Wine For Dummies (But Mostly for Ilander)

[iLander]

Okay, I started the cocktail thread and it veered into wine and champagne, and there were so MANY words that I didn't know!

Oh, lordy!

So, let's try this: I need a bottle that doesn't cost more than $20, that I can bring to someone's house for dinner and not embarrass myself.

I generally go with the one with the kangaroo on it, something red if it's a meat, white if it's fish. Someone brought it to my house one day and it was okay. I usually go with the merlot, because it's not dry (or whatever that tangy taste is).

I once had a sip of red wine, back in the 1970's, from a $400 bottle. It was amazing. Everything else has been dreck since then. I think to describe it, it was medium-bodied, not dry, fruity, with a bit of a woodish aftertaste to it.

Do you know something like that?

 

[sonnyjane]

iLander, do you have any wine bars near you? I'm lucky enough to live near many wine bars and also near several wineries, so I have the ability to go for tastings. I drink a LOT of wine, but I know very little of the technical aspects of it all. If you go to a wine bar or winery where you can taste several (and I mean SEVERAL) wines, the people working there are extremely knowledgeable and will be able to find exactly what you're looking for if you describe it to them just as you have to us.

I go "wine-tasting" about once a week (clearly now you know my vice in this world) and I love it. They have little pads and pencils and you can write down what you love (or what you hate) and then you can buy a bottle (ahem or bottles) when you're done tasting! Some of my very favorite wines are less than $20 a bottle.

 

[Enerchi]

iLander!!! welcome to the wine club!!
So -
favourite red - sirah/syrah/shiraz --- all basically the same thing - full body and always a welcome gift. Same with any Malbec from Spain/Argentina (medium red, low tanins, very earthy).
Easy red - baco noir, pinot noir, merlot
Full body red - Cab Franc (YUM YUM YUM!!) or Cab Sauvignon

Australian wines are TDF! but I'm in Canada so I'm much more familiar with Canadian & Australian. Yellowtail is the Kangaroo - Lindemann's and Wyndham estates are incredible.

My absolute numero uno red wine is Wyndham Bin 555 (shiraz approx $20 in Ontario) YUM!!!

Whites - light - pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc
Medium - non-oaked chardonnay, reisling (can be tart...)
Heavier - oaked chardonnay, vidal

 

[portia]

iLander, the wine bar idea sonnyjane has is a great idea. Ordering flights of wine is a great way to try different styles of wine. If you like Merlot you might like Apothic Red. It's what DH and and I call our 'house wine' (the wine we buy by the case). It's a red blend of Zin, Cab, Syrah and Merlot. It takes it's main characteristics from Merlot - very mellow and what my husband likes to describe as 'marshmellowy'. Weird, I know, but it's really good. I think it was on Wine Spectator magazine's best buy list at $8/bottle.

Some others suggestions that come to mind:
Fetzer Crimson $9 - I haven't bought Fetzer in years (not my fav), but this one is very good. I was impressed.
Earthquake Zin $23 (a little more than $20, very good wine to drink and gift)
Jacobs Creek Shiraz Reserve $10
Bearboat Pinot Noir $15 - 20 ---> This one might be like the woody one you had (was it a Bordeaux you had?). It has a very subtle earthy notes, but also berry/cherry taste.
The Boxer by Molly Dooker $23 (the wine guy told us it's a 'punch-you-in-the-mouth-fruit-bomb' shiraz) We liked it!

Everyone likes different styles. DH and I like big reds so I'm not sure if you'll like any of those, but I think they would would make nice gifts. I'm sure you'll get lots of suggestions here.

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

I feel like wine differs with every person. I don't know if there are wine tours in your area but that's what we do. If you can get enough friends to come along, they supply an automobile and driver and take you to a bunch of wineries where you can decide what your palate is craving.

 

[sonnyjane]

I feel like wine differs with every person. I don't know if there are wine tours in your area but that's what we do. If you can get enough friends to come along, they supply an automobile and driver and take you to a bunch of wineries where you can decide what your palate is craving.

That's definitely true. I have a VERY sweet palate. I love Muscats, Reislings, Gewurtztraminers, and late-harvest Chards. Those are SWEET wines and most of my friends can't stand them. For that reason, if I'm going to a dinner party and am bringing the wine, I'll buy something more popular like a Chardonnay. I don't particularly like Chardonnay at all, but I know that most people will drink it, as opposed to the really sweet stuff that I prefer.

I also really don't like reds, which puts me in a minority once more among my circle of friends. I'll drink white wines at restaurants even with red meat. That's just "how I roll" lol.

 

[JulieN]

dryness is a measure of sugar

you are referring to tannins.

