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Italian reds. I don't mean the Bolla, santa Margherita crap. I mean, the real Italians from central Italy.
Real italian reds however can be expensive in the USA, so I alternate with some decent wines I found at good prices, like Shiraz by Wyndham (AUS). These wines are often overlooked and at $ 8-10 bottle they beat plenty of $ 25 California wines.
A good and not expesive American red is the Blackstone Merlot, reasonably priced. The most overrated wines are Californian reds, I would say that 60-70% of them are overpriced (but most people don't know wine, so they buy them thinking of buying something fancy and very good).
White wines: Italian if I need white wine to go with seafood or flavored deli meat cuts; agood Pinot Grigio or Pinot Bianco always work well for me. The best come from the regions: Veneto and Friuli (sometimes written in its entire name: Friuli-Venezia Giulia).
I also enjoy French Vouvray and Chardonnay as a pre-dinner aperitiv. I am still talking about wines below $ 20.00/bottle (except for some Italians).
I had Zinfandel several times at parties or bars, but I definitely don't enjoy it much, too sweet, too fruity, almost an "unwiny" flavor (and yes, "unwiny" is a new word I just made up, if you were wondering).
Finally, one tip for those looking into Italian wines. Always look for this on the bottle:
DENOMINAZIONE DI ORIGINE CONTROLLATA
or
DENOMINAZIONE DI ORIGINE CONTROLLATA E GARANTITA
That's the good wine, that meets all the strict requirements of good wine making. Spain and France also have a similiar system.
Oh, before I forget, check out some New Zealand whites. They are cheap, underrated and at 60-65 degrees they are often a great surpirse with some cheese or salami.
I've always been a devotee of the House of E & J Gallo....Either one of their offerings.."Night Train" or "Thunderbird"....will get you where you want to go for a minumum of expense, in a minimum of time...and you can forget about carrying those inconvenient corkscrews.
These selections will take you from 'dry as dust' to 'comatose' before you know what hit you. What do they "go with"?....sardines....crackers...peanut butter..ANYTHING. These are very 'forgiving' vintages. I find them especially rewarding while waiting for a ride out of town...particularly if you're on a budget.
I've always been a devotee of the House of E & J Gallo....Either one of their offerings.."Night Train" or "Thunderbird"....will get you where you want to go for a minumum of expense, in a minimum of time...and you can forget about carrying those inconvenient corkscrews.
I've never tried those, but I did make the mistake of drinking MD 20/20 on a dare.
I've never tried those, but I did make the mistake of drinking MD 20/20 on a dare.
yes please, I'm trying not to re-live the 60's and 70's, OK?? My best friend got drunk on Spanada and boy was it messy I am trying to be a little more sophisticated. My fave is Cavit Pinot Grigio, or if I am in the city at the wine gallery, I get what their best pick is. I need more education.
While waiting on the teapot, I'm having a glass of Beringers Private Reserve Chardonnay. It was a nice gift. It's good, but I'd rather have a hearty red.
I had Zinfandel several times at parties or bars, but I definitely don't enjoy it much, too sweet, too fruity, almost an "unwiny" flavor (and yes, "unwiny" is a new word I just made up, if you were wondering).
Obviously, you're talking about "White Zinfandel", rather than Zin. They're two completely different wines.
I've always been a devotee of the House of E & J Gallo....Either one of their offerings.."Night Train" or "Thunderbird"....will get you where you want to go for a minumum of expense, in a minimum of time...and you can forget about carrying those inconvenient corkscrews.
These selections will take you from 'dry as dust' to 'comatose' before you know what hit you. What do they "go with"?....sardines....crackers...peanut butter..ANYTHING. These are very 'forgiving' vintages. I find them especially rewarding while waiting for a ride out of town...particularly if you're on a budget.
But wait,...there was another classic vintage which paired well with barbiuartes. Ripple, yes, that's it!
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