types

[akuna]

hi. i'm very new to wines. right now i just know that i like them. what do the different types mean. eg merlot, shiraz....
please help.
also i was given a bottle of Beaujoais Becolte 2001 and a bottle of Montes, merlot, special cuvee. can you tell me anything about these wines.
hankyou

[Skeeter]

Wow, a question I can answer! [img]http://38.118.142.245/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

Merlot, shiraz, chardonnay etc. are the grape varieties used to make the wine with. You'll also find wines made with blends of one or more grape variety (Cabernet sauvingon/merlot) for instance.

As for the more specific question, I'll let one of the moderators field that one. Y'know, one of the guys who REALLY know about wine. [img]http://38.118.142.245/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

And welcome to the board!

[winoweenie]

Hi Akuna and welcome to the board. Skeeter gave you a concise and clear answer on the varietals. The 2001 Bougalais is a French wine made from either the Gamay grape or possibly from the Pinot Noir. The Montes is a Chilean producer who makes very user friendly bottlings. When you open and drink these (both are for near-term consumption) let us know what your taste buds thought. WW

[Skeeter]

You see, you ask, and Winoweenie is on the case. (I guess Innkeeper must have slept in.) [img]http://38.118.142.245/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

[Innkeeper]

Yawn, stretch.

[winoweenie]

One out of 6016 aint' bad Skeets! WW [img]http://38.118.142.245/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]