Wine Information

Can anyone recommend good wines for a new drinker? (This will yield very broad answers, I know.)?

Recently tried Santa Margerita's Pinot Grigio 2006. This is now my favorite wine. I like that it is dry yet flavorful, and lingers nicely. I like how it is not terribly smooth. I have bought a couple whites since, and would like some recommendations before I go further. Francis Coppola's Sauvignon Blanc was satisfying, but not nearly as much as the aforementioned (although I liked the approach). This Gallo Chardonnay is far better than I thought it would be at 8 dollars, but is still not cutting it. I have tried some red pinots (macmurray's, rodney strong, smoking loon) and been disappointed. America's first petite shirah was not crisp enough. Far too complex. Or perhaps it was just bad, and I am not good at telling these things. I would like any recommendations based on my favorite, which is that Pinot Grigio. I realize this is a broad question but have noticed there are many wine lovers here who seem glad to share suggestions. Any color, any reasonable price. Thanks.

Public Comments

1. I love King Estate Pinot Gris. It is really good. For Chardonnay I like LaCremma.
2. If as you say you are new to wines, try Chenin blanc, or Reislings, Gewurstraminers,try a few White Zins, Rosés, then move on to the reds...your taste buds will sprout along with your pleasure...sànte
3. I am a blush wine girl myself. I really like Crane Lake. They are extremely affordable, but have a great scent and flavor. Also, my husband really likes barefoot. It's good, but not my favorite. We don't have a lot to spend on wine... so these are both very reasonable.
4. Personally I always stick with the smaller wineries. You will find better deals there over all. You will end up with a bit of crap that way to. If you happen to be in the Southwest US this is a good resource for finding them: http://www.southwestwinetrails.com My bet is that you are near some. If you go visit and do their tasting (some have a small charge, but many are free) you will get to try a bit of several things. Drinking different wine is really the key to figuring out what you like. And if you like Pinot Gris...I'd try a white or blush Merlot.
5. Silver Palm Cabernet
6. red - Cote du Bruhlois Grande Chene rouge a vino verde from Portugal - Casal Garcia English champagne - Nyetimber
7. I have Santa Margerita's as well in my china cabinet waiting for me....hehehe. My faves: - Rodney Strong (charlottes) - Sauvignon Blanc - Pine Ridge - Chenin Blanc - Francis Coppola - Cabernet - Clos du Val - 2002 / 2003 Cabernet - Tiziano - Chianti (still tasting more in chianti's) - Kim Crawford - either pinot gris or saivignon blanc
8. to start with the price should be between $12 & 15 somewhere in there.
9. Ca' Montini pinot grigio is excellent choice of wine very crisp taste, its my wife's favorite
10. that is something you can't pretend, so ask a friend that really knows
11. I'll try to do better than the last answers!! -2005 Woodbridge Pinot Grigio -2005 Smoking Loon Merlot (i agree their Pinot N sucks but this one is god) -2005 Fetzer Merlot -Covey Run Riesling (any year) -2006 Kendall Jackson Sauvignon Blanc All of these can be found in your local grocery store and are good values. Let me know if you need other suggestions. I'm learning the world of wine myself. Later.