 

[iLander]

dryness is a measure of sugar

you are referring to tannins.

Am I? How do I avoid those?

 

[iLander]

iLander!!! welcome to the wine club!!
So -
favourite red - sirah/syrah/shiraz --- all basically the same thing - full body and always a welcome gift. Same with any Malbec from Spain/Argentina (medium red, low tanins, very earthy).
Easy red - baco noir, pinot noir, merlot
Full body red - Cab Franc (YUM YUM YUM!!) or Cab Sauvignon

Australian wines are TDF! but I'm in Canada so I'm much more familiar with Canadian & Australian. Yellowtail is the Kangaroo - Lindemann's and Wyndham estates are incredible.

My absolute numero uno red wine is Wyndham Bin 555 (shiraz approx $20 in Ontario) YUM!!!

Whites - light - pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc
Medium - non-oaked chardonnay, reisling (can be tart...)
Heavier - oaked chardonnay, vidal

What do these words mean?

Which one is easy to drink and pretty light?

I'm talking wine cooler, light. Remember those?

 

[Enerchi]

iLander!!! welcome to the wine club!!
So -
favourite red - sirah/syrah/shiraz --- all basically the same thing - full body and always a welcome gift. Same with any Malbec from Spain/Argentina (medium red, low tanins, very earthy).
Easy red - baco noir, pinot noir, merlot
Full body red - Cab Franc (YUM YUM YUM!!) or Cab Sauvignon

Australian wines are TDF! but I'm in Canada so I'm much more familiar with Canadian & Australian. Yellowtail is the Kangaroo - Lindemann's and Wyndham estates are incredible.

My absolute numero uno red wine is Wyndham Bin 555 (shiraz approx $20 in Ontario) YUM!!!

Whites - light - pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc
Medium - non-oaked chardonnay, reisling (can be tart...)
Heavier - oaked chardonnay, vidal

What do these words mean?

Which one is easy to drink and pretty light?

I'm talking wine cooler, light. Remember those?

Light would be - pinot or baco noir for the reds and pinot grigio for the whites.

I do remember wine coolers!! My DD just turned 19 and she was all pumped about having wine --- then decided it was not for her after her first or second sip, so we added club soda and she still struggled thru it!

I don't know what wines would be available in your area, but when we were in Sarasota last April, we discovered Muscato from Jacob's Creek (also by Sutter Home and Barefoot) and we LOVED it! it was officially declared our 'breakfast/beach' wine! (ya... we had a breakfast wine... what up???)

Another light wine, is Berenger White Zinfandel - it is a rose but very easy to drink. Ah... I'm happy to volunteer to come down and drink with you! I am willing to make that travel sacrifice just for you and you alone!

 

[iLander]

iLander, the wine bar idea sonnyjane has is a great idea. Ordering flights of wine is a great way to try different styles of wine. If you like Merlot you might like Apothic Red. It's what DH and and I call our 'house wine' (the wine we buy by the case). It's a red blend of Zin, Cab, Syrah and Merlot. It takes it's main characteristics from Merlot - very mellow and what my husband likes to describe as 'marshmellowy'. Weird, I know, but it's really good. I think it was on Wine Spectator magazine's best buy list at $8/bottle.

Some others suggestions that come to mind:
Fetzer Crimson $9 - I haven't bought Fetzer in years (not my fav), but this one is very good. I was impressed.
Earthquake Zin $23 (a little more than $20, very good wine to drink and gift)
Jacobs Creek Shiraz Reserve $10
Bearboat Pinot Noir $15 - 20 ---> This one might be like the woody one you had (was it a Bordeaux you had?). It has a very subtle earthy notes, but also berry/cherry taste.
The Boxer by Molly Dooker $23 (the wine guy told us it's a 'punch-you-in-the-mouth-fruit-bomb' shiraz) We liked it!

Everyone likes different styles. DH and I like big reds so I'm not sure if you'll like any of those, but I think they would would make nice gifts. I'm sure you'll get lots of suggestions here.

That sounds really familiar! I'll bet it was a Bordeaux. I will try the Bearboat Pinot Noir.

All this stuff is making my head spin.

 

[iLander]

Light would be - pinot or baco noir for the reds and pinot grigio for the whites.

I do remember wine coolers!! My DD just turned 19 and she was all pumped about having wine --- then decided it was not for her after her first or second sip, so we added club soda and she still struggled thru it!

I don't know what wines would be available in your area, but when we were in Sarasota last April, we discovered Muscato from Jacob's Creek (also by Sutter Home and Barefoot) and we LOVED it! it was officially declared our 'breakfast/beach' wine! (ya... we had a breakfast wine... what up???)

Another light wine, is Berenger White Zinfandel - it is a rose but very easy to drink. Ah... I'm happy to volunteer to come down and drink with you! I am willing to make that travel sacrifice just for you and you alone!

LOL! You're on, Enerchi! It's getting too chilly for beach weather, though; it was in the 70's today! I might have to find closed-toe shoes at this rate!

If the Berenger is a rose, why is it called white? It's pink, right? I can try that with fish or meat, right?

 

[sonnyjane]

Another light wine, is Berenger White Zinfandel - it is a rose but very easy to drink.

I will give you the disclaimer, though, iLander, that Beringer White Zin has quite the reputation for being, well...I just wouldn't bring it to a party if you're trying to impress anyone. I drank it when I was 19 (er... I mean 21!) in college before I realized that people that actually knew wine made fun of me for it.

 

[Enerchi]

yup, its pink but it's "flexible" and can go either way... fish or meat But there really isn't that strict structure anymore - people drink heavier whites with meat and lighter reds/rose's with fish/turkey!!

Get out!!! wow - the horror of a 70degree temp... and CLOSED TOED SHOES!!! gasp How will you manage!?

Ok, lets book a wine tasting --- but feel free to come up here to Ontario and have my ever amazing DH prepare us a wine pared meal - oh, trust me, you'll be amazed at what this man can do in the kitchen (And get your mind out of the gutter!!!)

 

[iLander]

Another light wine, is Berenger White Zinfandel - it is a rose but very easy to drink.

I will give you the disclaimer, though, iLander, that Beringer White Zin has quite the reputation for being, well...I just wouldn't bring it to a party if you're trying to impress anyone. I drank it when I was 19 (er... I mean 21!) in college before I realized that people that actually knew wine made fun of me for it.

Oh!

But maybe it will make me look younger?

 

[sonnyjane]

Another light wine, is Berenger White Zinfandel - it is a rose but very easy to drink.

I will give you the disclaimer, though, iLander, that Beringer White Zin has quite the reputation for being, well...I just wouldn't bring it to a party if you're trying to impress anyone. I drank it when I was 19 (er... I mean 21!) in college before I realized that people that actually knew wine made fun of me for it.

Oh!

But maybe it will make me look younger?

Perfect! Who needs plastic surgery when you can pick up some Beringer from 7/11!?!

 

[iLander]

yup, its pink but it's "flexible" and can go either way... fish or meat But there really isn't that strict structure anymore - people drink heavier whites with meat and lighter reds/rose's with fish/turkey!!

Get out!!! wow - the horror of a 70degree temp... and CLOSED TOED SHOES!!! gasp How will you manage!?

Ok, lets book a wine tasting --- but feel free to come up here to Ontario and have my ever amazing DH prepare us a wine pared meal - oh, trust me, you'll be amazed at what this man can do in the kitchen (And get your mind out of the gutter!!!)

Your husband cooks?!!

Baby, you are living the dream!

 

[Enerchi]

yup, its pink but it's "flexible" and can go either way... fish or meat But there really isn't that strict structure anymore - people drink heavier whites with meat and lighter reds/rose's with fish/turkey!!

Get out!!! wow - the horror of a 70degree temp... and CLOSED TOED SHOES!!! gasp How will you manage!?

Ok, lets book a wine tasting --- but feel free to come up here to Ontario and have my ever amazing DH prepare us a wine pared meal - oh, trust me, you'll be amazed at what this man can do in the kitchen (And get your mind out of the gutter!!!)

Your husband cooks?!!

Baby, you are living the dream!

SERIOUSLY!!! I really am - he is the head cook and bottle washer here - sommelier and cocktail waiter too! He tells me "when in the kitchen, remember, you are only a guest" and I'm good with that! I can't boil water - which is insane because up till about 10 years ago, I DID do all the cooking. something flipped and now I can plan and organize meals/menu's but put me in charge of something... and I completely freeze up. HE's been advised, if he gets some diagnosis where things may be bleak - START FREEZING FOOD FOR US !!!!

I'm sure there is zero interest in you coming up to Ontario, but if you ever do - know you are MORE THAN WELCOME to stay at the Enerchi household!!!

(and as for the Beringer - what can I say? - my breakfast wine requirements are a little loose!! )

 

[iLander]

SERIOUSLY!!! I really am - he is the head cook and bottle washer here - sommelier and cocktail waiter too! He tells me "when in the kitchen, remember, you are only a guest" and I'm good with that! I can't boil water - which is insane because up till about 10 years ago, I DID do all the cooking. something flipped and now I can plan and organize meals/menu's but put me in charge of something... and I completely freeze up. HE's been advised, if he gets some diagnosis where things may be bleak - START FREEZING FOOD FOR US !!!!

