Oenophiles, unite! (The wine thread)

[Tages]

Over the course of the past two months or so (after viewing "Sideways" for the umpteenth time), I have found myself with a growing interest in wine. There's a small wine gallery about a mile from where I live that holds tastings every Thursday and going there I've discovered a few dogs, but a few treasures as well.

So, this is the thread where anyone can talk about the wonders of wine, whether you're someone new to it like myself or a seasoned expert. And if you find a great wine, please, share it with the group.

There are two discoveries I'd like to share with you all:

Producer: Bracco Vineyards
Variety: Amarone Classico
Vintage: 2001
Price: $43.00
What does the label say?: This estate bottled Amarone is one of my favorite red wines because of its full rich texture and full body while being one of the world's most elegant wines. The unique way in which it is produced by drying bunches of grapes for months before pressing (appassimento) gives this wine its unique quality and depth. I enjoy this wonderful wine with cheese after or before dinner and with red meats.-Lorraine Bracco (yes, that (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000966/) Lorraine Bracco)
My opinion: Holy criminy, is this a good wine. Smooth, absolutely bursting with flavor, I have two bottles of the stuff and I'm saving both as "special occasion" wines. Without a doubt the best I've tasted thus far in my weekly trips.

Producer: Mosaic
Variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2002
Price: $40.00
What does the label say?:We introduce our Reserve Chardonnay with descriptions fitting a classic opera performance: exuberant, well-designed and intense. This wine is a real show-stopper and will steal the Chardonnay lover's heart. The old vines used for this wine yield concentrated flavors brimming with bold tropical fruit.
My opinion: I used to drink nothing but chardonnay before I broadened my palette. It's not very popular with the wine snob crowd because of its mainstream popularity and its inexplicable association with thirtysomething single women. So, you're allowed to like chardonnay, but not too much.

I love this wine. It has a low acidity and robustness of flavor I really go for.

And, for a wine I didn't like...

Producer: Clay Station
Variety: Old Vine Zinfandel
Vintage: 2004
Price: $13.00
From the web site (http://www.claystationwine.com/wine.asp?tid=14): The 2004 Clay Station Old Vine Zinfandel, made from 30-70 year old vines, is a bold wine with ultra-ripe black cherry and plum notes with nuances of fig, spices and toast. The luscious, concentrated fruit character is balanced with velvety tannins from French, Hungarian and American oak for a lingering finish.
My opinion: The girl at the wine gallery suggested this as an alternative to Gnarly Head old vine zinfandel, a cheap wine I really like that I discovered only because it itself was recommended as a less pricey alternative to Old Ghost old vine zin. She said she didn't like most zinfandels as being too peppery, and this one avoided that.

Well, it shouldn't have. The result is a wine I found timid, tepid and bland, and actually a little bit sour, like it was mixed with tap water and lemon juice or something. Stick to the Gnarly Head 2004 old vine zin, that's a lot better.


So, come on, people. We indulge in every other form of geekery on these forums, let's plunge into wine geekery!

[howyadoin]

Oh, I love a good glass of oene.

[Dreadstar]

So, come on, people. We indulge in every other form of geekery on these forums, let's plunge into wine geekery!

Hmmmm... It's actually been a while since I did the wine geekery thing. I used to be so into German Reislings that I could look at a label and tell you whether or not the vineyard was on the north slope of Mosel. That's another thing that died in 1994. The only wine I've had recently was sometime over the holidays last winter. It was a blood-thick Borollo from Italy. I can't remember the name, but would recognize the label. Damn, that was one of the best reds I've EVER had.

[i_mmmchocolate]

I love vino, but I'm ignorant of the differences.

I'd love to take a trip to wine country soon.

[Tages]

I love vino, but I'm ignorant of the differences.

I'd love to take a trip to wine country soon.
Reds are fermented with the grape skins, whites without, a rose` is halfway. This gives reds a much heavier presence of tannin than whites.

As they age, whites tend to get darker, while reds tend to lighten in color.

Merlot sucks.

There, that ought to get you started.

[Slam_Bradley]

Time for the classic argument of Mad Dog vs. T-Bird.

[Ray R.]

I've recently been drinking quite a bit of Australian shiraz. It's relatively cheap, it usually goes well with most meat dishes, and it generally has a variety of subdued flavors including peppers and chocolate. It's also a type of wine that's eminently drinkable, as in "drink-me-now", not complex tannin combinations that need to age properly in order to bring out flavor. Oh, and did I mention it's relatively cheap.

Australian regional climate affects the character style of Shiraz, from cooler regions producing subdued and peppery wines to hotter spots creating muscular and ripe reds. Also, many wineries blend Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Viognier to change the nuance and style of Shiraz.

A couple of Australian vintners who do shiraz well, and are available here in the States and elsewhere...


http://www.penfolds.com/ I recommend the "Bin 128 Coonawarra", and "Bin 28 Kalimna" - $16-$24

http://www.darenberg.com.au/default.php -- Try the "Footbolt", and "The Laughing Magpie" - $12-20 (it seems Australians love to put marsupials and other weird animals on their wine bottles.....)

http://www.shark.com/gnestates/ -- "Limestone Coast Shiraz" - $15-18 - that's Greg Norman estates. He could be a better vintner than he was a golfer.

[Dreadstar]

Time for the classic argument of Mad Dog vs. T-Bird.

Juice, juice, juice
Really makes you loose loose, loose,
Really goes down so smooth,
Really puts you in the groove.
Have you heard? What's the word?
It's thunderbird.


Mad Dog is only good for rolling One-Eyed Alice behind the 7-11.

[i_mmmchocolate]

Reds are fermented with the grape skins, whites without, a rose` is halfway. This gives reds a much heavier presence of tannin than whites.

