kochman
Deity
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2009
- Messages
- 10,818
So many out there... varieties, brands, price bands, etc...
How is one to decide?
I basically think the following... I separate wine into color first (I only drink red, so that makes it easy!), then price band (I won't pay much more than $50 for a bottle, but most purchases tend to be around or below $10), then variety...
Given that, here are some recommendations that I can make, and I would love to have others!
$20+
Any "Grand Cru" from Bordeux (France)... these are the cream of the crop for me, reserved specifically for special occasions due to price. They will be called "Chateau ________ Grand Cru", generally. Aged in oak to perfection...
The next highest level is Premier Grand Cru, I believe, and those bottles run hundreds of dollars!
$10-$20
Clos du Bois - Shiraz (USA)... amazing after taste that leaves the tongue tingling! About $15/bottle normally
Sella & Mosca - Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva (Sardinia, Italy)... much lighter taste, generally aged.
Below $10
Yellow Tail (Australia) is pretty much as good as it will get for your buck. You can get a bottle for around $7, or a 1.5L for $12 (I've seen them as low as $8.99 at Sam's Club). They make several varieties and blends, so it's an easy choice.
Beciul Domnesc - Feteasca Neagra (Romania)... sweeter than I usually prefer, it is something different from what you usually find. In fact, outside of Romania, it is very difficult to find. I get a bottle once a year when a Romanian friend of mine goes back to visit and brings me one as a gift.
Feudo Arancia - Nero D'Avolo or Syrah (Sicily, Italy), ... might make you pucker, but good! CHEAP... and bold tasting dry reds.
I intend to bring in my wine journal to add to this.
How is one to decide?
I basically think the following... I separate wine into color first (I only drink red, so that makes it easy!), then price band (I won't pay much more than $50 for a bottle, but most purchases tend to be around or below $10), then variety...
Given that, here are some recommendations that I can make, and I would love to have others!
$20+
Any "Grand Cru" from Bordeux (France)... these are the cream of the crop for me, reserved specifically for special occasions due to price. They will be called "Chateau ________ Grand Cru", generally. Aged in oak to perfection...
The next highest level is Premier Grand Cru, I believe, and those bottles run hundreds of dollars!
$10-$20
Clos du Bois - Shiraz (USA)... amazing after taste that leaves the tongue tingling! About $15/bottle normally
Sella & Mosca - Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva (Sardinia, Italy)... much lighter taste, generally aged.
Below $10
Yellow Tail (Australia) is pretty much as good as it will get for your buck. You can get a bottle for around $7, or a 1.5L for $12 (I've seen them as low as $8.99 at Sam's Club). They make several varieties and blends, so it's an easy choice.
Beciul Domnesc - Feteasca Neagra (Romania)... sweeter than I usually prefer, it is something different from what you usually find. In fact, outside of Romania, it is very difficult to find. I get a bottle once a year when a Romanian friend of mine goes back to visit and brings me one as a gift.
Feudo Arancia - Nero D'Avolo or Syrah (Sicily, Italy), ... might make you pucker, but good! CHEAP... and bold tasting dry reds.
I intend to bring in my wine journal to add to this.