Please recomend me a wine....
Discussion
Red and fruity, huh? I knew a girl like that once... Anyway.
Two things to think about broadly:
1. Region; and
2. Grape variety.
In terms of region, I'd try new world stuff to begine with (which broadly means Australia, South Africa, South America). This is vs old world, which is predominantly France, Spain and Italy. I'll exclude Germany, Hungary and the other less well known regions. Chile / Argentina make some cracking wines which are very good value and have a great deal of fruit flavour in them. To this end, I'd recommend something form there as a start.
In terms of grape variety, they all taste slightly different and have differing ageing and drinking characteristics. Again, very broadly, Pinot Noir tend to be quite light, then come Grenache, Mouvedre (sp?), then Merlot, Malbec, Syrah/Shiraz then Cabernet Sauvignon which are fairly beefy wines. There is a whole plethora of others, but these are likely to be the most common ones you'll find.
If you want to make a start and also begine educating yourself, I'd perhaps try the following ahead of time.
A. Pick 2 wines of the same grape variety, one French, one from South America. You may find it hard to pin down a specific grape variety in the French wine, as they are usually a blend, but check the label as most of them will say which grape is dominant in the blend.
This will give you a basic idea of the difference between styles (old vs new) and you can pick what you like.
B. Pick a few different bottles from the same region, but different grape varieties. This is easier in new world wines as they tend to have a higher proportion of single grape, rather than blends. This will give you an initial steer as to what type of grape you like, and also a talking point once you open it.
Remember too, bottle age and vintage play a big part in wine quality. Having a good or poor harvest in a particular year can hugely affect how a wine tastes, as can the length of time it spends in the bottle, as all wines (some more than others) develop and change over time. Before you buy your French red, do a quick google to see if the region had a good year for whatever vintage you plan on buying.
Finally (Jesus, this is turning out biblical), you don't have to break the bank, but by the same token, don't skimp either. Around £15 sould get you a decent bottle of French red, slightly less for new world.
I also recommend you head to a decent shop, as the staff will usually know a little about what they are selling, and often have a few bottle open for tasting and will happily walk you through things.
Enjoy, and let us know how you get on!
Two things to think about broadly:
1. Region; and
2. Grape variety.
In terms of region, I'd try new world stuff to begine with (which broadly means Australia, South Africa, South America). This is vs old world, which is predominantly France, Spain and Italy. I'll exclude Germany, Hungary and the other less well known regions. Chile / Argentina make some cracking wines which are very good value and have a great deal of fruit flavour in them. To this end, I'd recommend something form there as a start.
In terms of grape variety, they all taste slightly different and have differing ageing and drinking characteristics. Again, very broadly, Pinot Noir tend to be quite light, then come Grenache, Mouvedre (sp?), then Merlot, Malbec, Syrah/Shiraz then Cabernet Sauvignon which are fairly beefy wines. There is a whole plethora of others, but these are likely to be the most common ones you'll find.
If you want to make a start and also begine educating yourself, I'd perhaps try the following ahead of time.
A. Pick 2 wines of the same grape variety, one French, one from South America. You may find it hard to pin down a specific grape variety in the French wine, as they are usually a blend, but check the label as most of them will say which grape is dominant in the blend.
This will give you a basic idea of the difference between styles (old vs new) and you can pick what you like.
B. Pick a few different bottles from the same region, but different grape varieties. This is easier in new world wines as they tend to have a higher proportion of single grape, rather than blends. This will give you an initial steer as to what type of grape you like, and also a talking point once you open it.
Remember too, bottle age and vintage play a big part in wine quality. Having a good or poor harvest in a particular year can hugely affect how a wine tastes, as can the length of time it spends in the bottle, as all wines (some more than others) develop and change over time. Before you buy your French red, do a quick google to see if the region had a good year for whatever vintage you plan on buying.
Finally (Jesus, this is turning out biblical), you don't have to break the bank, but by the same token, don't skimp either. Around £15 sould get you a decent bottle of French red, slightly less for new world.
I also recommend you head to a decent shop, as the staff will usually know a little about what they are selling, and often have a few bottle open for tasting and will happily walk you through things.
Enjoy, and let us know how you get on!