As they age, whites tend to get darker, while reds tend to lighten in color.

Merlot sucks.

There, that ought to get you started.
Excellent starter course.

I'm thinking of attending one of the following:
This (http://www.localwineevents.com/New-York-City-Wine/event-101263.html), this (http://www.localwineevents.com/New-York-City-Wine/event-99545.html), or this (http://www.localwineevents.com/New-York-City-Wine/event-96475.html).


And a couple others. It largely depends on how much drink and food I get for my money.

[Ray R.]

Reds are fermented with the grape skins, whites without, a rose` is halfway. This gives reds a much heavier presence of tannin than whites.

As they age, whites tend to get darker, while reds tend to lighten in color.

Merlot sucks.

There, that ought to get you started.

Ahhh, don't believe "Sideways."

There are some decent "drinking" merlots. Quite a few of them are not bad. I'd rather have a decent "low-brow" merlot than an overpriced and overrated cabernet any day of the week.

[Joe Rice]

I'm a huge Amarone fan . . .the local Italian joint runs "half price" Tuesdays every week, any wine on their list.

It is heaven.

[(A)//(E)]

anyone know any good vegan wines?
I've heard there are some around, but I'd rather get word-of-mouth testimony before I go off buying some.

[Tages]

Ahhh, don't believe "Sideways."

There are some decent "drinking" merlots. Quite a few of them are not bad. I'd rather have a decent "low-brow" merlot than an overpriced and overrated cabernet any day of the week.
I decided I hated merlot before I saw "Sideways," actually. I have tried one merlot I thought was decent, I think it was Artisan.

[Ray R.]

I decided I hated merlot before I saw "Sideways," actually. I have tried one merlot I thought was decent, I think it was Artisan.

I was just teasing. There are a glut of shitty cheapo ones on the market, though. I think once Turning Leaf (aka Ernst & Julio Gallo) started pumping them out by the gallon, it spelled doom for the mid-range halfway decent ones, because they got pushed out of the marketplace in favor of the cheap brands.

Chile and South Africa have produced some decent merlots, at least lately. I'll try to recall the names.

[Noah Johnson]

See, as an impoverished ol' alky, I LOVE the three-buck Chuck at Trader Joe's. Entirely passable and tasty wines at a price nobody can touch. Their shiraz is THE accompaniment to meat around our house.

Of course, being here in Oregon, we've got access to all kinds of tasty things. The Erath Pinot Noir is lovely, and the Blue Moon Riesling is my live-in girlfriend's favorite thing ever.

[howyadoin]

anyone know any good vegan wines?
I've heard there are some around, but I'd rather get word-of-mouth testimony before I go off buying some.Vegans can't eat grapes, now?

[Noah Johnson]

Vegans can't eat grapes, now?
Most modern winemakers add puppy chunks to improve fermentation.

[howyadoin]

Most modern winemakers add puppy chunks to improve fermentation.Must've taken a tip from Cheech & Chong rolling joints with Labrador.

[(A)//(E)]

no, its that isinglass (a byproduct of the fishing industry) is used in the fining process of many wines.

[Callie]

Sideways made me try Pinot Noirs, but it didn't turn me away from Merlots. I prefer a good Merlot to a Cabernet Sauvignon. I'm definitely no connoisseur, but I have a couple that I regularly turn to.

All around or under $10. Usually easy to find in the grocery store, except for the Argyle.

Goats Do Roam - Red blend
Big House Red - red blend
Concha & Toro - Casillero Del Diablo Merlot and Cabernet
Argyle Chardonnay
Rex Goliath 47 lb Rooster Merlot and Pinot Noir
Lindemann's Shiraz and Pinot
Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages (Nouveaus are fun around November too)
Hogue Cellar Cabernet

I have no idea if these are vegan.

[Tages]

At the last tasting I went to, they showcased wines from Spring Mountain vineyard. The gentleman running it let me taste their '02 cabernet sauvignon, which I really enjoyed, and then let me try a delicious '01 blend called "Elivette" (Cabernet Sauvignon 89%, Merlot 8%, Petit Verdot 3%). I preferred the blend, but only slightly.

The difference in price? A bottle of the cab was $42.99. The Elivette was $80.99.

Sometimes I don't get super-expensive blends.

[Dreadstar]

You're a smoker, right?

I was a smoker prior to being married, and then quite for a few years after marraige. I found out that I could find more intricate taste information during that period in regards to wine. But then I found out something even more important:

You can't drag the best flavors out of a damn fine port without a really good cigar.

[Tages]

You're a smoker, right?
On occasion, around friends that do and when I'm really quite stressed. I quit my daily smoking habit months ago.

[Typo Lad]

no, its that isinglass (a byproduct of the fishing industry) is used in the fining process of many wines.

I believe most Kosher wines are Vegan, as one would not be allowed to use isinglass (fish and meat can't mix, and that would mean you couldn't drink at a meat meal. BLEH!)

[Tages]

I believe most Kosher wines are Vegan, as one would not be allowed to use isinglass (fish and meat can't mix, and that would mean you couldn't drink at a meat meal. BLEH!)
I remember a joke on the episode of Frasier where he was pretending to be Jewish for the benefit of his new girlfriend's mother and goes into his kitchen to get wine.

Frasier: "Wait, I don't have any kosher wines!"
Niles: "Hold on..."

*Niles dumps three tablespoons of sugar into a glass of sherry, Frasier takes a sip*

Frasier: "That's dreadful!"
Niles: "Perfect!"

[Typo Lad]

HAH!

There are actually some exceptional Kosher wines these days. My brother is an Oenophile and actually has a vinter for a borther-in-law.

