My wife and I are new to the wine drinking/making and are looking for a good red to make. Our tastes are not sophisticated and we are looking for a red that is not too dry but not too sweet. I know that is all subjective but any help is appricated. We have like a Shiraz that is not very fruity or dry most recently. I would prefer a wine kit to make, I am not real patient and waiting several monthsfor it to mature might just be too much. Any adise is appriciated.
Good red wine
- Thread starter mr_dicken
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** From: http://ezinearticles.com/?Wine-For-The-Beginner---Red-Wine-Selection-Tips-For-Beginners&id=917734**
<DIV id=ms__id18>** Here are some wine selection tips for five of the most popular red wines for the beginner.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Considered the "King of Red Wine Grapes", Cabernet Sauvignon originated in the Bordeaux region of France and established itself in the California wine markets to become one of the world's most popular red wines. Cabernet Sauvignon is usually matured for 5-10 years to create a mellow-flavored wine. It is often blended with other grapes, most notably Merlot, to create a soft wine with lively fruit tones. Cabernets are medium to full-bodied wines high in tannins which carry rich berry, tobacco and sometimes even green pepper flavors. Cabernet pairs well with lamb, red meats, hearty red pasta dishes, strong cheese and dark chocolate.
Pinot Noir
The Pinot Noir grape is very difficult to grow demanding climates with consistently warm days and cool nights. Nonetheless, it is grown in regions including Oregon, California, New Zealand, Australia, Germany and Italy. Due it's strict growing requirements, Pinot Noir is produced in lesser quantities than many other popular red wines and tends to be a little pricier. It is a lighter colored and flavored red wine with sweet undertones of berries, tomatoes, cherries, plums and earthy or woody flavors depending upon where it is grown. Pinot Noir is one of the most versatile red wines and pairs nicely with poultry, fish, lamb, pork, ham, spicy seasonings and cream sauces.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel has been a mainstay of the Californian wine market since the mid-1800s. Originally from Italy, this robust grape has found a good home in the Americas. The Zinfandel grape produces two varietals: the red Zinfandel, and the White Zinfandel (also called White Zin) which has become a popular wine for the beginner. The basic Zinfandel is a rich, dark red wine with flavors of sweet berries, plums and black pepper and undertones of oak. White Zinfandel is made by removing the grape skins shortly after the grapes are crushed. The result is a rose to pink colored wine with a lighter flavor. Red Zinfandel pairs nicely with red or white meat, hearty fish, burgers and spicy dishes. White Zinfandel is suited to a large rage of foods including Cajun and Asian flavors, BBQ chicken and heavy seafood dishes.
Merlot
Merlot originates from the Bordeaux region of France and is a soft and lush, medium-bodied wine. Its juicy fruit flavors and low tannin content makes Merlot a popular wine for the beginner. Merlot has a wide range of tones including plums, cherries, blueberries, blackberries and black pepper. Merlot is often blended with other wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc to soften their flavors and gain more structure and definition. Merlot is a versatile red which pairs well with pork, red meats, pastas and salads.
Shiraz
Known as Syrah in France, Shiraz is a bold, spicy wine which has become very popular in Australia where it gained its alternative name. It is a medium to full-bodied wine with firm tannins that give it a fuller body than most younger reds. Shiraz has an impressive range of flavors including black cherry, blackberry, plum, bell pepper, black pepper, licorice and even dark chocolate and smoked meat. Shiraz stands up well to hearty foods including grilled meats and vegetables, wild game, seasoned red meats, beef stew and meaty pizzas. **
END
<DIV id=ms__id45>
There Overall taste and complexety not only comes from the grape but what climate and soil it is produced in. " A wine is only as good as the grape it came from" . Wines are a bit bold and in your face so to speak from hotter regions such as austrailia and california. As to were wines made in cooler climates are fruitier. A good Example:I tried a few Shiraz and syrah from thecalifornia area and found there finish to be a bit too "dryspicy" for my taste. The finish simply burned for me. I have tried Syrah from New Zealand and found the finish to have a similair flavor but not so hot and spicy on the finish.
<DIV id=ms__id28>
<DIV id=ms__id27> To me, a wines finish is every thing simply becouse its the last thingthat is gonna lingerin your mouth after every sip and when the glass is empty.
<DIV id=ms__id25>
<DIV id=ms__id26>I would recomend a kit that was produced with grapes from a colder region to fit you criteria.
<DIV id=ms__id22>
<DIV id=ms__id21> Cabernet Sauvignon is a good choice. My personal favorite is Pinot Noir due to its well rounded blance from start and paticularly the finish. Merlot is another to consider. Look at the bottle that you had of the shiraz you liked. See where it was vinted and brewed. Look up there website and most often the brewer will have a section wereHe/She explaines how the wine came about from the vine to the ageing. It is pretty good info.
<DIV id=ms__id24>
<DIV id=ms__id23>I am shure Wade will present a good kit for you to meet your needs here.
<DIV id=ms__id34>
<DIV id=ms__id33> Last but not least ... paitence... a young wine is going to be roudy with flavor. Its best to wait at least 3 months after your done brewing for the wine to start toget its character in line. Kits ussaly produce 6 gallons of wine. That= 30 bottles so im shure you will have room to sample a few while you wait and taste it mature. After all is said and done, its your wine sodrinkit when youlike.
Edited by: Aaronh
<DIV id=ms__id18>** Here are some wine selection tips for five of the most popular red wines for the beginner.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Considered the "King of Red Wine Grapes", Cabernet Sauvignon originated in the Bordeaux region of France and established itself in the California wine markets to become one of the world's most popular red wines. Cabernet Sauvignon is usually matured for 5-10 years to create a mellow-flavored wine. It is often blended with other grapes, most notably Merlot, to create a soft wine with lively fruit tones. Cabernets are medium to full-bodied wines high in tannins which carry rich berry, tobacco and sometimes even green pepper flavors. Cabernet pairs well with lamb, red meats, hearty red pasta dishes, strong cheese and dark chocolate.
Pinot Noir
The Pinot Noir grape is very difficult to grow demanding climates with consistently warm days and cool nights. Nonetheless, it is grown in regions including Oregon, California, New Zealand, Australia, Germany and Italy. Due it's strict growing requirements, Pinot Noir is produced in lesser quantities than many other popular red wines and tends to be a little pricier. It is a lighter colored and flavored red wine with sweet undertones of berries, tomatoes, cherries, plums and earthy or woody flavors depending upon where it is grown. Pinot Noir is one of the most versatile red wines and pairs nicely with poultry, fish, lamb, pork, ham, spicy seasonings and cream sauces.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel has been a mainstay of the Californian wine market since the mid-1800s. Originally from Italy, this robust grape has found a good home in the Americas. The Zinfandel grape produces two varietals: the red Zinfandel, and the White Zinfandel (also called White Zin) which has become a popular wine for the beginner. The basic Zinfandel is a rich, dark red wine with flavors of sweet berries, plums and black pepper and undertones of oak. White Zinfandel is made by removing the grape skins shortly after the grapes are crushed. The result is a rose to pink colored wine with a lighter flavor. Red Zinfandel pairs nicely with red or white meat, hearty fish, burgers and spicy dishes. White Zinfandel is suited to a large rage of foods including Cajun and Asian flavors, BBQ chicken and heavy seafood dishes.
Merlot
Merlot originates from the Bordeaux region of France and is a soft and lush, medium-bodied wine. Its juicy fruit flavors and low tannin content makes Merlot a popular wine for the beginner. Merlot has a wide range of tones including plums, cherries, blueberries, blackberries and black pepper. Merlot is often blended with other wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc to soften their flavors and gain more structure and definition. Merlot is a versatile red which pairs well with pork, red meats, pastas and salads.
Shiraz
Known as Syrah in France, Shiraz is a bold, spicy wine which has become very popular in Australia where it gained its alternative name. It is a medium to full-bodied wine with firm tannins that give it a fuller body than most younger reds. Shiraz has an impressive range of flavors including black cherry, blackberry, plum, bell pepper, black pepper, licorice and even dark chocolate and smoked meat. Shiraz stands up well to hearty foods including grilled meats and vegetables, wild game, seasoned red meats, beef stew and meaty pizzas. **
END
<DIV id=ms__id45>
There Overall taste and complexety not only comes from the grape but what climate and soil it is produced in. " A wine is only as good as the grape it came from" . Wines are a bit bold and in your face so to speak from hotter regions such as austrailia and california. As to were wines made in cooler climates are fruitier. A good Example:I tried a few Shiraz and syrah from thecalifornia area and found there finish to be a bit too "dryspicy" for my taste. The finish simply burned for me. I have tried Syrah from New Zealand and found the finish to have a similair flavor but not so hot and spicy on the finish.
<DIV id=ms__id28>
<DIV id=ms__id27> To me, a wines finish is every thing simply becouse its the last thingthat is gonna lingerin your mouth after every sip and when the glass is empty.
<DIV id=ms__id25>
<DIV id=ms__id26>I would recomend a kit that was produced with grapes from a colder region to fit you criteria.
<DIV id=ms__id22>
<DIV id=ms__id21> Cabernet Sauvignon is a good choice. My personal favorite is Pinot Noir due to its well rounded blance from start and paticularly the finish. Merlot is another to consider. Look at the bottle that you had of the shiraz you liked. See where it was vinted and brewed. Look up there website and most often the brewer will have a section wereHe/She explaines how the wine came about from the vine to the ageing. It is pretty good info.
<DIV id=ms__id24>
<DIV id=ms__id23>I am shure Wade will present a good kit for you to meet your needs here.
<DIV id=ms__id34>
<DIV id=ms__id33> Last but not least ... paitence... a young wine is going to be roudy with flavor. Its best to wait at least 3 months after your done brewing for the wine to start toget its character in line. Kits ussaly produce 6 gallons of wine. That= 30 bottles so im shure you will have room to sample a few while you wait and taste it mature. After all is said and done, its your wine sodrinkit when youlike.
- Joined
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Here are a couple kits I have made that are nice early drinkers if youjust want a good tasting wine although a touch on the thin side.
<TABLE id=products borderColor=#000000 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" align=center border=1 ="Catalog"><T>
<T>
<TR>
<TD align=default width="2%" ="table">
<DIV align=center>3208 </TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>
</TD>
<TD width="20%">
Shiraz
Australia's own "big red". A bend of blackberry fruit, spice & chocolate that's a dark & delicious treat.</TD>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=right>$67.99</TD>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=right>$49.99 </TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>6</TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>Limited Quantities Available </TD>
<TD width="15%">
Add to Cart
Add to Wish List
Shipping Cost Estimate</TD></TR></T></T></TABLE>
<TABLE =Catalog id=products borderColor=#000000 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" align=center border=1>
<T>
<TR>
<TD =table align=default width="2%">
<DIV align=center>VN33 </TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>
</TD>
<TD width="20%">
Shiraz
A wine for today. Be on the lookout for its new taste sensations. With purple-ruby flashes and violet rim, the complexity of its bouquet brings together notes of eucalyptus and black currants.</TD>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=right>$75.99</TD>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=right>$67.99 </TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>6</TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>Stocked </TD>
<TD width="15%">
Add to Cart
Add to Wish List
Shipping Cost Estimate</TD></TR></T></TABLE>Edited by: appleman
<TABLE id=products borderColor=#000000 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" align=center border=1 ="Catalog"><T>
<T>
<TR>
<TD align=default width="2%" ="table">
<DIV align=center>3208 </TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>
<TD width="20%">
Shiraz
Australia's own "big red". A bend of blackberry fruit, spice & chocolate that's a dark & delicious treat.</TD>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=right>$67.99</TD>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=right>$49.99 </TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>6</TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>Limited Quantities Available </TD>
<TD width="15%">
Add to Cart
Add to Wish List
Shipping Cost Estimate</TD></TR></T></T></TABLE>
<TABLE =Catalog id=products borderColor=#000000 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" align=center border=1>
<T>
<TR>
<TD =table align=default width="2%">
<DIV align=center>VN33 </TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>
<TD width="20%">
Shiraz
A wine for today. Be on the lookout for its new taste sensations. With purple-ruby flashes and violet rim, the complexity of its bouquet brings together notes of eucalyptus and black currants.</TD>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=right>$75.99</TD>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=right>$67.99 </TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>6</TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>Stocked </TD>
<TD width="15%">
Add to Cart
Add to Wish List
Shipping Cost Estimate</TD></TR></T></TABLE>Edited by: appleman
smurfe
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jun 20, 2005
- Messages
- 3,625
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Sounds like a Lambrusco may fit your bill. I love Lambrusco but any I have have been sparkling. I am sure it tastes great still as well. It has just a touch of sweetness with a mild fruit forward flavor.