It might be worth going to Laithwaites, they often have a good selection available to taste and the staff seem reasonably knowledgeable. On the high street I quite like Nicholas, they stock decent wine and often have tastings available and are good at making recommendations to newbies.
With regard to whites, New world tend to be better value. With a nice NZ Sav Blanc a popular choice. Personally I'd avoid Chardonny until you know what you like as the quality can vary massively and you get a lot of variety even within region.
Also avoid supermarket offers unless you know the wine. Many of the £15 down to £5 a bottle type deals are really wines that should retail at £5-6.
Price is up to you. I tend to spend £10 - £15 for something nice but not special, and regular drinking wine at around £6-10.
Under £5 a bottle you are taking your chances!
With regard to whites, New world tend to be better value. With a nice NZ Sav Blanc a popular choice. Personally I'd avoid Chardonny until you know what you like as the quality can vary massively and you get a lot of variety even within region.
Also avoid supermarket offers unless you know the wine. Many of the £15 down to £5 a bottle type deals are really wines that should retail at £5-6.
Price is up to you. I tend to spend £10 - £15 for something nice but not special, and regular drinking wine at around £6-10.
Under £5 a bottle you are taking your chances!
OP, if you are going out and drinking wine, let someone else who 'claims' to have a clue on the matter do the ordering.
Otherwise (and if you dont really get on with it) drink bottles of beer of your choice and enjoy the evening rather than choking down something just to keep up appearances.
Not everybody likes wine / whisky / vodka (delete as appropriate for location/night out).
If you are taking wine to someone elses house, just buy around the 10 quid mark and you shouldnt go far wrong (and I agree with the Chilean wine being good for the money - but Im certainly no wine expert).
Otherwise (and if you dont really get on with it) drink bottles of beer of your choice and enjoy the evening rather than choking down something just to keep up appearances.
Not everybody likes wine / whisky / vodka (delete as appropriate for location/night out).
If you are taking wine to someone elses house, just buy around the 10 quid mark and you shouldnt go far wrong (and I agree with the Chilean wine being good for the money - but Im certainly no wine expert).
South American wines give a real bang for your buck. I buy a lot of them as they're great everyday drinking wines. Chile make some fantastic Merlots. Another grape to look out for is Carmenere. I would also recommend Malbec's from Argentina. Should be able to get a decent one of any of these for around £5-10.
Edited by Justman on Friday 29th January 17:52
Are you going to a bar or restaurant. if latter, google the place/menu, it should tell you what wine they sell. Go to off licence, and buy a small bottle, try and decide. if it's a no no, buy another, til you find one you like.
If it,s a bar, go there and try what they sell, til you find one you like.
Wine and food, can be very snobby.
Strong red wine with a mild fish dish = no no.
Mild white wine with a strong flavoured red meat = no no.
Oh yeah, there is nothing chavvy about drinking a good quality Lager.
Just be yourself, if they can't deal with you for what you are, they're probably
not worth it, unless large sums of squilla, whoops cash are involved. Just enjoy,
And good luck.
If it,s a bar, go there and try what they sell, til you find one you like.
Wine and food, can be very snobby.
Strong red wine with a mild fish dish = no no.
Mild white wine with a strong flavoured red meat = no no.
Oh yeah, there is nothing chavvy about drinking a good quality Lager.
Just be yourself, if they can't deal with you for what you are, they're probably
not worth it, unless large sums of squilla, whoops cash are involved. Just enjoy,
And good luck.
Edited by johnnywgk on Friday 29th January 23:23
B16JUS said:
Im not a wine drinker, but we are going out with a few people and i dont want to look like a chav drinking pints or jd's so would like to try a few wines to see i like any of them.
what would you recomend ? i was thinking a red and fruity might be easy to drink ?
cheers
If you enjoy a Jack Daniels, then fwhat would you recomend ? i was thinking a red and fruity might be easy to drink ?
cheers
king drink Jack Daniels! Seriously, there's nothing to be ashamed of as - neat with a lump of ice - all you're saying is that you're shoulders are broad enough to enjoy a decent quality spirit whatever the occasion.Gassing Station | Food, Drink & Restaurants | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff