Red wine for white wine drinkers
May 12, 2010 8:30 AM Subscribe
Winefilter: Help me find a red wine my mom will like!
Basically the reverse of this question. I need a red wine for a dedicated white wine drinker.
I think half of her aversion to red wine is all in her head. She's convinced that all red wine is tannic and "yucky". I know there are red wines out there that she would enjoy, but I'd like some specific recommendations.
Pertinent facts:
1. She likes dry, crisp, acidic whites. Pinot grigio, sauv blanc, vinho verde, dry riesling, etc. She does not like chardonnays, viogniers, or anything oaky or sweet. My taste in whites echoes hers almost exactly, although I'm getting tired of pinot grigio.
2. She likes rosés but I want to go darker. However, if you have a recommendation for a good one, go for it. But it would have to be REALLY good. It took me a long time to get her off the white zinfandel and I'm not letting her go back!
3. I like medium to heavier fruity reds, but that's probably because I don't know what to look for in a light bodied red. My favorites are usually zinfandels, malbecs, and barberas.
4. Avoid peppery notes. Neither of us like them.
5. We're Californian, so access to any wine is pretty good (although better if it's a California wine), but we're also cheap. Sub-$20 bottles please.
(Bonus points: A recommendation for a good sparkling red.)
Basically the reverse of this question. I need a red wine for a dedicated white wine drinker.
I think half of her aversion to red wine is all in her head. She's convinced that all red wine is tannic and "yucky". I know there are red wines out there that she would enjoy, but I'd like some specific recommendations.
Pertinent facts:
1. She likes dry, crisp, acidic whites. Pinot grigio, sauv blanc, vinho verde, dry riesling, etc. She does not like chardonnays, viogniers, or anything oaky or sweet. My taste in whites echoes hers almost exactly, although I'm getting tired of pinot grigio.
2. She likes rosés but I want to go darker. However, if you have a recommendation for a good one, go for it. But it would have to be REALLY good. It took me a long time to get her off the white zinfandel and I'm not letting her go back!
3. I like medium to heavier fruity reds, but that's probably because I don't know what to look for in a light bodied red. My favorites are usually zinfandels, malbecs, and barberas.
4. Avoid peppery notes. Neither of us like them.
5. We're Californian, so access to any wine is pretty good (although better if it's a California wine), but we're also cheap. Sub-$20 bottles please.
(Bonus points: A recommendation for a good sparkling red.)
Have you tried lambruscos? It can be difficult to find. Riunite is not a decent lambrusco.
posted by kellyblah at 8:38 AM on May 12, 2010
posted by kellyblah at 8:38 AM on May 12, 2010
My favorites are usually zinfandels, malbecs, and barberas.
Avoid peppery notes. Neither of us like them.
This is odd to me as Zinfandels especially have consistent peppery notes. Have you gone to any wineries and had any tastings? I see you are here in NorCal. There are quite a few very good wineries here in the Sierra Nevada foothills with some very good reds, with Zinfandels and Barberas being very prevelant. One of the lighter reds I had lately was a Pinot Noir which was kind of surprising.
Really I think the best suggestion is to go out and taste more wine. I'm by no means a wine person, but I know what I like after tasting lots of wine over the years, and I can suggest a few quality places in the foothills outside of Sacramento. Lava Cap, Boeger, and Montevina are in the Eldorado/Apple Hill area. Also a plus with the wine tasting here (rather than in Napa) is that generally speaking everything is free!
posted by Big_B at 8:41 AM on May 12, 2010
Avoid peppery notes. Neither of us like them.
This is odd to me as Zinfandels especially have consistent peppery notes. Have you gone to any wineries and had any tastings? I see you are here in NorCal. There are quite a few very good wineries here in the Sierra Nevada foothills with some very good reds, with Zinfandels and Barberas being very prevelant. One of the lighter reds I had lately was a Pinot Noir which was kind of surprising.
Really I think the best suggestion is to go out and taste more wine. I'm by no means a wine person, but I know what I like after tasting lots of wine over the years, and I can suggest a few quality places in the foothills outside of Sacramento. Lava Cap, Boeger, and Montevina are in the Eldorado/Apple Hill area. Also a plus with the wine tasting here (rather than in Napa) is that generally speaking everything is free!
posted by Big_B at 8:41 AM on May 12, 2010
a Beaujolais might be the ticket. Very low in tannins and bitterness, very light.
"Beaujolais
This tends to be a light, fruity wine which typically offers a fragrance of bananas, pears and other mild fruits. While the better varieties of Beaujolais should be enjoyed within two years of production, some of the better vintages can be kept for up to 10 years, whereas Beaujolais Nouveau should be used immediately. "
(from the net somewhere)
But stay the hell away from the Nouveau. It's horrible.
posted by Danf at 8:47 AM on May 12, 2010
"Beaujolais
This tends to be a light, fruity wine which typically offers a fragrance of bananas, pears and other mild fruits. While the better varieties of Beaujolais should be enjoyed within two years of production, some of the better vintages can be kept for up to 10 years, whereas Beaujolais Nouveau should be used immediately. "
(from the net somewhere)
But stay the hell away from the Nouveau. It's horrible.
posted by Danf at 8:47 AM on May 12, 2010
Someone sent us a gift of a box of wine from the Wall Street Journal wine club. We looked up the price and it was only about 89$ for 12 wines. It was fun, great variety, includes a "study guide" about each wine. I had never heard of this club before but we are going to get another one for ourselves. And I looked online there is another popular wine club that is called 4 Seasons that is the same price range.
posted by cda at 8:54 AM on May 12, 2010
posted by cda at 8:54 AM on May 12, 2010
It took me a long time to get her off the white zinfandel...
