Good red wine for an alcohol noob

[W.C. Nimoy]

^a few years later did you stick with it? If so, what did you ever figure out as your go-to?

Wish there was more overlap- those who really know wines for obvious reasons stick with their local stuff, or its worth it to them to have it shipped, bought on internet. What I want to know is what's the best more commonly found red wines that can be bought at grocery stores, or at least specs/wholefoods/central market etc.?

 

[_Rick_]

The problem with this thread is that OP was forbid cheese at the same time he was told to drink red wine. That's an atrocity.

Anyway, good wine is often an artisanal product, and thus has some variation in quality. Especially across seasons, grounds, casks, etc.

So I wouldn't want to make any binding suggestions. In the end, I wouldn't even go for commonly found wines, because you risk a certain blandness. Some people (in France) even go ahead and buy a 6-pack from the local vineyards directly, and then resell 4 bottles on ebay for the same price they got the 6-pack for. That way 20-30 dollar bottles become more bearable.

The wide spectrum of what wine can give you in the taste area should really motivate you to go out and taste as much as possible to get the right combination of wine to meal.

An Oneology course is something that you should look at, if you're really interested, you can get a better grasp of what to expect, and what the text on the bottle is supposed to mean.

 

[Fritzo]

If you're new you're going to want to start sweet and then move to dry. Shiraz is on the dry end of the scale. Start off with a beaujolais, lambrusco, or even a port (be careful with port...it'll knock you on your ass ).

Starting with Shiraz is like someone that's never had chocolate before eating extra dark chocolate...they won't like it.

 

[zCypher]

If you can find "Moma", try that. I find it's a very easy drinking wine and tastes good.

 

[lupi]

Haven't tried wine myself in over 15 years. Several I tried back then, found them all way too dry tasting to me.

 

[Ayrahvon]

It really comes down to personal preference. Get a few bottles around $8-$12 in my opinion of different varietals and try them out to see what you like. I second Two Buck Chuck if you live by a Trade Joes, it is surprisingly good for cost (though no longer two bucks good).

Personally? I like spanish reds like a good Rioja. Argentine wines like Malbecs are another personal go to for me.

 

[M0oG0oGaiPan]

hmm i just got into wine drinking so this interests me.

 

[Imported]

I've seen this at Costco for less than $10 a bottle and it is quite good for the money.

http://www.cheapowino.com/wp/2009/02/7-deadly-zins-michael-david-phillips-zinfandel/

Just did a tasting at that winery this past weekend and it wasn't bad.

I used to like pinot noirs a lot, but my favorites nowadays are GSM varietals and blends. Still love a good cab though.

 

[CrackRabbit]

There are a few I like in the $12-15 range that are usually pretty good.
Francis Coppola - Claret
Louis M. Martini - Cabernet
Berringer - 'Knights Valley' Cabernet
Plus a ton of local wineries that don't have a wide distribution.
If you live in a state that has a home grown wine industry, go for tastings some afternoon. You may be surprised at what you find.

 

[mvbighead]

Another vote for Pinot Noir. Rex Goliath can be found at most grocery stores for $6-$8 a bottle. It's pretty mild red that's easy on the palate and the wallet.

I'd agree with the Rex Goliath comment. We can get it very cheap around here, and more often than not the wine is very palatable. I've bought 10-15 dollar bottles that have been much worse than the $4.99 I give for a bottle of sexy rexy. Some days are better than others, but more often than not, it is a very drinkable bottle.

 

[Legios]

Wine enema since this isnt about the flavor or taste.

 

[KeithTalent]

There are a few I like in the $12-15 range that are usually pretty good.
Francis Coppola - Claret
Louis M. Martini - Cabernet
Berringer - 'Knights Valley' Cabernet
Plus a ton of local wineries that don't have a wide distribution.
If you live in a state that has a home grown wine industry, go for tastings some afternoon. You may be surprised at what you find.

That Coppola claret is fantastic.

I've been drinking quite a bit of this recently; the 2008 (and maybe 2009) was probably better, but it's still quite good for the price:

KT

 

[Chaotic42]

^a few years later did you stick with it? If so, what did you ever figure out as your go-to?

Wish there was more overlap- those who really know wines for obvious reasons stick with their local stuff, or its worth it to them to have it shipped, bought on internet. What I want to know is what's the best more commonly found red wines that can be bought at grocery stores, or at least specs/wholefoods/central market etc.?

Not really. I still don't like the taste, but my blood pressure is under control with medication and weight loss. I think I've bought two bottles since I posted this thread. I have a 2008 Bordeaux, which is the best one I've tried so far. I've had one glass in the month or so I've had it.