<TABLE =Catalog id=products borderColor=#000000 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" align=center border=1>
<T>
<TR =Catalog =#0033cc>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=center>Part Number</TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>Image</TD>
<TD width="20%">
<DIV align=center>Description</TD>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=center>Regular Price</TD>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=center>Current Price</TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>Gallons Made </TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>Comments</TD>
<TD width="15%">
<DIV align=center>Action</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD =table align=default width="2%">
<DIV align=center>DT48 </TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>
</TD>
<TD width="20%">
Lambrusco
Principal varietal of the Emilia-Romagna region although widely cultivated throughout Italy. A wine of fruity taste and vivid colour, it pairs well with stewed beef dishes, cold-cut sandwiches and soft cheeses. Usually consumed young and often slightly chilled. </TD>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=right>$70.99</TD>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=right>$64.99 </TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>6</TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>Stocked </TD>
<TD width="15%">
Add to Cart
Add to Wish List
Shipping Cost Estimate</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD =table align=default width="2%">
<DIV align=center>MMS48 </TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>
</TD>
<TD width="20%">
Lambrusco
This wine is ruby in color with aromas of strawberries and cherries.</TD>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=right>$140.99</TD>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=right>$123.99 </TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>6</TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>Stocked </TD>
<TD width="15%">
Add to Cart
Add to Wish List
Shipping Cost Estimate</TD></TR></T></TABLE>
<TABLE =Catalog id=products borderColor=#000000 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" align=center border=1>
<T>
<TR =Catalog =#0033cc>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=center>Part Number</TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>Image</TD>
<TD width="20%">
<DIV align=center>Description</TD>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=center>Regular Price</TD>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=center>Current Price</TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>Gallons Made </TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>Comments</TD>
<TD width="15%">
<DIV align=center>Action</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD =table align=default width="2%">
<DIV align=center>DT48 </TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>
<TD width="20%">
Lambrusco
Principal varietal of the Emilia-Romagna region although widely cultivated throughout Italy. A wine of fruity taste and vivid colour, it pairs well with stewed beef dishes, cold-cut sandwiches and soft cheeses. Usually consumed young and often slightly chilled. </TD>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=right>$70.99</TD>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=right>$64.99 </TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>6</TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>Stocked </TD>
<TD width="15%">
Add to Cart
Add to Wish List
Shipping Cost Estimate</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD =table align=default width="2%">
<DIV align=center>MMS48 </TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>
<TD width="20%">
Lambrusco
This wine is ruby in color with aromas of strawberries and cherries.</TD>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=right>$140.99</TD>
<TD width="2%">
<DIV align=right>$123.99 </TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>6</TD>
<TD width="5%">
<DIV align=center>Stocked </TD>
<TD width="15%">
Add to Cart
Add to Wish List
Shipping Cost Estimate</TD></TR></T></TABLE>
ptiffany137
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As I got already so many good tips from your side i thought i had to share wut i found!
I want to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine%20" target="_blank">send </a>wine as a gift from UK and I was really impressed about this great new possibility!
I think you as wine specialist will be fastinated by that great oportunity as well!
I want to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine%20" target="_blank">send </a>wine as a gift from UK and I was really impressed about this great new possibility!
I think you as wine specialist will be fastinated by that great oportunity as well!
Michael Vino
Member
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2007
- Messages
- 67
- Reaction score
- 0
Any of the kits listed so far are good.... ger one of those and bottled and start a Estate Series Stag's Leap Merlot......... in 7 or 8 months it will be good. this can age while you start drinking that first lkit.
In a year + the Stag's Leap will be very nice
In a year + the Stag's Leap will be very nice
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