wines
 

Hey all,
I wanted to buy myself and my boyfriend a nice wine for our anniversary (which happens during his fraternity formal). I know NOTHING about the subject. Any ideas? Any wines that taste good and fairly inexpensive???

Thanks!

Well... give us a little something to go with here. Do you like red or white?

Re: wines
 

Usually you buy a wine that goes with the meal. I'm assuming that since it's his formal, it wouldn't be too much of a problem finding out what the meal is (red meat, etc.). There are a lot of good wines even below $20 and most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference unless they drink wine a lot.

Since wines get rated by so many different sources, I recommend going to a wine or liquor store to look around. Usually they have the ratings above each bottle. And remember to pick something that accentuates the meal and doesn't clash with it.

-Rudey

I hadn't planned on drinking it with the meal itself. Later that night we're going to have time for us to just sit chill/talk together.

I thought about going with a bottle of champagne, but he said something about wines, so thats what I wanted to get him.

I've heard that white wine is sweeter...is that true?

Sorry, I know I sound like a bumbling idiot, I've just never done the wine thing before! Thanks for the help.

No I don't think I would say white wine is sweeter. But from the way it sounds, you'd really enjoy a dessert wine. I have had some really good dessert wines that come from the Golan region. They're sweeter and often times you can get them in these packages with really fine chocolates. IF this is what you're interested in then I can give you some recommendation.

-Rudey
--Out for the night

I personally prefer California Reds with two of my favorite vineyards being Barnwood and Alexander Valley. The Cabernets in both are excellent, Barnwood also has a good merlot.

I'd go to a wine store and ask the people who work there, that's what I do when I buy my wine. They'll give good recommendations within your price range.

If you've never had a dessert wine, try it before you buy it. They can be very very sweet and that's not to everyone's liking.

yay! thanks for the advice everyone...

Rudey, a few names for dessert wines would be nice... thanks!

I dig anything from Chateau Ste. Michelle. Amazing vineyard. Havent had anyof their stuff I didnt like.

Perhaps you should try a Merlot for the occasion, you can pick up a great one for under 20-30 dollars, and definitely my favorite type - that, or Boone's Country, both solid choices.

Australian wines are excellent and Chilean reds are excellent value for your money as well.

I personally am a white zin girl myself, merlot and some chardonnays give me heartburn. I like Turning Leaf, and some others. My roomies like Carlo Rossi merlot and red wines... Earnest and Gallo, Sutter Home, and Inglebrook are cheap and good, but I wouldn't recommend the last one.
Haven't had Boone's Country, but have had Boone's Farm, which I don't think they should even call wine, lol... anything with a screw top and bubbles (not champagne) isn't wine. :rolleyes:

check out fat bastard!
 

Seriously, Fat Bastard makes a nice shiraz that as I remember isn't too pricey. Shiraz is always on of my favorites and works well if you're looking for a nice red that's a little different. And who can resist a Fat Bastard? (Sorry, I just thought the name was too funny.)

www.fatbastard.com

Since it's your anniversay and a nice occaision, stay away from anything with a screw top, corks are the best.

I personally like Cotes du Rhone red wine from France. They have a nice finish and you can buy a bottle for under $20, except for the Chateauneuf-du-pape wines which are a little more expensive.

If you like White wine, my favorite is the Aligote white wine from Burgundy in France. It has a nice fruity taste and I don't remember it being too expensive.

Any employee at a wine store should be trained to help you out, don't be afraid to ask.

Some of my faves, w/ approx. prices....
1. Ravenswood California Zinfandel 1999, but 2000 is ok too. About 12 bucks
2. Ravenswood Merlot 1999 if you can find it...about the same price
3. Beringer White Zinfandel...about 6 bucks...try the 99 or 00
4. Jest Red....about 15 bucks...you'll probably find it in a wine specialty shop
5. any Australian Shiraz...it packs a punch but wow is it good

I'm not much of a white wine person so I can't really recommend anything. Good luck!!!

Coppola vineyard make some great wines - untraditional in the sense that they blend a variety of tastes for their own creations. 'Bianco' is a full-bodied white that is great for sipping over conversation (and since you serve it chilled it's perfect for a warm night. and it goes for about $8.99.
Clos Du Bois is my all time fave - the Chardonnay is about $10 and the Merlot is about $16.

Also think about a blush or a white zin. instead of a dessert wine, because like amycat412 said, they can be very sweet (I'm not really a fan).

Make sure if you choose a red you let it breathe (uncork it a few minutes before pouring) for a fuller taste.