At first, I would hook her palate with some slightly more expensive Beaujolais (and slightly chill it). Later, lower the price point and move on to a good California Pinot Noir, which tend to be fruit bombs (w/out being sweet).
posted by bunny hugger at 8:57 AM on May 12, 2010
At first, I would hook her palate with some slightly more expensive Beaujolais (and slightly chill it). Later, lower the price point and move on to a good California Pinot Noir, which tend to be fruit bombs (w/out being sweet).
posted by bunny hugger at 8:57 AM on May 12, 2010
I'd have her try some of the drier Italian reds. Or just go to a good wine store and tell them what you told us.
posted by Aizkolari at 9:05 AM on May 12, 2010
posted by Aizkolari at 9:05 AM on May 12, 2010
My wife was not a fan of red wines until I introduced her to Amarone. It is a big rich wine with low acid. Unfortunately it also carries a very premium price.
posted by caddis at 9:08 AM on May 12, 2010
posted by caddis at 9:08 AM on May 12, 2010
Thirding Beaujolais.
Beaujolais-Villages, young, probably '08 or '09. I've heard more than one person describe them as white wines that happen to be red. The Cru Beaujolais are typically more full bodied, though Brouilly would fit the bill as well. Serve slightly chilled.
And seconding Danf; stay as far away from Beaujolais Nouveau as possible.
posted by foggy out there now at 9:15 AM on May 12, 2010
Beaujolais-Villages, young, probably '08 or '09. I've heard more than one person describe them as white wines that happen to be red. The Cru Beaujolais are typically more full bodied, though Brouilly would fit the bill as well. Serve slightly chilled.
And seconding Danf; stay as far away from Beaujolais Nouveau as possible.
posted by foggy out there now at 9:15 AM on May 12, 2010
Wild Horse makes awesome reds -- the merlot is incredible, the cabernet is nearly as good. Most of the time, I've seen them a little over your price range ($25-27), but here it is going for $18.99. They're in Paso Robles, CA.
If I had nothing else except for Wild Horse wines, I would still be a very happy man.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 9:27 AM on May 12, 2010
If I had nothing else except for Wild Horse wines, I would still be a very happy man.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 9:27 AM on May 12, 2010
Yeah, if you want to start with the lightest, least tannic red - it's going to be Beaujolais or varietal gamay.
New Zealand pinot noir would be another good place to start - it's pretty easy to find decent stuff for under $20 and it tends to have the characteristics you are after. Some Oregon pinots would slide under $20, too. California pinots are often fuller bodied (and pricier).
posted by milkrate at 9:27 AM on May 12, 2010
New Zealand pinot noir would be another good place to start - it's pretty easy to find decent stuff for under $20 and it tends to have the characteristics you are after. Some Oregon pinots would slide under $20, too. California pinots are often fuller bodied (and pricier).
posted by milkrate at 9:27 AM on May 12, 2010
I recommend the Bodegas Luzon Verde Jumilla which is not tannic and very inexpensive if it turns out she doesn't like it (I think it's 8.99 at my grocery store). It has a very light start and gentle finish. It gets fruitier as it warms up and sits in the glass, but doesn't do well left half-drunk in the bottle for more than a night.
posted by crush-onastick at 9:28 AM on May 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by crush-onastick at 9:28 AM on May 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
Maybe a dumb idea, but what would happen if you did a blind taste test? Challenge her to sample some wines of various colors, including some of her favorite whites. Would the idea that she can't see the red color affect her perceived aversion?
posted by CathyG at 9:33 AM on May 12, 2010
posted by CathyG at 9:33 AM on May 12, 2010
Valpolicella is another light red wine, usually low in tannins. It's my summer go-to red.
posted by MrMoonPie at 9:45 AM on May 12, 2010
posted by MrMoonPie at 9:45 AM on May 12, 2010
You said we could mention a rose if we felt strongly about it--South African Mulderbosch is under $15 and surprisingly crisp; I love it.
Mojo Rojo is a Spanish red that's pretty nice and affordable. Cheerful stuff. Spanish wine in general is fun--rioja's a good place to start. You mentioned barberas yourself (I totally agree; young they're my fave table wine); has she tried any of your favorites? Phillips or whatever, the New Zealand wine with the hawk-hybrid animal thingamajig on the logo, is decent though some are more spicy than others. Bonny Doon's Big House Red might be an option too, IIRC (this is hard for me because I like peppery wine and am trying to remember which I've liked that weren't...).
