Choosing wine; How do you do it?

[whoaWhitney]

When you're buying wine what criteria do you go by?

I find it very difficult to find a good wine, as I don't really drink wine much, but like to know something about them to bring a decent bottle when being invited over for dinner!

[Heirosyth]

Well, bloody hell, I lost my old reply on the old forum to this very same question.

Well, here goes again (the quick and dirty version)...

There's a number of factors that you can consider (they may not all apply, but just the same, here they are for your reference):

1) What are you having with your wine?

Basically, if you're having fish, go with a "white" wine.
If you're having red meat, go with a "red" wine.
If you're having chicken or pork, it's up to you.

2) What kind of wine do you prefer?

What someone else prefers, you may not, and the whole range of wines out there is as diverse as it is to appeal to all tastes.

Personally, I enjoy drier red wines, like Pinot Noirs and Chiantis. While French wine is certainly some of the best, California Pinots are great as well, and Chiantis are of course Italian. However, an Argentinian Malbec, and Australian Shiraz are also among my favorites as well, so *do not* limit yourself to just California or Europe; feel free to explore!

For white wines, I enjoy Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rieslings. They tend to be more tart, and crisper.

I have no interest in Merlot, Cabernets, or any sort of blush (ie, White Zinfandel). Between red and white, if I had to choose, Reds win.

3) How much money are you willing to spend?

Most of the time, the more expensive wines are generally better, but not always. I would encourage you to not go as cheap as possible, and never buy what can come in a jug or box (if you see that as an option for the brand you plan on buying, avoid that). However, there are some very affordable and very tasty wines made by wineries that are trying to break into the market and will cost much less than the traditional big names. The best thing you can do is look up wine reviewers and see what they say. Many times they can point you to a wine that is both tasty and affordable.

4) Just experiment! I've found many wines I like by doing just that. Sometimes, you just have to find the wine that works for you, and that's exactly how you come to discover what you like best. If you're a fan of Zinfandels, knock yourself out. Just because I don't like them, doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy them!

5) Don't be afraid to ask someone who seems to know his/her wines! I've gotten a few favorites by reading what others recommend.

Hope that helps!

~Heirosyth, Closet Wine Connoisseur

[Stream]

Does it taste good and how drunk will it get me?

I'm not an expert of any sort, really. I choose randomly and see if it's tasty.

Though, if this can count as wine; when I was younger I'd drink a lot of Boone's Farm.

[whoaWhitney]

thank you Heirosyth - very helpful!

Stream - boones farm most assuredly does not count for anything even remotely considered wine, but thanks for the smile

[Stream]

In retrospect, my answer makes me feel like I personally insulted Heiro.

[Heirosyth]

You're welcome, Whitney.

I'm sorry, did you say something, Stream?

[Stream]

No sir, I did not.

[Anne Bonny]

I have a sister who is a sommelier, so I usually just ask her.

[Mysteria]

I am not well versed in picking wines for consumption.

I am however, well versed in knowing how to drink them properly.

*grins*

[CptxMorgan]

I usually go for MD 20/20, only because Thunderbird makes your teeth black though.