The Absinthe Review Network Forums

Anybody have any knowledge to share or recommendations?

Research has shown that many Americans don't like the grape content of wines. It is recommended that you try a grape-free variety first, maybe in a cocktail. Many of the new grape-free wines have been specially developed for cocktails.

Another option could be to start with a wine-based absinthe, and see if you can burn the absinthe off. That will produce a wine that tastes a bit like absinthe. This might be an easier way to help you get used to the grape taste of European wines.

I'm kind of partial to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This all stems from the many bottles of Rosemount GSM that I acquired some years ago which contain Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. All similar components of typical bottles of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Still have a few bottles of those left all between 10-15 years old. Riesling has a wide variety of classifications: Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, and Eiswein making them suitable for anything you wish to enjoy them with. I don't drink as much wine as I used to, but a nice Port is a great accompaniment to a good cigar. Then again, so is an aged rum though others are partial to cognac or scotch.

Gees Alan, I'm gonna sound like a dumb bunny but I'm not sure what you're talking about? I guess I'm not sure what you mean by the grape taste of European wines? I've had some French wines before( Pouilly Fuse & others), imported of course, I'm just not sure what you mean?? Can you elaborate?? Thanks!

Pay no attention to that Moss character, he's just a smart ass!

Get to know Wine Library TV. Gary won't steer you wrong. http://tv.winelibrary.com/

Gary does a good job with wines. Didn't do too shabby with absinthe either, except when he said he enjoyed the nasty absinthe bitters he tried.

I'm partial to Rhone and Rioja wines myself, but enjoy a wide range.

Oh alright, I'll go with the flow. Wines I have worked on, drunk a lot of, and would recommend:-

Robert Mondavi (but not the Woodbridge brand).
Most of wines from Antinori
Louis Latour
Faustino (especially # 1).

and while we are it, sparkling wines and champagne are also wine, so:-

Krug (when you are feeling very rich; great champagne for over $100)
Charles Heidsieck (great champagne for less than $100).

However ....

(02-27-2010 12:45 AM)speedle Wrote: [ -> ]Pay no attention to that Moss character, he's just a smart ass!

Thanks Smart Ass!

What do you like taste wise? Red, white, dry, sweet, spiced, bubbly, what have you had that you liked? These are good starting points.

There's lots that I like. I think the only exception is really sweet wines. I like Chardonnays, Champagne, Cabernet Savignon, Pinot Noir, Bordeaux's, Cotes du Rhone. I think Louis Jadot makes some really good wines but are rather expensive, or are for me at least. (I tend to save my money for absinthes!) I love their Pouilly-Fuisse. I've had a French Chablis ( I think it was a Louis Jadot) that was really good but don't tend to drink Chablis in general. If I have a white wine it's usually a Chardonnay or Champagne. I like sparkling Rose too! I hear there are some good red wines coming out of South America but don't any names. Any recommendations or names of inexpensive Chardonnays that are good would be appreciated too!

There's lots that I like. I think the only exception is really sweet wines. I like Chardonnays, Champagne, Cabernet Savignon, Pinot Noir, Bordeaux's, Cotes du Rhone. I think Louis Jadot makes some really good wines but are rather expensive, or are for me at least. (I tend to save my money for absinthes!) I love their Pouilly-Fuisse. I've had a French Chablis ( I think it was a Louis Jadot) that was really good but don't tend to drink Chablis in general. If I have a white wine it's usually a Chardonnay or Champagne. I like sparkling Rose too! I hear there are some good red wines coming out of South America but don't any names. Any recommendations or names of inexpensive Chardonnays that are good would be appreciated too!

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Sorry!! Hit the wrong button! I didn't mean to post this twice!!! And my edit button never works!!

I had an intro to wine class soooo yummy...I'm all about the nz sauvignon blanc and pinot noirs...muscats and ports for dessert...ooo and asti spumante for the morning...cabs are nice too

I don't think I've ever had any sauvignon blancs..... Can you describe their taste or recommend a particular brand hbnc?? Did your class recommend any names??

My personal list:

Castillo de la Cruz Gran Reserva 1998, 2000 12.5%
Rene Barbier 1998 12.5%
Conde de Farnals Reserva 1997 13.5%
Faustino Rivera Ulecia Audaz Rioja 2006 12.5% (2003 was crap for that matter)
Bordeaux Baron de Lestac 2000 12%
Syrah Barton et Geustier 1995 12%
Oksamit Oksamit Ukrainy 2005 16%
Imiglykos J. Boutari 11%
Cotes du Rhone La Gibeciere 1999 13%
Vin de Crete Kourtaki 2004 12%
Kagor Basvinex 2007 16%
Kagor Dionis Club 16%
Egri Bikaver Simon 2004 12.5%
Kadarka Gold Bostavan 2008 11%
Santa Misa 2008 12%
Muscat de Patras 15%
Tokaji Aszu-any, 3 puttonyos preferred, 1896-1996, 12.5-14.5%
Tokaji Szamorodni-up to 2001, 12%
Tokaji Sargamuskotaly 2004 13.5%

Thanks Boggy!

(02-28-2010 12:00 AM)Anonymous green peony Wrote: [ -> ]I don't think I've ever had any sauvignon blancs..... Can you describe their taste or recommend a particular brand hbnc?? Did your class recommend any names??

It reminds me of green pepper and slightly citrus...anything from new zealand...those are the ost common with this profile...great for spring with a salad...

I'm a big fan of Spanish wines. I tend to find most French wines a little fussy and over-complicated (not a fan of French food for the same reasons), but I'll take a bold, no-nonsense Spanish red or crisp white any day.

From elsewhere, I also like Pinot Grigio, generally speaking.

I used to take camera phone pics of labels I liked when I was out and would write my thoughts in a little notebook with a printout of the label as reference. It was fun and helped me figure out my own preferences.

There are also helpful books out there on bargain wines - the UK has one that tells you the gems in grocery stores; a great way to begin to understand the flavours without breaking your bank account.