Not wine per se, but does she like ruby port? It's delicious in summer with some drunken pears. Which reminds, sangria maybe, hold the peppery notes?
posted by ifjuly at 9:57 AM on May 12, 2010
Mojo Rojo is a Spanish red that's pretty nice and affordable. Cheerful stuff. Spanish wine in general is fun--rioja's a good place to start. You mentioned barberas yourself (I totally agree; young they're my fave table wine); has she tried any of your favorites? Phillips or whatever, the New Zealand wine with the hawk-hybrid animal thingamajig on the logo, is decent though some are more spicy than others. Bonny Doon's Big House Red might be an option too, IIRC (this is hard for me because I like peppery wine and am trying to remember which I've liked that weren't...).
Not wine per se, but does she like ruby port? It's delicious in summer with some drunken pears. Which reminds, sangria maybe, hold the peppery notes?
posted by ifjuly at 9:57 AM on May 12, 2010
The mention above of a gamay one is a really good suggestion, by the way.
posted by ifjuly at 9:59 AM on May 12, 2010
posted by ifjuly at 9:59 AM on May 12, 2010
Esser Cabernet Sauvignon. Cheap, but the house at one of my favorite steakhouses and incredibly delicious. Not very tannic, as I hate that.
posted by Night_owl at 10:29 AM on May 12, 2010
posted by Night_owl at 10:29 AM on May 12, 2010
Sounds like she might like pinot noir, especially chilled. Although it's definitely wine shorthand, I've had good luck with wine.com's 90+ rated wines under $20 list. Here are "light and fruity" reds on that list, and it includes a bunch of pinot noirs. This one, in particular, is from California since you're interested in that: Artesa Carneros Pinot Noir 2007.
Although this doesn't sound like what your mom likes, I do think that merlots are one of the easiest red wines to like as they are often less tannic and more buttery. Could you have her try some? Anyway, here's Wine.com's list of 90+ under $20 "smooth and supple."
In recent years for Christmas, my sister and I have ordered a variety case of wine from the 90+ under $20 list from wine.com and packaged them up in brown paper bags and given them to my parents as "mystery wine box." We do a blind taste test whenever the mood strikes and we all try to guess the wine. The idea was to get my parents out of their french wine rut. It has been a blast and they've loved a lot of surprising wines. Maybe try something like that? Obviously she'll know it's red, but maybe the mystery will be fun enough to entice her to give them a real chance.
posted by Amizu at 10:37 AM on May 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
Although this doesn't sound like what your mom likes, I do think that merlots are one of the easiest red wines to like as they are often less tannic and more buttery. Could you have her try some? Anyway, here's Wine.com's list of 90+ under $20 "smooth and supple."
In recent years for Christmas, my sister and I have ordered a variety case of wine from the 90+ under $20 list from wine.com and packaged them up in brown paper bags and given them to my parents as "mystery wine box." We do a blind taste test whenever the mood strikes and we all try to guess the wine. The idea was to get my parents out of their french wine rut. It has been a blast and they've loved a lot of surprising wines. Maybe try something like that? Obviously she'll know it's red, but maybe the mystery will be fun enough to entice her to give them a real chance.
posted by Amizu at 10:37 AM on May 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
When I helped my mom transition from white to red wine, I started with cheapish blends - Menage a Trois is a decent, sweetish red wine that you can buy in any grocery store for around $10. I wouldn't spend a lot of money trying to find something that you (or any other normal red wine drinker) would consider high quality until you get her used to the general flavor of red wine.
posted by something something at 10:56 AM on May 12, 2010
posted by something something at 10:56 AM on May 12, 2010
nth'ing Pinot Noirs. Not heavy on tannins, or too dry, just good easy drinking that goes with just about any food. As a bonus, here in BC, it's usually the cheapest.
posted by hungrysquirrels at 1:05 PM on May 12, 2010
posted by hungrysquirrels at 1:05 PM on May 12, 2010
Clarification, since I got it wrong: it's not Mojo Rojo, which is a sauce (hee), but Rojo Mojo. Oops.
It might be too spicy, but your mention of dry rieslings reminded me of Pacific Rim's, which reminded me of more Bonny Doon, which reminded me of Le Blageur or whatever it was called. That might have been really peppery though, I wish I could remember (it's been a couple years).
(This is also where I pipe in unhelpfully and say hey, if your mom loves vinho verde let her have it for the summer--it's my favorite summertime wine by far. So good with ceviche!)
posted by ifjuly at 7:38 AM on May 14, 2010
It might be too spicy, but your mention of dry rieslings reminded me of Pacific Rim's, which reminded me of more Bonny Doon, which reminded me of Le Blageur or whatever it was called. That might have been really peppery though, I wish I could remember (it's been a couple years).
(This is also where I pipe in unhelpfully and say hey, if your mom loves vinho verde let her have it for the summer--it's my favorite summertime wine by far. So good with ceviche!)
posted by ifjuly at 7:38 AM on May 14, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by questionsandanchors at 8:35 AM on May 12, 2010