can't find the taste i'm looking for

[cis57]

I'm looking for a white wine. I have tried many brands of zin and chardonay, the zin being too sweet and chardonay to dry so I sometimes buy both and mix them together! Can anyone help?

[Jerry D Mead]

Try Fetzer Gewurztraminer or Geyser Peak or Jekel Johannisberg Riesling...report back.

[cis57]

Thanx for the reply! The only thing close to your suggestions I could find at my local (small town) liquor store was Fetzer Johannisburg Reisling. Very good but still sweeter than I would like. Other liquor stores are within 20 miles and I will look there this weekend for the others. I appreciate the help as I had no clue what to try and tired of the cheap grocery store bought stuff I had been buying.

[Jerry D Mead]

Lts of good wine merchants in Chicago if you ever get there...ask a wine merchant to rcommend a good German Riesling that is fruity but not too sweet (they come in styles from bone dry to really sweet).

You might try some California wines labeled Chenin Blanc as well...they also come in varying levels of sweetness.

When you find wines you like...keep notes so you can find them again...but keep exploring too.

[cis57]

I will definetly keep exploring, it is much fun. My Father (82 yrs young)also loves his wine. He LOVES the dry red wines, and drinks a glass or two every day. He tells me it is very good for the heart. Could you recommend a good Merlot or Cabernet Sauvinaugn (guessing at the spelling) that I could surprize him with? He is also used to the cheap brands and I'm certain he would enjoy exploring with me! He golfs 18 holes (without a cart)every day so I'd say the wine must be good for him. Do you know if it is both red and white wines which are good for you or only the red as he says?

[This message has been edited by cis57 (edited 10-21-99).]

[Jerry D Mead]

All wine is good for you (in moderation of course)...red appears to be better because it is fermented with the skins and has more nutrient components as a result.

A couple of goodies I tasted recently (both new releases...so may not be in your market yet) are:

Geyser Peak 1997 "Sonoma" Cabernet Sauvignon (about $15)

Sterling 1997 "Napa" Merlot (about $20)

The Merlot is pretty vintage specific...Geyser Peak has had a run of successes, so other vintages will be nearly as good.

[CSUFvintner]

As for additional white wine suggestions, you may enjoy a Pinot Grigio, sometimes called Pinot Gris (sounds like "gree"). Look for an Oregon-produced label; the vines thrive in the northwest climate/soil. Cheers!