wine help

[joal0503]

So, im usually a beer and booze sort of drinker...<3 my bourbon and white russians...but ive actually decided to recently explore the world of wine. Its always sounded appealing, but I just never really tried any out before (i mean imagine showing up to a frat party with a bottle of wine...)

But couple days ago, I actually went out and bought some wine, sadly for the first time in my life...

the bottles of wine i purchased :

2008 Red Diamond Merlot (washington)
An italian wine I cant remember...but my god it tasted like grape juice that got me drunk
2007 Tokaji Furmint (hungary)

So any suggestions? Its a bit overwhelming with the selections that are out there...I know there are a ton of variety in types, origins, as well as brands... so lemme know if you got any recommendations. I am not a picky drinker, and when it comes to wine, I cant say ive tasted something that I didnt like...

 

[Architect]

I worked at a winery once, have many friends and colleagues who have small wineries, but couldn't tell you the first thing about wine. Other than don't spend too much because you won't notice the difference after the first glass or two anyhow.

Price is a good indicator generally.

 

[Etheri]

It doesn't really matter. As long as it's not too bad, you'll get used to it.

I personally love wine. I've learnt to like it's taste more than beer, which is hard to admit for a belgian. Also, I seem to find it has less negative effects on me. A more warm and happy drunk, a less terrifying and thisthy morning after.
Admittingly, i've never drank truly expensive wine. But then again, which young adult has?

 

[snafupants]

Haha, I usually hear about whine help from this forum's denizens.

 

[Inappropriate Behavior]

Check your local community calander, call up wine stores nearby or go to good ol' google and check for wine tastings in your area. Chances are there's several in the coming months somewhere nearby. Go to the wine tastings if you want to learn. There's a lot to learn if you want to be a connoisseur. If not, then just go to these tasings to sample and see what you might like (or dislike).

Or

You can just keep doing what you started. Buy a few different bottles and see if any stand out. If anything does, pay attention to the type rather than the brand. Brand loyalty in wine is almost absurd. Someone always makes a good version of a certain type every year (or something close).

Disagree with price being an indicator. Some low priced wines are pretty good some expensive wines are not. That being said, paying less than $8 a bottle is very chancy.

 

[bartoli]

I always buy the same Merlot and am never disappointed, even though the bottle is only 3.5€. How was yours Joal?

 

[Publius]

There are so many different wines it would be impossible to 'recommend' certain ones. There aren't a set of well known brands like there are with beers and spirits. It depends if you're just drinking in the evening, getting drunk, or having it with food.

I won't pretend I know lots about wine, but I will try to help you. Do you like very sweet drinks? Or do you like them a little drier? And do you like white wine, or red?

I'm split - if I'm having red I like it rich, I like a Burgundy or Claret. When it comes to white, I like it crisp and floral - like a Viognier. mmmmm.

 

[SpaceYeti]

My wife loves this one kind called "Sex", though I think it's more a joke between her and her friend than the actual flavor. I have to agree with most others, though, which wine you get isn't super important. There are so many, and most of them are good. Even wine in a box is good, it's just cheap. The difference between cheap and expensive wine is noticeable if you're paying attention, but if you just want some wine it doesn't really matter. Hell, some of the cheaper wines are my favorites. White Zin is my favorite wine ever, and it's generally on the cheap side. That also depends on brand, though.

Also, I tend not to drink beer. It's flavor is bad. I will drink it, but only after I've already had some other drinks, so that I don't remember how bitter it is between each swig. Ironically, my favorite beer is Guinness, which is a particularly bitter beer. It's just so smooth that I don't care.

 

[ProxyAmenRa]

Why was I thinking of the Linux Windows environment?

 

[Cavallier]

Check your local community calander, call up wine stores nearby or go to good ol' google and check for wine tastings in your area. Chances are there's several in the coming months somewhere nearby. Go to the wine tastings if you want to learn. There's a lot to learn if you want to be a connoisseur. If not, then just go to these tasings to sample and see what you might like (or dislike).

Or

You can just keep doing what you started. Buy a few different bottles and see if any stand out. If anything does, pay attention to the type rather than the brand. Brand loyalty in wine is almost absurd. Someone always makes a good version of a certain type every year (or something close).