Cheap kosher wines, such as almost anything from Kedem, certainly do tend to be overly sweetened. There are a few cheaper Kosher wines from Rashi Vinyards that don't overdue the sweetness and Baron Herzog does a nice rose. However, as you go up a bit in price, you tend to get some very good, full-bodied wines. In fact, I'd say some of the priceyer options go too far in the lack of sweet, leaving a harsh aftertaste.

[Typo Lad]

Thank wiki...

The Manischewitz winery is best known for its sweet concord wine, which is widely available in much of North America. Made from labrusca grapes, its aroma is unusual, and is combined with a large amount of residual sugar. As concord was popularized over the years by U.S. media as being the kosher wine, it is often the wine used by non-Orthodox Jews in celebrating Passover. However, wine containing added sugar was barred from being used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, and so such wine is generally avoided by Orthodox Jews.

Manischewitz is the Jewish version of wine in a box.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm a huge Amarone fan . . .the local Italian joint runs "half price" Tuesdays every week, any wine on their list.

It is heaven.

Amarone is good stuff. As it is normally pretty darned expensive, that 1/2 price deal is great.


I am still pretty much an 'Old World' snob.

I spent a week in France last month. We rented a house on a vineyard in Languedon - Corbieres to be more specific, about 5 km from the border with the Minervois appelation.

I am a big fan of both Corbieres and Minverois (especially the La Liviniere sub-appelation). It really very good value for France (compared with Bordeaux, Burgundy and Rhone wines) and is wonderfully earthy. The 2001 vintage seems to be the best in recent years.

I am actually putting together an order to buy some Bordeaux futures from the 2005 vintage - as it was apparently spectacular. As that was the year Logan was born, I thought it would be nice to get a case or two of the good stuff and let it sit in my cellar. By cellar, I don't mean I have an actual wine cellar - it's just that my 1888 basement looks like something of out the Cask of Amontadillo.

From Italy - now that some of the top Tuscan wines have become too pricey for my budget - I've start looking to other areas. Two of my favourite budgety areas of Italy are in Puglia (the heel of the boot) - Copertino and Primitivo di Manduria.

If anyone is ever in the Niagara region, I encourage them to stop by Malivoire http://www.malivoirewineco.com/ - one of my best friends is the head winemaker there. It's one of the country's best producers.

[Tages]

I've heard some good things about South African wines, has anyone tried any?

[Lone Ranger]

I've heard some good things about South African wines, has anyone tried any?

South African wines can be great, but can also be terrible.

Try your best to steer clear of the mass market stuff (Two Oceans).

One readily available and reasonably priced South Africa wine that some to mind is the Shiraz from Bellingham.

No many smaller producers manage to get shelf space here in Ontario - it may be different in your neck of the woods.

My parents were in the Cape Town area a few years ago and brought back some wine from Hamilton Russell vineyards. It was by far the best South African wine I've ever had. If you can find that stuff - grab it.

[Tages]

No many smaller producers manage to get shelf space here in Ontario - it may be different in your neck of the woods.
I live in Nevada. The great, great majority of wines sold here are Californian.

[K'Nort]

Manischewitz is the Jewish version of wine in a box.

And what my Portland church uses for communion, which never fails to crack me up.


I've been trying for years to develop a taste for wine but with only mild success. An Australian Shiraz/Malbec/Grenache blend that's no longer around was the first one I actually enjoyed, but lately I'm more often disappointed with Shirazes than not. But I had to drink a Merlot the other night and it was perfectly tasty, so not sure what's going on there. Usually go pinot gris/grigio for whites.

Now that I've left Portland, my opportunities for further learning are pretty much done. Oh well. Back to the whiskey. Darn.

[Bard]

Bah, I used to have expensive taste in wines, but that was years ago when I had a nicer salary.

The only reds I could ever stomach were the Rancho Zabaco or the pinot noir (in Oregon).

My absolute fav is this (http://www.internetwines.com/mb3781614.html)

[hulahulk]

Zenato's Ripassa (a valpolicella) is my current favorite. I'm also a fan of the aforemetioned Amarone, the D'Arenberg Footbolt Shiraz and the Hogue winery in general.

[Callie]

I've heard some good things about South African wines, has anyone tried any?

The Goats Do Roam red I mentioned is from South Africa.

[hulahulk]

Treana Meritage is good $45 California wine.

Anybody here have any experiences with Spanish wines? I've tried a couple of different riojas and have enjoyed them immensely.

[Brian Defferding]

Merlot sucks.
Blasphemy!

My favorite wine is Casillero del Diablo (http://www.conchaytorousa.com/wines/diablo.html) - the Merlot is fantastic. The name comes from the head wine maker telling his workers that the cellar which all the wine is stored also imprisons the devil himself, in order to scare them off from stealing and drinking from the wine. It's from Chile.

[Tages]

Carrefour makes an excellent Cab Franc. I can't wait to try it with venison.

I've tried two different pinot noirs I can really get behind. Rex Hill is a damn fine Oregon pinot. While I usually don't like California pinots (it isn't BS that Oregon makes for better pinot noir than California), Thomas Halby makes a relatively cheap (and slightly lighter than the Rex Hill) pinot that is quite delicious. I had it with some leftover Christmas turkey last week and am very glad I did.

I've been trying almost exclusively Californian wines and I'm looking to broaden my palate. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[i_mmmchocolate]

I've been in a Spanish Sherry sort of mood lately.

[Lone Ranger]

Some good wines I’ve had lately:

France – Languedoc
DOMAINE D'AUMIERES 'LES LOUPIOTS' 2001
It’s a nice Cab, Merlot and local grape Carignan. It’s tough to find decent wine from the Languedoc here in Ontario, so I bought a case of the stuff and I am happy I did. 2001 was a wonderful year in much of France and it’s a worth keeping an eye out for bottles from that vintage.


