wines
These days it seems red wines are more in favor. This is unfortunate for me since I've never met a red that I liked. Even White Zinfandel doesn't appeal to me. I guess they have too much body and taste. I like a more bland approach.
Back in the 80s white wines had their hayday. Every time you turned around someone was having a party with Chardonnay, Chablis and Sauvignon Blanc. Since I like my wine a little sweeter, I've always gravitated towards Rieslings though the occasional sparkling wine is nice too.
My current favorite is picture to the left.
Schmitt Sohne's 2003 Riesling QbA from the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region of Germany. Frequently referred to as "blue bottle" for obvious reasons. There's several types of blue bottle and QbA is the least expensive, typically costing $7.99 a bottle. Other types cost more but none are very expensive. The 2004 is out but I've not tried it since I still have a few bottles of the 2003 on hand.
Riesling’s great attribute is that it combines high natural acidity with tremendous fruit presence, in both aroma and taste. They tend to be low alcohol wines, the QbA is 9%, and have incredible aging ability. A few years back a Riesling from the 1400s was uncorked and found to be still "living". Riesling’s other hallmark is an expressive bouquet. It's often a treat to just sniff the bottle.
What do you prefer, red, white or sparkling? Any particular type or year?
Back in the 80s white wines had their hayday. Every time you turned around someone was having a party with Chardonnay, Chablis and Sauvignon Blanc. Since I like my wine a little sweeter, I've always gravitated towards Rieslings though the occasional sparkling wine is nice too.
My current favorite is picture to the left.
Schmitt Sohne's 2003 Riesling QbA from the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region of Germany. Frequently referred to as "blue bottle" for obvious reasons. There's several types of blue bottle and QbA is the least expensive, typically costing $7.99 a bottle. Other types cost more but none are very expensive. The 2004 is out but I've not tried it since I still have a few bottles of the 2003 on hand.
Riesling’s great attribute is that it combines high natural acidity with tremendous fruit presence, in both aroma and taste. They tend to be low alcohol wines, the QbA is 9%, and have incredible aging ability. A few years back a Riesling from the 1400s was uncorked and found to be still "living". Riesling’s other hallmark is an expressive bouquet. It's often a treat to just sniff the bottle.
What do you prefer, red, white or sparkling? Any particular type or year?
Comments
However, I rarely drink, so my preferences matter little.
My most favorite recent wine I've had is the 1997 Ruffino Chianti. Later I had the 2003 and it was definately not as good. I think 97 was supposed to be a good year overall.
But I'm not a wine snob, so that is all I can say about that.
The place I buy my wine from keeps a list of the stuff I like and then I request the "one from spain with the gold circle" or something like that. And they don't even laugh at me. They must wait until I leave.
PS. After the revolution, you can still drink your Reislings, fear not. ;)
Remember this for when we get time to have a romantic dinner together! ;o)
Michele sent me this time.
I shall start chilling some right now!
rashbre
Teresa, your preferences do matter. Really!
Lisa M, it sounds like you have a much more responsive wine merchant than I. I get mine at a grocery store! LOL You can't do that up there! It's weird how much the various states differ on how alcohol is sold. Here in NC you have to buy spirits from State owned and operated stores--but wine is sold in grocery stores. Go figure.
Judy, I've never had a taste of Dom. It's way, way over my price range. That must have been a very nice friend to give you and your husband two bottles.
Yaeli, I'm keeping notes so that romantic dinner will be note perfect. It's all about you, darling. :-)
Rashbre, I've had some wine from the Alsace-Lorraine region but not Gewürztraminer. In fact I've not had that type ever. I'll see if any are carried in the stores I shop in, Rashbre. Thanks for the suggestion!
As for domestic Reislings, I've only had one--it was from Vermont, of all places--and it was wonderful. Unfortunately it's only available locally and Vermont is 400 miles from where I live.
My favorite red must be from an Oak barrel none of the metal barrel for . Hence the reason I love clos du bois it's expensive but sooooooooooooooo worth it.
Maggie
Michele sent me
Judy--My father bought a bottle of Dom when I graduated from nursing school. At the time my wine experience was minimal, and I could still appreciate the quality!
Michelle--My Sweetie is a red lover and Aussie Shirazes? are his favorites.
gewertzteminer's are good if not too sweet, the best reisling i EVER tasted comes from a winery in my old neighborhood, Temecula Ca. Fetzer's Emerald Reisling is pure ambrosia.. and actually findable in grocery stores around here.
I'm a sucker for good chardonnay, but the fume blancs are a private weakness... and good sparklies! Bubbles rock!
I'm a red wine drinker and I must admit I miss the stuff. Didn't start out that way, but gragually moved into the stuff.
If you can to give reds a try take advantage of tastings, especially of pinot noir and you may enjoy Beaujoulais Nouveaux, this season's crop should appear in just a week or two.