On a college budget

[Lil Ryan]

I've just begun enjoying wine this year (after turning 21). I'm starting off with Chardonays and Cabernets. Is there anything else you'd recommend to someone on a college budget? And what are better vintages for the price?

Ryan

[Innkeeper]

Hi Ryan, and welcome to the Wine Board. Answering your last question first, you will not get a better value than the current vintage. The older the wine, the more expensive it is usually. Once a wine has peaked in quality, and his happens faster with whites than reds, the price goes down. Think clearance bin. Current vintages for whites are the last two years, right now 1999 and 2000. For reds, current is the last three or four years. Right now the 1997's are going fast, the '98s are mainly seen, and the '99s are just beginning to show up.

Let's say the price point you're exploring is $10 or less. There is much to be found in this arena. For whites you might try American Riesling, Chenin Blanc, and Gwurtztraminer. The only reason American was specified is that most foreign versions are more expensive. Almost all of these will be all or mostly oak free, unlike the chardonnay you are drinking now. These will give you an opportunity to taste wine that tastes like fruit versus wood.

For reds we can go foreign. Beaujolais, both plain ole and Beaujolais Villages can be had at this price point. It comes from Southern Burgundy, and is made from the gamay grape. Beware of Nouveau Beaujolais. This is released in November of the current year, and is enjoyable for a few months. Right now the '00 is fading fast. Another choice is Cotes Du Rhone. This is a blended wine made with syrah and other grapes from Southern France. Both the 98's and 99's are wonderful. Over in Italy, the plain ole Chianti is better than ever. However once you get into Classico, the price soars. In Australia where they call syrah "shiraz", there are many young and wonderful wines available at your price point.

Hopefully you can add these seven wines to your repertoire. Keep experimenting. There is lots more out there.

[winoweenie]

Jes' makin' sure this new fangled machine wors.WW

[Lil Ryan]

Thank you Innkeeper! I shall try these in the upcoming weeks. Are there any "safe bets" for entertaining guests who are also new enjoying wine?

Ryan

[Innkeeper]

If you have a store with a fair selection of wines from Oz, look for Banrock Station's Unwooded Chardonnay and their Shiraz. Both cost around $7, and will make you and your friends very hoppy.

[winecollector]

Lindemans makes several good quality wines for around $10 or less. Also, you can usually find some good Chianti's for under $10 a bottle, such as Gabbiano, Fossi, and Montecello. Caves Velhas makes a Dao red from Portugal that is inexpensive, and even the Reserva I can usually find for about $10. I personally serve all of these regularly, and they never fail to impress.

[Drew]

If you look for the Banrock Station Shiraz, buy the '98 and not the '99. The '99, IMHO, is terrible. Also look for the '98 Barrossa Valley Estates Shiraz, a very good value for $10 or less, $7.50 here!

Drew

[Innkeeper]

Although we love the Banrock Unwooded Chardonnay, probably shouldn't have sent you back there. You can can some great American Rieslings on your budget. In California look for Monterey Rieslings such as Mirassou and Ventana. Also those from Mendocino such as Greenwood Ridge. And there is a bunch of great ones from Washington State including Chateau Ste Michelle, Columbia Crest, Covey Run, Hogue Cellars, and Kiona. Also a whole bunch of harder to find ones.

[Drew]

The Hogue late harvest riesling is tasty and under $10.

Drew