A little basic help

[MagnusRa]

Hello all. I am new to the board and new to the realm of wines. I have tried a few wines, but not many. I am trying to find out what my tastes I might favor without trying $100's of dollars worth of wine. I can tell you that I do not like very dry wine. I prefer a little sweetness it doesn't have to be much. I also do not know which color I prefer but I've been drinking red. I've had Kendall-Jackson Merlot recently and that was rather good. So I guess I'm asking if someone can suggest some reliable vintner's and varieties for me or at least point me in the right direction. I'd like to stay below $20 price-wise preferably closer to $10. I'm not looking to cellar anything just something to drink every now and then. As far as Vintners my Aunt has suggested Kendall-Jackson and Mondavi. I thank you all in advance for your help. I'm sorry I couldn't be more specific but perhaps someone might have some questions that might help.

[cpurvis]

Mag, welcome to the Board. No worries 'bout general questions...that's why the Novice thread is here.

First, to better define your "sweetness" preferences, you can learn much by simply entering that word in the Search function on the main Wine Board page. In particular, see thess recent discussions:
http://www.wines.com/ubb2/Forum37/HTML/000878.html

http://www.wines.com/ubb2/Forum37/HTML/000873.html

Second, merlot is typically dry, but you may be fooled by the fruitiness of certain ones you've tried. Read the tasting notes that others have entered under the varietal threads on the Board.

Third, you will likely find the sweetness level descriptions on the following site helpful as well, because specific varietals & countries of origin are noted:
http://www.wineontheweb.com/consumer_advice/thesugarsand/thesugarsand.html

Finally, you will easily find plenty of decent wines that match your tastes in the $10 range. Start by trying Marietta California Old Vine Red Lot Number 26. The wine is a full-bodied, fruity, smooth, Rhone-style blend of several varietals. Great stuff at $10. I'm sure that others here will make specific recs as well.

Cheers! cp



[This message has been edited by cpurvis (edited 03-23-2001).]

[Innkeeper]

Hi MagnusRa, and welcome to the Wine Board. We think you can learn alot right here on the board, as well as from a good book. Will let others recommend the books, and we'll try to guide you around the board. First of all that K-J Merlot you liked was dry. The oak in it made you think it was not. See the posting on this thread entitled "Sweet Versus Fruity." One of our distinguished members posted a priceless piece explaining the "illusion of sweetness."

Next scroll down to the "Best Buy/Steal Deals" thread. On top where is say "Go to", go back 100 days. That will reveal two or three dozen postings on all sorts of wines at bargain prices. In addition to those wines sweetened by residual sugar, you should try several dry ones that make you think they are sweet like the K-J Merlot did.

[MagnusRa]

Thank you for the quick assistance. I might have worded that a little confusing. I did not mean to imply that the KJ Merlot was sweet and not dry. I actually did think it was a little dry. But by not too dry for me, although I wouldn't go much drier if any. Sorry for the confusion. I did read that "Illusion of sweetness" post, quite interesting. Now as for recommendations could you recommend a variety that is roughly about as dry or sweeter than merlot. How is cabernet sauvignon compared to merlot, generally speaking? How do blends compare and what might be some good ones to try? Thanks again

[cpurvis]

Mag, merlot v. cab will depend on the producer & vintage.

Re: blends, look in the Rhone/South of France thread.

Re: varietals to try, I still say check out this link:
http://www.wineontheweb.com/consumer_advice/thesugarsand/thesugarsand.html

Otherwise, follow IK's suggestion that you look in the Best Buys thread.

You might also consider zinfandels (not white zins). Fife Vineyards, Rabbit Ridge & Lolonis all have $15-25 offerings that you might enjoy.

cp

[This message has been edited by cpurvis (edited 03-23-2001).]

[This message has been edited by cpurvis (edited 03-23-2001).]

[thewoodman]

cpurvis mentions the Marietta old vine lot wines as being Rhone style blends. I was under the impression that these were a large proportion of zin, as well as petite and some others, blends to be sure, but more like field blends than Rhone blends.

Someone set me straight...

[cpurvis]

Woodman, I can set you straight: you're right & I mis-spoke. Marietta O.V. Red is a field blend. I suppose I said "Rhone style" b/c it reminds me of those. cp