Red wine for beginners?

[lady_neon]

When we were in SA and did the Barossa, we found most reds to be spicier than WA wines however LOVED Kellermeister - I think a cab sav again LOL. My cousin is the manager so we get him to send it to us in WA I hate Swan Valley wines (WA again) so whenever we go down south we stock up on Margaret River region wines. There's not many I don't like.

[Shanti]

The Man is definitely not what I'd call a red wine fan, but recently when he was out he discovered Brown Brothers "Dolcetto". He described it as a "red moscato". So, sweet, not tart! I'd try that! I'm hanging out to try it when we stop bf.

Well I love the white moscato so it sounds down my alley...

[onthefly]

I can't drink wine right now or for some months to come, probably, but it's nice to think about it.....

[Shanti]

And my teeth? will they stain?

[onthefly]

if you smoke some cigarettes afterwards you won't know the difference....

(I don't have purple teeth - does that help?)

[Shanti]

if you smoke some cigarettes afterwards you won't know the difference....

(I don't have purple teeth - does that help?)

Thanks that's comforting to know

I'm not a smoker. Just enjoy the occasional drink or two once my breastfed babe has settled in for her 5hr stretch

[HomeStyleMumma]

I think ANYTHING brown brothers is good! Haha... I did find a cab sav (again!) A little while back by 'fishers circle' I think that was right but anyway if u find it dh and I absolutely loved it I was pretty sad I only got a sip after ds was in bed (coz of bf obviously), and I should add dh is does NOT usually drink red wine we very rarely drink any alcohol at all actually.

[HomeStyleMumma]

PS I few glasses occasionally are not likely to stain your teeth... If you're worried though eat some strawberries at the same time they apparently are brilliant for removing stains

[nothing2lose]

Both Hanwood Estate and Pepperjack do a nice, good priced Shiraz.

[ladybirdflies]

whatever you end up buying if you don't like it, eat some chocolate and then sip it again.... little experiment that usually turns it from dislike to like!

[Amy_jellybean]

Pepper jack is hubby's favourite

[Taurean]

Another vote for Pepperjacks too. Love it!

[Arimeh]

Browns Brothers Dolcetto and Syrah is a good one.

Yup thats the one that popped my cherry - so to speak. however, it is quite an expensive bottle of wine, and since I'm a cheap floosie, I found a better bottle of wine that is usually around $5 - its made from cherries not grapes, so its quite sweet. I can't remember the brand name, but its fruitwood something.....

[~Raven~]

It's been a few years since I worked in the industry so I'm fuzzy on brands so not much help there.
It's good to start off with a mild wine to build up your palette, either a straight variety or a blend. Merlot is milder than shiraz usually but there are exceptions depending on how it's been made. Read the labels and those that say woody or tannins can be quite strong and possibly over powering if you're used to the sweeter varieties. The staff should be knowledgable but it's not always the case because some specialise in what they like. The beer gurus won't be much help for example

[bellany]

Yup thats the one that popped my cherry - so to speak. however, it is quite an expensive bottle of wine, and since I'm a cheap floosie, I found a better bottle of wine that is usually around $5 - its made from cherries not grapes, so its quite sweet. I can't remember the brand name, but its fruitwood something.....

Mcwilliams fruit wood something lol

[Ginger]

another one obsessed with pepperjack. i love their cab sav but i reckon you would like their shiraz.

[Beach Mama]

Mmmm Pepperjack Shiraz - actually, make that any Shiraz!!! I second going to any wineries and doing some tastings, most of our collection is from little wineries we have visited here in Vic and in WA! I also love a good Rose in Summer - chilled and oh so purdy!!!!!!

[Nai]

I love heavy reds - shiraz, cab sav - and I don't have stained teeth. If you aren't a red drinker then I would suggest maybe not hitting the big heavy reds straight up but starting with a nice light Pinot Noir - Squealing Pig do a nice light drinkable pinot and anything from around the Swan Bay area is generally good too. For something really really nice a St Huberts is one of my favourites in the Yarra Valley area.