France – Champagne
LANSON BLACK LABEL BRUT CHAMPAGNE
Served this a couple of bottles of this non-vintage champagne at Logan’s 1st birthday party. Lanson is one of the top Champagne houses and this is their value label. It was on sale here in Ontario for $39.95 CAD during the month of December. That’s a pretty darned good price for some very nice bubbly. I like the California-France efforts, and those usually cost in the $25-$30 range here, so this Lanson bottle wasn’t too far off in price and was enjoyed by all.


Spain – Navarra
JULIAN CHIVITE GRAN FEUDO RESERVA 2001
I would imagine that this one is widely available in the $12-$16 range. It should please just about anyone – lots of fruit without being too jammy (something I detest). I like it and my mother-in-law likes it and we do not tend to agree on wine.

[howyadoin]

I made the mistake of trying what I'm told was a fairly expensive ice wine over Christmas. No idea what the actual flavour was like, because the nailpolish-remover stench was almost making me vomit.

[Shellhead]

I made the mistake of trying what I'm told was a fairly expensive ice wine over Christmas. No idea what the actual flavour was like, because the nailpolish-remover stench was almost making me vomit.

Ice wine? Is that some kind of malt liquor for white people?

[Dreadstar]

Ice wine? Is that some kind of malt liquor for white people?


In German, it's "Eiswein."

It's when they pick the berries while they're covered in frozen rain or just palin frozen and crush them immediately for the mash. The sugars don't freeze, but the water in the grape does. Makes the product syrupy sweet.

[Slam_Bradley]

Ice wine? Is that some kind of malt liquor for white people?

Ice wine is a dessert wine in which the grapes have been frozen. The water in the grape freezes, but the sugars don't, so you get a very sweet wine. It's a process that is traditionally German, but has been moving about.

As a dessert it needs to be drunk while eating something sweet or it can be cloying.

[Lone Ranger]

I've never seen the appeal of ice wine - although the wine industry in the Niagara region relies heavily on it. Too sweet for me.

A good friend of mine is the top wine maker at a very good winery in Niagara. When he was paying his dues, he was often phoned in the middle of the night and told that it was finally cold enough to head out and harvest the grapes.

Not my idea of fun.

[i_mmmchocolate]

I don't particularly like dessert wines. I had one several years ago from Hungary that gave me a sugar headache. It would've went well with a not-so-sweet dessert.

[Callie]

Yick. I can barely stand Rieslings; I couldn't imagine drinking something sweeter than that.

Right now is a good time to pick off the last of 2006's Beaujolais Nouveau stock. Georges DuBoeuf came out with a pretty decent one this year and the price is right, around $10.

I'm currently experimenting with Italian wines. I had a pretty good Nero d'Avola last night. Don't know of any good chiantis to try yet though. :T

[Drew Van T.]

My favorite wine is Casillero del Diablo (http://www.conchaytorousa.com/wines/diablo.html) - the Merlot is fantastic. The name comes from the head wine maker telling his workers that the cellar which all the wine is stored also imprisons the devil himself, in order to scare them off from stealing and drinking from the wine. It's from Chile.

Nice. Not an expert on wine, but my personal favorite would be Chilean reds, too.

[howyadoin]

In German, it's "Eiswein."

It's when they pick the berries while they're covered in frozen rain or just palin frozen and crush them immediately for the mash. The sugars don't freeze, but the water in the grape does. Makes the product syrupy sweet.
As a dessert it needs to be drunk while eating something sweet or it can be cloying.
I've never seen the appeal of ice wine - although the wine industry in the Niagara region relies heavily on it. Too sweet for me.For me it wasn't the sweetness, it was the chemical stench.

[hulahulk]

Ice wines are not for everyone's tastes, that is for sure. They can be sweeter even than most sherries, ports or cognacs.

Howy, I'm not sure how to explain your experience with the aroma of the item you sampled. Perhaps a "corked" ice wine is worse than a "corked" regular wine; who knows.

[hulahulk]

Nice. Not an expert on wine, but my personal favorite would be Chilean reds, too.


Chilean wines are growing in popularity just as they themselves are aging.

[jessecuster3]

Tell me about wine in your life.
How often do you drink wine?
Are there wines from specific regions or varietals that you prefer?
Do you drink more wine at home or at restaurants?
Do you pair specific wines with your meals?
Would you notice the difference in a $10-15 bottle compared to a $75 and higher bottle?
Which is your favorite and or least favorite wine?


I am rediscovering my love of wine and have been introducing my girl to them from numerous regions. While we were experimenting we found a chianti named Da Vinci that is absolutely delicious, we make sure an buy a bottle every time we go out shopping. Upon talking to a friend of mine who is a wine purchaser at a huge liquor store, he explained that one of the reasons Da Vinci is so good is that they use declassified grapes from the Bournelle region inside the Chianti region. Apparently Bournelle wines are really fancy and expensive, one of them was considered the single best wine of all of 2006.

To answer my own questions, we primarily drink wine at home, almost every night that we cook dinner we try to have some wine with it. We mostly drink Chiantis, Shiraz, Rieslings, Merlots, French table wines, and just had our first Garnacha last night that we completely loved. The only really expensive wine I have ever drank was some of the Ruffino Ducale, it is delicious and if I could afford it I would buy it all the time.

[Lone Ranger]

How often do you drink wine?
I'd say 3-4 bottles a week

Are there wines from specific regions or varietals that you prefer?
Yeah - I'm a France snob. I'll still take a Bordeaux, Burgundy of something from Southern Rhone over just about anything else (with the exceptions of nice Tuscans perhaps). I'm always trying to get my hands on wines from smaller producers in the Languedoc region. That's where the real value is - but not much ends up on shelves here in Ontario.

Do you drink more wine at home or at restaurants?
Home - I have a real problem with mark-ups, as well as the temperature at which even the finest restaurants serve most wine (see recent review on my blog)

Do you pair specific wines with your meals?
Pretty much - but I'm not a 'no red wine with fish' kind of guy, I'll just go with a burgundy for fish, something heartier for cheeses etc... I like Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc with Sushi and Gerwurtztraminer with Indian take-out.

Would you notice the difference in a $10-15 bottle compared to a $75 and higher bottle?

Yes, but would I notice the difference in a $25 bottle compared to a $75? Not so much.

Which is your favorite and or least favorite wine?
My favourite is Chateaux La Croix St. Georges from Pomerol in Bordeaux. It's my decadent wine - I've got 3 bottles on the way in a shipment of 2005 Brodeaux Futures I bought a couple of years ago. It will last forever. My least favourite is Australian Shiraz (the mass produced stuff) - waay too jammy for my tastes.

I am rediscovering my love of wine and have been introducing my girl to them from numerous regions. While we were experimenting we found a chianti named Da Vinci that is absolutely delicious, we make sure an buy a bottle every time we go out shopping. Upon talking to a friend of mine who is a wine purchaser at a huge liquor store, he explained that one of the reasons Da Vinci is so good is that they use declassified grapes from the Bournelle region inside the Chianti region. Apparently Bournelle wines are really fancy and expensive, one of them was considered the single best wine of all of 2006.

Chiantis have certainly risen in price over the last decade or so, bandwagoning on the whole 'Super Tuscan' phenomenon. The grape rules of the region are so crazy that there are nice wines that just can't be called a 'Chianti'. If I want a decent cheap bottle, I often just look for a Sangiovese that hasn't been blessed with the Chianti designation.

Another great Italian wine is made with the Primitivo grape, and comes from the 'Heel' region. They've done DNA testing and Primitivo is essentially Zinfandel, but it's waaaay cheaper than a good California zin, and a bit rougher around the edges too.

[jessecuster3]

Do you pair specific wines with your meals?
Pretty much - but I'm not a 'no red wine with fish' kind of guy, I'll just go with a burgundy for fish, something heartier for cheeses etc... I like Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc with Sushi and Gerwurtztraminer with Indian take-out.

There is a hilarious(to me) story my dad tells of when he first started dating my mom. Apparently they were going out for all of these fancy seafood dinners and would drink wine with dinner. Mom would come home every night and throw up.
Finally, after they were married they were talking to another couple and discovered there is a known allergy that people have that they are allergic to white wine and shell fish, combined.



Which is your favorite and or least favorite wine?
My favourite is Chateaux La Croix St. Georges from Pomerol in Bordeaux. It's my decadent wine - I've got 3 bottles on the way in a shipment of 2005 Brodeaux Futures I bought a couple of years ago. It will last forever. My least favourite is Australian Shiraz (the mass produced stuff) - waay too jammy for my tastes.

Another great Italian wine is made with the Primitivo grape, and comes from the 'Heel' region. They've done DNA testing and Primitivo is essentially Zinfandel, but it's waaaay cheaper than a good California zin, and a bit rougher around the edges too.

Thanks for the recommendations. I will try and look these up.

[Lone Ranger]

Thanks for the recommendations. I will try and look these up.

Keep in mind that the 'La Croix' is a real special occasion wine. I bought my 2005 Futures at $75 a bottle or so, and I'm guess that wine will sell for over $100 if and when it ever hits shelves (I think the Futures sold out). That being said, I'll likely open one on my 10th anniversary in 2001, on my son's 10th birthday in 2015 and my daughter's 10th in 2017. It's great to have some wine last that long.

My Dad opened a bottle of 1972 Bordeaux on my 30th birthday and it was a wee bit brown, but still quite drinkable.

In terms of the Primitivo - ask your local vendor what they have from the Puglia region. A great Primitivo can be found for $12-$15 (probably less in the States).

[Puma]

Tell me about wine in your life.
How often do you drink wine?Usually when entertaining and when out to dinner.
Are there wines from specific regions or varietals that you prefer? France and Italy, don't really care for German wines. For Chardonnays I like local vines (Santa Cruz Mtns.)
Do you drink more wine at home or at restaurants?restaurants now as my husband is a non-drinker.
Do you pair specific wines with your meals? Yes
Would you notice the difference in a $10-15 bottle compared to a $75 and higher bottle?usually.
Which is your favorite and or least favorite wine?


Chateau de la Gardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge
Cuvée classique is my absolute favorite.

I don't care for Reislings or sweet wines.


I'm certainly not a wine snob, I won't go out of my way to 'find' a wine. Sometimes I just buy a bottle because I like the label and location of the vine.

[Typo Lad]

How often do you drink wine?

It's starting to be twice a week. I used to use Grape Juice at the Sabbath meal, but am finding I enjoy actual wine. This may be due to my brother's marrying into a family of wine snobs (one son is an actual vintner), or the fact that we're next to an awesome wine shop.

Are there wines from specific regions or varietals that you prefer?

The best Kosher Wine I ever had came from a now-defunct winery in NY. I find I like Israeli wines better than American wines, as American Kosher Wine tends to have that stereotypical sweet factor.

Do you drink more wine at home or at restaurants?

I've never ordered wine out.

Do you pair specific wines with your meals?

I tend to have a light red for the blessing over the wine (apparently, mostly dessert wines, which is a no-no). Suzannah is in love with Muscato D'Asti, so that's the main white we use, and the only real one we have in the house.

Would you notice the difference in a $10-15 bottle compared to a $75 and higher bottle?

Probably not.

Which is your favorite and or least favorite wine?

