Wine (general thread)

[Yello to Mello]

There are so many of them out there I don't know how the connoisseurs keep track.

State here how good your wine game is (what you know). You might be called upon by one of us in the future. Or maybe just tell us a little about what you have.

For me I only have an occasional bottle for a very good dinner. No big racks full of bottles or anything. I just buy a bottle when its needed.

[lawschooldrunk]

http://tv.winelibrary.com/index.php?s=episode

go through some episodes, old or new.

[Exciseman]

Not a beginner. Always have a couple of dozen bottles in the house.

My current favourites are big, chunky Italian Reds. In particular "Amarone della Valpolicella" and "Barolo". Tip for those near an Aldi. There's a "Barolo" coming in this Thursday on undersell for £6.99. Give it a try.

Talking of Aldi, it does a French sparkling white called "Cremant de Jura". It's made using the same grapes and the same methods as Champagne, but can't call itself Champers (and thus command bonkers prices). This little number goes for just £5.99. Some wine writers have given it 10/10. Really nice.

[TheTross]

[Manuel] I know nooothing! [/Manuel]

My wine knowledge is seriously impaired, though I know I like full-bodied dry reds and do not like white or rosé. But that's ok, because I only ever drink wine with a steak dinner or a Sunday roast.

Will be interesting to see how many wine drinkers we have in our midst here actually.

[woodhill]

I really don't get wine, even though my brother married into possibly the largest kosher wine producing family in the World (and the largest in USA).

I do enjoy some very sweet strong (14%) dessert wines and some really Dry Reds but thats it and it is very rare that I actually drink the stuff.

I'd rather spend £25 on a botle of whisky tha will last me a few months (with other bottles) then a bottle of wine that has to be consumed in a week.

[lawschooldrunk]

I'd rather spend £25 on a botle of whisky tha will last me a few months (with other bottles) then a bottle of wine that has to be consumed in a week.

although that logically makes sense, and I agree, sometimes there's nothing like a good bottle of dry red at the dinner table

irrationally logical

[Yello to Mello]

I know of those Italian reds from the time I paired them when I got a free wheel of asiago cheese at work....it was like 5kg of it.

[Willie JJ]

I can't get the hang of it either. After the first few pints I get really drunk.

[TheTross]

I can't get the hang of it either. After the first few pints I get really drunk.

But you're ok with whisky? Or is it only half-pints for the hard stuff?

[Willie JJ]

I use smaller glasses for whisky.

[martin grant]

I must admit that I love my wine as much as I love my whisky.

A Thai green curry is just not the same without a glass of a good Reisling from Alsace. Likewise I struggle to eat duck without a Pinot Noir.

An evening meal without a glass of wine is just your tea. Pour yourself a nice glass to go with your food, and then you can sit down to dinner.

[Exciseman]

I have to say that I'm not terribly discerning when it comes to white wine, although I always pick dry ones. I've a little biddy bit of a palate for chunky reds. I do know one thing for sure. Most mainstream supermarket wines under £6 are rubbish and "half price" deals are a total and utter con.

[C57]

I must admit that I love my wine as much as I love my whisky.

A Thai green curry is just not the same without a glass of a good Reisling from Alsace. Likewise I struggle to eat duck without a Pinot Noir.

An evening meal without a glass of wine is just your tea. Pour yourself a nice glass to go with your food, and then you can sit down to dinner.

Green curry is one of my recognised strengths - and I like it with a well-chilled Sauvignon Blanc (or a Thai beer)

I'm also a "Big Reds" man....14% or higher please. Durif, or good Shiraz or Primitivo (Zinfandel to our US friends)

[martin grant]

^^^ Nick, if you like a big red you really should try something from the Southern Rhone. You should be able to find a decent Gigondas in the supermarket. This is made with the same grapes as a Chateauneuf-du-Pape but is usually a good bit cheaper. Because of the sunshine in the region it usually comes in around the 14 % mark.

[C57]

Forgot Gigondas. Now I'm sure I have some, somewhere in the 300-bottle stash. So I'll have to dig it out now you mention it...

[martin grant]

Sat down to a dinner of chicken satay served with boiled rice last night. I had a bottle of Torrontes from Argentina in the fridge which was a really good match. Quite floral, but went really well with the spice from the satay sauce. Have the remnants of the bottle to look forward to tonight.

[C57]

Sat down to a dinner of chicken satay served with boiled rice last night. I had a bottle of Torrontes from Argentina in the fridge which was a really good match. Quite floral, but went really well with the spice from the satay sauce. Have the remnants of the bottle to look forward to tonight.

A much under-recognised grape. Most regard iot as inferior, but on occasion it produces a very nice wine for Asian food matching.

[Malt-Teaser]

My favourite white wines are:

Pouilly Fumé (dry, but very fruity with underlying smoke. Never had a bad one, but they are not cheap).
Chablis (Some excellent Premier Crú around at the moment for about €10-€15)
Chablis & Petit chablis


As for reds, I used to prefer heavier ones, but I have now turned to lighter ones.

If you like something on the heavier side, but smooth and creamy, then try a Salice Salentino. You should let it stand for a good half hour (or longer) after opening and before drinking.

On the lighter side, I love the wines from Súd Tirol, very light andfruity Summer wines. Good when young!
If you can find one, try a Kalterersee Auslese.

[C57]

Yep Salice Salentino is a great choice for my taste.
I leave them in the red wine cooler for at least 24 hours breathing. I find almost any red benefits.
Those who say drink within 24 hours I say "B****r that!".

Love the Salice's though.

[les taylor]

I've only just really noticed this thread. It's a great read.

[Manuel] I know nooothing! [/Manuel]

Will be interesting to see how many wine drinkers we have in our midst here actually.

Stuart I actually think a lot of the people are on here because they are so interested in Whisky, they would also really be into wine, beer, varietal ciders and food. I know I am and I love them all.

My wine rack has about 100 bottles in it. and has been like that for years, not stagnant you understand. Whisky has overtaken it by a long way now though. But each has it's place in my book.

[C57]

I've only just really noticed this thread. It's a great read.

[Manuel] I know nooothing! [/Manuel]

Will be interesting to see how many wine drinkers we have in our midst here actually.

But each has it's place in my book.

Wrong place for it Les

[les taylor]

I've only just really noticed this thread. It's a great read.

[Manuel] I know nooothing! [/Manuel]

Will be interesting to see how many wine drinkers we have in our midst here actually.

But each has it's place in my book.

Wrong place for it Les

Sorry Nick I don't quite get that, have I misunderstood the point of the thread?

[C57]

Why would you keep wine in a book

[les taylor]

Why would you keep wine in a book

Oh, Groan . .....

[Call me Jane]

I like wine and going on winery tours. Usually for $15 or less you can taste 3-5 wines and enjoy company of friends and see some beautiful scenery and estates. To me it's a lot more affordable than spending $80 for a whisky tasting event, which are not that often here anyways. Why I've never actually been to one. I just share glasses with friends.

I have liked some Australian and Chilean wines in the past few years. They are and were amazing deals. And from wine in the bay area, I choose purchases initally based on region. Near me is Alexander Valley, Napa Valley, rest of Sonoma. And I usually choose in that order. I have never had a bad (red) wine from Alexander Valley region, at least not yet...