Disagree with price being an indicator. Some low priced wines are pretty good some expensive wines are not. That being said, paying less than $8 a bottle is very chancy.

Good advice. I made a list of the most prominent wine variations and then periodically bought a few from the list and made notes about the flavor. You don't have to learn the snobby lingo if you don't want to but it helps a bit. After tasting enough of them you'll start to get the hang of what goes well with what and what sorts are your favorite.

Personally, I love a good Sangiovese. Pay no less than $8 as IB pointed out and you'll probably be safe. Also, even at the 8$ range I usually go for a mixed varietal red wine. No going straight for a Merlot or whatever. Get a mixed red for about $9 and you'll probably be fine.

This website describes the most common types of wine you'll run across.

This website does a basic overview of how to approach taste and use wine as well as the various accoutrements that come with the wine world.

EDIT: I have noticed a trend on cheap wine. The really cheap wine can be really sweet and somewhat lacking in depth. Compared to more expensive wine it can be almost like candy. Its a major turn off for me but the sweetness can help beginners learn to like wine. The missing depth of flavor is not unlike the missing depth of flavor in cheap big brand beer. I can't stand most major beer (Coors/Bud/Guinness) because it tastes like beer that's been mixed with water. I agree with Yeti that Guinness is super smooth. I think it's kind of like the cheap beer version of milk. Smooth and silky and coats the tongue while being in a lot of ways basically flavorless...ANYWAY...With wine it's not a big deal for beginners to start with cheap relatively flavorless wine because more expensive full bodied wine is overwhelming flavor wise.

 

[joal0503]

THANKS FOR THE INFO!!!

I think I have an affinity for the red types...but then i pick up a white and like that too...

conclusion:

I LOVE WINE.

 

[pjoa09]

I only dig sparkling white wine.

I hate the damned corks though.

I can never get them off properly for the life of me.

Often the cork is crumbling before hand.

 

[joal0503]

I only dig sparkling white wine.

I hate the damned corks though.

I can never get them off properly for the life of me.

Often the cork is crumbling before hand.

lol, i found it helped me a great deal, once i finally invested in something they call a "corkscrew"

 

[Cavallier]

Not all corkscrews are created equal. Those ubiquitous Bar Corkscrews that have the little metal flip out tab and the bottle opener on the side? I really hate those. Crap, and they are tough on my weak drunken hands. Now, the winged corkscrews? Love those. You just hold it tightly at the base against the lip of the bottle neck and twist down the screw. Then you use the wings to pull out the cork...is it just me or was that needlessly deep in sexual innuendo?

Probably just me.

Also, you could just shove the cork into the bottle with your thumbs but it requires a certain amount of finger strength. I knew a Bulgarian guy who used to that all the time.

 

[joal0503]

Not all corkscrews are created equal. Those ubiquitous Bar Corkscrews that have the little metal flip out tab and the bottle opener on the side? I really hate those. Crap, and they are tough on my weak drunken hands. Now, the winged corkscrews? Love those. You just hold it tightly at the base against the lip of the bottle neck and twist down the screw. Then you use the wings to pull out the cork...is it just me or was that needlessly deep in sexual innuendo?

Probably just me.

Also, you could just shove the cork into the bottle with your thumbs but it requires a certain amount of finger strength. I knew a Bulgarian guy who used to that all the time.

erotic novelization of a corkscrew

but ur tottaaaallly right

FTW

 

[Inappropriate Behavior]

I love those "ubiquitous Bar Corkscrews". Simple and elegant but I am rather practised at using one. Like 25 years or so. Just squeeze and twist then pull 'til it pops. Oh yeah, works every time. Maybe I've been practising more than 25 years...

Anyway, if you want the easiest, the houdini wins despite how it looks. Just wrap those handles around and go down 'n up. One stroke and *pop*

You have to be falling down drunk not to be able to work that thing.

 

[Cavallier]

^You sir are brilliant. I just need more practice. Gotta learn how to use that bar corkscrew like a pro. Also, this means more wine for me!!!