Favorite that I know the name of is Rashi Joyvin Red (http://www.kosherwine.com/cgi-bin/productInfo.asp?WineID=8775200647). They also make a white. It's not much in the way of wine - no notes of anything but grape, despite what that site says. Very light, almost soda pop, but I find it has a unique flavor.

Worst would have to be Malaga (http://www.kosherwine.com/cgi-bin/ProductInfo.asp?WineID=8775200136), the infamous Kosher Wine. It's sucktastic. Tastes like cough syrup, and not in a good way.

We're cooking a lot with wine these days too.

I've also tried some really good Shiraz and thanks to you Jesse, want to try some Chianti. That Kosher Wine site shows some non-Bartenura ones, which is always better (Bartenura is low-end. Good, but low end).

[jessecuster3]

I've also tried some really good Shiraz and thanks to you Jesse, want to try some Chianti. That Kosher Wine site shows some non-Bartenura ones, which is always better (Bartenura is low-end. Good, but low end).


I had some Bartenura one Passover and really enjoyed it. A few years ago I went to an Israeli wine tasting, We wound up speaking to an employee and buying a bottle of non Israeli stuff from the back, if that is any indication.

[Typo Lad]

I don't mean to dis Bartenura. We had their Moscato under our Chupa. Still, I've found Rashi, a competing winery, to have a richer taste and less of a sweetness factor, without being overly dry (although Bartenura is really good about not being too dry. I'll give them that).

[Dreadstar]

I used to be quite knowledgeable about German wines. Used to love 'em to death. I don't know what happened, I guess they just stopped appealing to me as much.

[jessecuster3]

I used to be quite knowledgeable about German wines. Used to love 'em to death. I don't know what happened, I guess they just stopped appealing to me as much.

Why only German?

[Dreadstar]

Why only German?

Not "only", just what I really liked. I liked Italian wines, for their deep hearty body, too. A Chianti with pasta can't be beat, unless you get into a Borollo, which tends to be pricey. But my tastes ran to German Rieslings. Spatlese. Auslese. Even a decent Kabinett. To this day, I still firmly believe that a a German Reisling is the only proper wine to be served with a Thanksgiving dinner.

[HomerJay]

A Chianti with pasta can't be beat...
I prefer mine with fava beans and a census taker's liver.

FTFTFTFTFTFTFTTFTFT.

[MJC]

I'm a cheap aspiring wine-snob.

Anybody care to recommend me any good wines that are, uh, economical?

I tend to lean against stuff that's too dry, and I particularly like red wine, other than that no real preferences.

[jessecuster3]

I'm a cheap aspiring wine-snob.

Anybody care to recommend me any good wines that are, uh, economical?

I tend to lean against stuff that's too dry, and I particularly like red wine, other than that no real preferences.

The Da Vinci I referred to above, should be about 12.99. The Garnacha we drank last night was 9.99, its called Marco Real.

[Typo Lad]

Not "only", just what I really liked. I liked Italian wines, for their deep hearty body, too. A Chianti with pasta can't be beat, unless you get into a Borollo, which tends to be pricey. But my tastes ran to German Rieslings. Spatlese. Auslese. Even a decent Kabinett. To this day, I still firmly believe that a a German Reisling is the only proper wine to be served with a Thanksgiving dinner.

Now I need to try a Kosher Riesling. Of course, they're all Napa and Israeli Rieslings.

[jessecuster3]

Now I need to try a Kosher Riesling. Of course, they're all Napa and Israeli Rieslings.

I am a big fan of Riesling, too. Especially very dry ones.

[Dreadstar]

Now I need to try a Kosher Riesling. Of course, they're all Napa and Israeli Rieslings.

I am a big fan of Riesling, too. Especially very dry ones.

Napa Reislings tend to the very dry. Which is odd because I think that is contrary to the nature of the Reisling grape.

[Typo Lad]

Napa Reislings tend to the very dry. Which is odd because I think that is contrary to the nature of the Reisling grape.
That may be why the Israeli one is sold out from that site and two others I've checked.

[The Batman]

How often do you drink wine?

Usually a couple of nights a week; sometimes with dinner others out with friends. I'd say I probably average about a bottle's worth a week.

Are there wines from specific regions or varietals that you prefer?

Been in a bit of an Italian red mode lately. Been trying different kinds of Valpolicella or Veneto or Chianti whatever is at the store and whatever I haven't yet tried.

Do you drink more wine at home or at restaurants?

Home. I rarely eat out and when I do I usually stick with water.

Do you pair specific wines with your meals?

As much as possible yes. I love to cook, again favouring mediterranean cuisine, and wine is a big part of that. A little bit of wine in a tomato sauce does wonders.

Would you notice the difference in a $10-15 bottle compared to a $75 and higher bottle?

I think I would yes.

Which is your favorite and or least favorite wine?

Something I'd have to think about really.

[section 8]

Why only German?

is there any other kind worth mentioning?


RHEINHESSEN!!!

[Evil Sneak]

How often do you drink wine?
About twice a week, maybe more depending on who my dinner company.

Are there wines from specific regions or varietals that you prefer?
Lately I've been hooked on the Argentine grapes, nice full flavor of the French but less expensive. But no matter where the grape is from the wine label MUST have an animal.

Do you drink more wine at home or at restaurants?
Home mostly, I've been entertaining a lot lately and ladies love wine.

Do you pair specific wines with your meals?
Nope, that takes way too much thought.

Would you notice the difference in a $10-15 bottle compared to a $75 and higher bottle?
Yeah, I would notice the difference, but I wouldn't agree that it was worth an extra $60.

Which is your favorite and or least favorite wine?
Can't tell you the name, but it's from Argentina, a Pinot Noir and it has a alligator/crocodile on the label. I hate any and all Reislings.

[jessecuster3]

Which is your favorite and or least favorite wine?
Can't tell you the name, but it's from Argentina, a Pinot Noir and it has a alligator/crocodile on the label. I hate any and all Reislings.

I know very little about Pinot Noir, what is it about them that you enjoy?

[gary bolt]

I was strictly a beer drinker for years until Morna started dining on a very regular basis at a local Italian restaurant. They serve only Italian wines but for years they employed a wonderfully knowledgeable sommelier who introduced us to the wonders of paring food and wine. We have settled on a number of favourite by now. If we are celebrating something we open a bottle of Prosecco which is a type of sparkling wine from northern Italy. It is dry with bigger bubbles than champagne. I've tried a bunch of Proseccos and like Mionetto the most. Italy has many regional grapes and many good wines are made by combining these. One wine producer called Masi makes a couple of beautiful reds this way called Campofiorin and Grandarella. A very nice non-blended red is Riparosso Montepulciano. If you like big Australian Merlots and want to try Italian wine check out a Primativo. One of our favourite white wines is La Segreta (Planeta) and is a blend of traditional Sicilian grapes and Chardonay. It has enough complexity to hold up to some pretty strongly flavoured food. They also make a great red.

The snobbiest wine we have purchased is Chateauneuf-du-Pape (2000). A friend treated us to a bottle a few couple of years ago and we immediately ran out and bought the only other three bottles in town. It was the most expensive wine I had tried at the time and I was skeptical of it being worth the money ($40 -50). It was easily the best wine I had ever experienced. Since then I have been served other excellent expensive wines. They are better than the $15-20 wines I usually buy but not by a factor of the price. In other words and eighty dollar bottle isn't four times better than a twenty dollar bottle but is is most likely better.

[jessecuster3]

I was strictly a beer drinker for years until Morna started dining on a very regular basis at a local Italian restaurant. They serve only Italian wines but for years they employed a wonderfully knowledgeable sommelier who introduced us to the wonders of paring food and wine. We have settled on a number of favourite by now. If we are celebrating something we open a bottle of Prosecco which is a type of sparkling wine from northern Italy. It is dry with bigger bubbles than champagne. I've tried a bunch of Proseccos and like Mionetto the most. Italy has many regional grapes and many good wines are made by combining these. One wine producer called Masi makes a couple of beautiful reds this way called Campofiorin and Grandarella. A very nice non-blended red is Riparosso Montepulciano. If you like big Australian Merlots and want to try Italian wine check out a Primativo. One of our favourite white wines is La Segreta (Planeta) and is a blend of traditional Sicilian grapes and Chardonay. It has enough complexity to hold up to some pretty strongly flavoured food. They also make a great red.
.


Thanks for all of the info. You have piqued my interest in a number of things. Have you ever tried Cava? Its Spain's version of Champagne, really delicious, and can be very inexpensive.

[StoneGold]

Liquor is quicker...

[Lone Ranger]

The snobbiest wine we have purchased is Chateauneuf-du-Pape (2000). A friend treated us to a bottle a few couple of years ago and we immediately ran out and bought the only other three bottles in town. It was the most expensive wine I had tried at the time and I was skeptical of it being worth the money ($40 -50). It was easily the best wine I had ever experienced.

You're right Gary - CduP is about as good as it gets.

The 2005 vintage was stellar and 2006 will be good as well. I've noticed a lot of CduPs at LCBO in the $30-40 range lately, so I imagine that you've got similar supply in BC.

I think grabbing a bunch at $30 is a good idea for the future. It's important to treat yourself, as the really good ones will be drinkable for 10-15 years.

[gary bolt]

Thanks for all of the info. You have piqued my interest in a number of things. Have you ever tried Cava? Its Spain's version of Champagne, really delicious, and can be very inexpensive.

I'll look for it. If it is dry I'll try it. I'm not a fan of sweet sparkling wines but I like the inexpensive thing.

[gary bolt]

You're right Gary - CduP is about as good as it gets.

The 2005 vintage was stellar and 2006 will be good as well. I've noticed a lot of CduPs at LCBO in the $30-40 range lately, so I imagine that you've got similar supply in BC.

I think grabbing a bunch at $30 is a good idea for the future. It's important to treat yourself, as the really good ones will be drinkable for 10-15 years.

We drank one of our bottles of 2000 but are saving the other two because we know they age well. We paid $80 each for the big double-sized 1500ml bottles.

[jessecuster3]

I'll look for it. If it is dry I'll try it. I'm not a fan of sweet sparkling wines but I like the inexpensive thing.

Yes, they are dry.

[Lone Ranger]

In terms of inexpensive sparkling, I really think to California grown French style, such as Cuvee Napa from Mumm's, is great value at $25 here in Ontario.

If you are lucky enough to track it down Cremant de Limoux and Blanquette de Limoux are also good bets: http://www.languedoc-france.info/04140301_blanquette.htm

A lot of people like Prosecco - but it just doesn't work for me.

[i_mmmchocolate]

How often do you drink wine?
One to three times a week, usually during dinner or after dinner.

Are there wines from specific regions or varietals that you prefer?
Iberian wines. I mostly love sherry and port.

Do you drink more wine at home or at restaurants?
Mostly home, sometimes at restaurants if there's money to spare.

[Lone Ranger]

All right - I've just posted the first of hopefully many reviews of good, affordable wine on my blog. Link below.

[jessecuster3]

All right - I've just posted the first of hopefully many reviews of good, affordable wine on my blog. Link below.

I love this idea! Thanks.

Consider yourself bookmarked.

[Sanagi]

I prefer, as the French say, "ze kool-aid wines."

[K'Nort]

Not "only", just what I really liked. I liked Italian wines, for their deep hearty body, too. A Chianti with pasta can't be beat, unless you get into a Borollo, which tends to be pricey. But my tastes ran to German Rieslings. Spatlese. Auslese. Even a decent Kabinett. To this day, I still firmly believe that a a German Reisling is the only proper wine to be served with a Thanksgiving dinner.

I also regularly read that Gewürztraminer is the way to go with Asian food.


My folks are really into wine. I keep trying but have yet to muster up any real enthusiasm. Much like with beer.

I do definitely prefer prosecco to champagne.

[howyadoin]

http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=147478

[Asa]

I love wine, Red, rose, and white. I drink about 2 bottles a week. red with meat, white with chicken or fish. I put it in my food too.
Though most can't tell the difference between a 7.99 to 12.99 to 24.99. you can tell the difference between a 25.00 or 250.00 bottle. Italian wine is great, french is up there too. I like a good california for everyday dinners.
I love a fine italian with my quizine. There are so many to choose.:biggrin:

[thespianphryne]

I am looking for recommendations for dry rosés. I am looking to not spend too much money, but I am also hoping to make an impression(not that big an impression, it's a barbeque).


-Das

[morna]

I am looking for recommendations for dry rosés. I am looking to not spend too much money, but I am also hoping to make an impression(not that big an impression, it's a barbeque).


-Das

Joie! it is awesome

http://joie.ca/media.htm

[gary bolt]

I am looking for recommendations for dry rosés. I am looking to not spend too much money, but I am also hoping to make an impression(not that big an impression, it's a barbeque).


-Das

Morna is right about Joie being very nice but it's probably not available in NYC. Rosés are typically made to be off-dry but some are more off than others. You may have good success if you find a shop with knowledgeable people and let them know that your preference is on the dry side. Most wine experts are dying to demonstrate how much they know.

[jessecuster3]

Here is a question. You are making sangria(red, specifically), what kind of wine do you use?

[Dreadstar]

Here is a question. You are making sangria(red, specifically), what kind of wine do you use?

It doesn't matter as long as it's a decent dry red. Cab Sauv, Merlot, or if you want to go authentic Spanish, a Rioja. Hell, I had a really nice one at a BBQ a long time ago and the host said she made it with Chianti.

[Lone Ranger]

I've just posted another brief wine review on my blog (link below).

[Lone Ranger]

I am looking for recommendations for dry rosés. I am looking to not spend too much money, but I am also hoping to make an impression(not that big an impression, it's a barbeque).


-Das

Keep an eye out for wines from Cotes de Provence - your best bet for rosés in the $10-$15 range.

[Lone Ranger]

How about glassware?

Do many of you have different wine glasses for different types of wine?

Do you prefer drinking out of a nice class - or is a tumbler just fine?

[Typo Lad]

Actually, I use a silver kos (cup) when drinking for the Shabbat.

[Lone Ranger]

Actually, I use a silver kos (cup) when drinking for the Shabbat.

My guess is that it would change the flavour quite a bit.

That being said, I used to love drinking beer out of a nearly frozed pewter stein.

[jessecuster3]

How about glassware?

Do many of you have different wine glasses for different types of wine?

Do you prefer drinking out of a nice class - or is a tumbler just fine?

I use regular, generic "wine" glasses. Pretty sure I got them at Wal-Mart, if that's plebian enough.

[Typo Lad]

My guess is that it would change the flavour quite a bit.

That being said, I used to love drinking beer out of a nearly frozed pewter stein.
It really does. I think that's part of why so many popular Kosher table wines are sweet wines.

They've started making glass/plastic inserts to put in you Kos. I'm actually considering investing in a glass Kiddush set.

[Lone Ranger]

Posted another wine review on my blog (link below)

Cheers.

[Bard]

How about glassware?

Do many of you have different wine glasses for different types of wine?

Do you prefer drinking out of a nice class - or is a tumbler just fine?


When I was younger, single, and didn't have to worry about children destroying crystal: I used the different wine glasses for the different glasses.

Now: just regular small (ie, generic) glasses. (Yes, I know I'm a heathen.)

[Bard]

Is it me, or have the US whites started tasting drier over the last few years? I've been experiementing with the various Reislings, and even the recent batches of late harvest varieties have not tasted as sweet as they have 3-4 years ago.

[gary bolt]

How about glassware?

Do many of you have different wine glasses for different types of wine?

Do you prefer drinking out of a nice class - or is a tumbler just fine?

Morna and I have a bunch of specialized glasses made by us and glassblowing friends of ours. For the most part they are embellished versions of red wine goblets, white wine goblets and flutes. Red wine goblets tend to have bulb shaped roundish bowls for holding the aroma, white wine goblets are more slender and open and flutes are very narrow to show off the rising bubbles of bubbly. Here's what we have in the cupboard.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/mornagary/Goblets004.jpg http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/mornagary/Goblets005.jpg

These last two are ones I made. A flute and a red wine glass. Historically some wine producing regions had there own styles of glasses, too. One example I know of is that Alsace whites were served in goblets that had a small round bowl similar to a red wine bowl but more spherical and a long green stem. I made some versions of those too but wasn't organized enough to take pictures before I sold them.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i14/mornagary/Goblets001.jpg

[Fabian]

Is it me, or have the US whites started tasting drier over the last few years? I've been experiementing with the various Reislings, and even the recent batches of late harvest varieties have not tasted as sweet as they have 3-4 years ago.

Is it with all US whites or just a certain region? I ask because I've noticed it with California wines but not with Oregon wines. Usually with whites, I like the US upper Northwest, New Zealand (Marlborough), and Northern Australia for a sweeter taste.

[Lone Ranger]

Another brief review on my blog (link in sig)

[Lone Ranger]

Just bumping because I've reviewed another wine (link in sig)

[LewMoxinsghost]

Awesome. *sniffs thread....swirls it around*