Novice wine question

[Aaron]

Hello,

my first post here so please be gentle!

I've just really started to get into red wines having spent the last few years being somewhat touch and go. It's only recently after a visit to France that I really began to enjoy reds.

My question is, can anybody recommend a nice light fruity red? I enjoy wines that aren't too strong and don't leave overpowering after tastes. I recently enjoyed a nice Grenache Shiraz, and liked a French beaujolais (but it was a bit weak).

Any recommendations? I'm really new to reds so your advice is most welcome!

Thanks

Aaron

[Thomas]

Aaron,

To stay in France, look for Bourgueil (sp), Saumur, or Chinon, and Sancerre Rouge (all from the Loire).

In Italy, Lagrein, Lacrima di Morro, Valpolicella, and reds from Lazio whose names escape me right now.

In Spain, Jumera.

Germany, Spatburgunder.

It's a start.

[Innkeeper]

Welcome to the Board Aaron. Good advice from Foodie. The Grenache/Shiraz you had was probably from Australia. That is one of my favorite blends. You might try other blends from Oz such as Shiraz/Merlot or Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon.

[Paul Kettless]

Hi Aaron,

Sticking with the France theme, have you tried any Bordeaux yet, if not, you simply must.

I have found a couple that are drinking very well at the moment, and they are:

1. L'as de Roudier 1999, a saint emilion satellite apellation

2. Chateau Plain Point 2001, a merlot based claret from Fonsac.

The second in my opinion being slightly the better of the two.

You will find both for approx £13-14 at Oddbins.

Kind regards

[Aaron]

Hi everyone, thanks for all the information - most helpful!

The Grenache Shiraz was indeed Australian (Jacobs Creek), impressed with that I picked up a Shiraz Cabernet by the same maker - I'm looking forward to tonight! The Grenache Shiraz wasn't half bad, I think it was about £5.80.

Thanks for the Oddbins info, I'll have a look next time I'm passing.

I could get used to this [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

Aaron

[wondersofwine]

Welcome to Paul too. It's nice to have contributions from across the ocean.

[Paul Kettless]

Thanks very much for the welcome, and glad I could help Aaron.

[wdonovan]

Huh? The guy said he likes syrah and grenache and nobody suggested Rhones? Blends of both grapes, north Rhone favoring the syrah grape, and the south leaning towards grenache. Where do you think the idea of the blend came from?

[Thomas]

My recommendations were in response to this question:

"My question is, can anybody recommend a nice light fruity red? I enjoy wines that aren't too strong and don't leave overpowering after tastes."