I'm sure there is zero interest in you coming up to Ontario, but if you ever do - know you are MORE THAN WELCOME to stay at the Enerchi household!!!

(and as for the Beringer - what can I say? - my breakfast wine requirements are a little loose!! )

LOL! Worry if the freezer seems extra full!

I can't handle breakfast wine, this I know! I am awake about an hour after I have coffee. I used to just spill so much water and coffee when I made the coffee, that DH bought me one of those single one-cup dealies. He keeps it full of water, and all I have to do is throw out the old cup (I used to miss the trash with the grounds), put in a new cup (counter got covered with grounds), and push go. Add wine to that level of sleepy? I shudder to think . . .

 

[sonnyjane]

Oh man, I really want to drink wine with both of you lol!

 

[iLander]

Oh man, I really want to drink wine with both of you lol!

Okay, come on down!

 

[Enerchi]

Oh man, I really want to drink wine with both of you lol!

Okay, come on down!

woo hoo - a wine filled bling fest!!! I get dibs on the queen guest bed!!

 

[madelise]

I'm bookmarking this thread. Thanks for starting this, Ilander! I'm not a drinker, but I'd like to be able to appreciate wine more than just my occasional muscato.


So let me add this, too: any recommendations for LIGHT wines? That aren't "alcohol-y"? All I know is muscato. HAHA. I like sweet.

and if you guys have a wine and bling fest….. COUNT ME IN!
E-Bling/Wine fest. Take pics of your bling next to your wine glasses, and post!
I would never trust myself in PUBLIC with all my bling + me being tipsy! A few things may go missing. Hehe.

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

I'm bookmarking this thread. Thanks for starting this, Ilander! I'm not a drinker, but I'd like to be able to appreciate wine more than just my occasional muscato.


So let me add this, too: any recommendations for LIGHT wines? That aren't "alcohol-y"? All I know is muscato. HAHA. I like sweet.

and if you guys have a wine and bling fest….. COUNT ME IN!
E-Bling/Wine fest. Take pics of your bling next to your wine glasses, and post!
I would never trust myself in PUBLIC with all my bling + me being tipsy! A few things may go missing. Hehe.

Hey Madelise. If you like moscato, try roscato. It's very sweet like moscato but red. Also chilled.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

Ilander, sonny and others who like wines on the sweeter side (I LOVE reislings of all kind, dry or sweet

My new go to wine (which all my friends are now hooked on too) is Cavicchioli 1928. The sparkling white (malvasia) and sparkling red (lambrusco) are so yummy. It's kind of incredible how delish and affordable it is and it feels special when I bring it to a party b/c most people aren't familiar with it.

I may or may not be purchasing a case of each for my holidays parties this year

 

[VRBeauty]

Ilander - For whites, I think you'd enjoy a gewurztraminer or grey rieseling. Both are very low acid, and tend towards sweet without being cloying. Gewurztraminer should come from Germany... I can't recommend a brand because I rarely buy it, but I've had some that was brought back for me from Germany that was to die for.

I can't help you with reds because I tend to like mine with a bit more body than what you're looking for.

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

Oh man, I really want to drink wine with both of you lol!

Okay, come on down!

woo hoo - a wine filled bling fest!!! I get dibs on the queen guest bed!!

Oooooh, are we all invited to iLander's for some wine and Blingasms? Soooooo in! Next weekend is good for me hahah

 

[sonnyjane]

I'm bookmarking this thread. Thanks for starting this, Ilander! I'm not a drinker, but I'd like to be able to appreciate wine more than just my occasional muscato.


So let me add this, too: any recommendations for LIGHT wines? That aren't "alcohol-y"? All I know is muscato. HAHA. I like sweet.

and if you guys have a wine and bling fest….. COUNT ME IN!
E-Bling/Wine fest. Take pics of your bling next to your wine glasses, and post!
I would never trust myself in PUBLIC with all my bling + me being tipsy! A few things may go missing. Hehe.

Hey Madelise. If you like moscato, try roscato. It's very sweet like moscato but red. Also chilled.

I'll also recommend Quady Elysium black muscat. Can't have too much, but great with chocolate!

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

I've tried a couple of gewürztraminers, it's a white wine that semi sweet. I usually just buy the Fetzer brand made in California. It's under 10 bucks I believe. I usually just mix it with orange juice for breakfast

 

[sonnyjane]

You guys are convincing me that wine needs to become part of my balanced breakfast!