, Lindemans, and Jacob's Creek. The Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot or blends of these should do. If you have a choice of lines of these, the second tier of all are better than the first, Talking $12 instead of $8.