My first glass wasn't too good.

[RichardW]

Hello,

I am a newbie when it comes to all things alcholic, especially wines. My mother and I were in Olive Garden recently and I decided to try a glass of their red wine. I don't remember the name; it was just the wine our waiter brought to the tabel after we were seated.

It wasn't what I expected. The wine felt like it was burning my throat. I tried drinking it with my salad and bread as well as with my dinner. I just couldn't finish drinking it. It was that bad, in my opinion.

Was this a "dry" wine? Do all wines "burn"? I would like to experience some good tasting wines, but I am not sure what to look for. Would "sweet" wines be more to my liking? I would appreciate any advice. Thanks for the help.

Richard

[Innkeeper]

Hi Richard, and welcome to the Wine Board. Heat is usually caused by high alcohol in a wine without mollifying qualities. Don't have any problem with Olive Garden, but the plonk they serve in that huge decanter as house wine is not the ideal way to start drinking wine.

As has been posted all over the place around here recently, Beaujolais is a good way to start with red wine. The 2001 Beaujolais Nouveau that is on the market now, will be enjoyable throught this month, and then begin to fade fast. Other Beaujolais such as Beaujolais Villages is made to go a much further distance, and the 2000 is drinking very well right now.

If you want to stay with Italian Wine, Barbera d'Asti, and Salice Salentino are nice wines to start with.

[RichardW]

Thank you for the suggestions. I had read some of your other replies before and those that you mentioned are on my list to try. I just wanted to make sure I was headed down the right path. Thanks again.