Wine tasting, for beginners...

Okay, so I'm not a drinker. But, I recently took an interest in wine. I don't know why....I think it may have all started after I saw "Sideways" starring Paul Giamatti. They say it (red wine, as opposed to white, consumed moderately, decreases the risk of heart disease and high cholesterol. Then again, they also said it increased the risk of breast cancer in women overall. I digress...


Any wine connoisseurs in the house? I'm looking for something sweet, fruity...I don't know what goes with which food group. Nothing too strong. Remember, I'm new to this.

white = white)

Wine gets you wasted quicker than beer.

Beer is a drink for a hick. Wine is a drink of elegance and it all has some history to it. It is the foundation for dining in Italy, France, most parts of Europe and even America has taken advantage of their offerings.

And of course the classic Chablis...

Wine always goes very well with cigars if you desire an elegant surrounding.

I don't know, Spachtel. I think Australia should really stick to their beer.

I haven't tried the Shiraz and am just assuming. I'll try it and then give you my opinion. I think this is a god topic. We should form a wine/cigar club here.

Hahaha... That was gay, Spachtel but yes I do have some upstairs. Are you into cigars at all? I have a wide collection of them. My all time favoutites are Havana Blend and Agio Meharis Brasil. The taste of both are fantastic.

I get mine imported from Cuba, then to Canada, then I have them picked up. They are authentic Cuban cigars. Anyway, just because you're a girl doesn't mean you can't like cigars. You will have to try one even if it is just a cheap "game" cigar. I'll make a deal with you. If you try a cigar then I will try the Shiraz.

A cigarello is not a cigar, Spachtel, but I will let it slide.

I guess Australian wine is not real wine anyway so we're even.

Yes that is the way it has to be. Hahaha... You're somethin' else.

I'll send you a PM when I hae tried it. It will either be something like, "Wow thanks for reccomending this!" or "I hate you!"

"Hate mail. I likes me some hate mail."

You just want my attention. 🙂

Do you drink wine just to fit into the whole elegance bollox or do you drink wine cos you like the taste?

Cos if its to do with taste, I am with Deemi on that one..

And Lady M is correct, wine gets you wasted a lot quicker with a horrid hangover the next day...even worse if you've mixed it with beer...

My favourite is Amretto & diet coke..Mmmmmmmmmmmm

Oh my!...no..but I love Baileys on the rocks...my god that is truly orgasmic....

I can have a glass of white wine in corporate settings and also a red to accompany a meal but not a wine drinker..I went through a phase you see when I gave up smoking (needed a subsitute) so I drank wine sooo much I became immune to it..now i just can't stand it..gives me a headache..

::wants to go out for a drink::

Yes, yes, thank you.

I'm still a little confused as to wether you all are offering red or white suggestions. I'd prefer the former, because the health authorities, in all their knowing, claim it's better for me. ::shrugs:: 😉😛

K, I also don't know which one goes with what though. I found this wine forum. They were arguing about it on a thread. lol

lmao...arguing about wine—?

Well a glass of nice Chardonnay of some kind when out on the piss and a nice Shiraz of some kind with food is all my wine knowledge has stretched to thus far....

If you like a sweet wine try the ports. Also, I like gerwerztraminer. Very "sweet". Almost like kool-aid. It's better than a reisling for those who like a fruity "sweet" white.

AS for pairing, just remember whites with whites and reds with reds. A chianti goes well with almost all red sauces. Whites go well with fish, seafood, and poultry. Reds go well with beef. But think of the sauces, too. I like a sauvignon blanc with picattas. I like shiraz/syrah with filet mignon and a red wine reduction. It's really a matter of testing and tasting.

Awww, thanks Nyx. 🙂


I bought a Pinot Noir on my way home. The guy in the store recommended it.

I'm going to use it in the marinade that will coat my baked italian- style tofu. Professional chefs say you should only cook with a wine you'd drink. Boy, does it taste good. Mmmmm 🙂🙂