Red wine for beginners?

[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.....

[Taurean]

Ooh, Taylors reds (from the Barossa) are divine. The merlot is extremely smooth. We are big red drinkers and only recently discovered these and can't stop buying them!

[Amy_jellybean]

Yeah I drink dry whites so I think that's why I like Shiraz. If you like sweet whites I won't bore you with my fav's in red because we have different tastes I think

Mad B - yeah they don't do a bad drop have a pink/ white cab about to be bottled in 2 weeks, can't wait to taste it but will only be a sip until bubba is here. Wine is the thing I miss the most while preggie! Alco much Hahahaha!!!!

[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.

[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.

[Three Graces]

My DH is a winemaker and has always loved reds. I remember it took me awhile to like them. Maybe start with something soft like a merlot or pinot. Cab sav and shiraz are usually bigger wines. However, my favourite all time is a sparkling shiraz. Yummmm. Blends might also be easier to drink than a straight up cab or shiraz.
Enjoy!

[Amy_jellybean]

Pepper jack is hubby's favourite

[Taurean]

Another vote for Pepperjacks too. Love it!

[~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!!!!!!