Favourite Wine

[80watts]

My preference used to be white wines. Now I seem to buy more reds.... I also look for wine that doesn't have that oaky aftertaste. More with fruity flavours. Any recommendations?

 

[bjl85]

Younger reds tend to be more fruity. Go for the big bolds like cab sauv, merlot, syrah, zinfandel.

 

[theimp]

Try an Amarone, a good one. Usually can't go wrong with Masi. A bit pricey, but worth it. Anything in the '08-'11 range, should be good, without breaking the bank, too much (definitely an indulgence).

 

[cityboi]

Malbecs... try deep roots or moon cursor

 

[masterpoonhunter]

Ah, I could wax eloquently about wines. Young wines, older wines, light, soft ones, more gritty big and bold ones.
All good, some great, some more satisfying, some leaving you on edge, some leaving you exhausted and some having you wanting so much more.
Much like the plethora of lovely women out there.

 

[Pantherdash]

Try a Chianti Classico. They all come from Chianti Classico in Tuscany, Italy. Some are a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Merlot and other varieties and some just Sangiovese but they must have at least 80% Sangiovese. Sangiovese is a wonderful grape varietal that pairs well with many different kinds of foods or great on its own. Medium to full bodied, some very nice dark and/or cheery bright berry flavours with medium plus acidity and, if you get a good one, a long finish. Try San Felice Chianti Classico 2017 at the LDB for $22.99. Its older brother the Classico Riserva 2015 at $27.99 is also excellent with plenty of creamy red berries on the palette a bit less acidity due to its age and a generous finish.

Similar to that and also from Tuscany is a Rosso di Montalcino, essentially a young Brunello di Montalcino the major difference being that it's not aged as long as a Brunello, which needs to spend a minimum of 5 years aging before it's released. More acidity here but better quality Sangiovese grapes (100%). By all means buy the Brunello but they're at least $56 a bottle, and the sky's the limit but truly one of the world's greatest wines! So for a Rosso di Montalcino at the LDB (and they don't stock too many) I like Altesino Rosso di Montalcino 2016 for $28.99. They're now stocking the 2018 and I have not tried it but always delivers. Just decant it 15 minutes ahead of time. Great with a pasta with a rich wild boar and tomato sauce!

Sounds like you also might like Malbec. Argentina is the world's best producer of Malbec but it was also widely used in Bordeaux more than a century ago. Quality varies greatly here but not as much as Chile. My favourite that doesn't break the bank at $23.99 is Vina Cobos "Felino" 2019. Or for much less at $14.99 is Alamos Malbec 2018. Both have a lot of rich, dark fruit and berry flavours with some hints of herbs such as thyme and tarragon, and distinct black coffee notes on the nose. The Felino is more complex and intense and has a longer finish and pairs well with red meat with dark reduced sauces, but very good on its own too.

And yes, I've been drinking a bit more than I should during this pandemic! In fact, I made it an enjoyable hobby! ?

Panther

 

[PuntMeister]

I drink a fuk ton of wine, and that’s a fuk ton too much during a pandemic. Based on your taste, I would suggest you try a range of red wines and see what works for your taste. I’ve got my faves, but they may not be your faves. So here’s a few that range from low to higher in price that are worth a sip-see.

Cheap (under $15)
- Fontella Chianti, Italy. Lighter, fruitier, cheaper than most decent Italian wines
- An Okanagan VQA Merlot, like Mission Hill, Inniskillin, etc. Merlot has fruit-forward notes. Go to a Save On Foods that has a good size wine section and chat with the wine person there about a tasty merlot. Save on has a great VQA range.

Mid Range ($15-25)
- Meiomi Pinot Noir, California. Pinot Noir has a tighter, crisper berry taste with slightly tangy hints. This one’s a good choice to see if you like pinot.
- J. Lohr Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a standby easy drinking cab that never goes on sale, cuz it slways sells well.
-7 Deadly Zins, or Ravenswood Zinfandel, California. About right to see if you like the Zins.

Bit of a Treat ($25+, from lowest to highest)
- Deep Roots Gamay, Canada VQA
- Masi Amarone or any Brunello on sale (agree with previous poster about an Amarone for a splurge treat / special occasion).

So many more great wines I could gush on about but likely wouldn’t fit your taste profile. These gems are worth a go to see if you like the varietals, regions, and styles.

Bottoms Up!

 

[Miss Hunter]

- Deep Roots Gamay, Canada VQA

Great choice!

 

[l00min]

I drink a fuk ton of wine, and that’s a fuk ton too much during a pandemic. Based on your taste, I would suggest you try a range of red wines and see what works for your taste. I’ve got my faves, but they may not be your faves. So here’s a few that range from low to higher in price that are worth a sip-see.

Cheap (under $15)
- Fontella Chianti, Italy. Lighter, fruitier, cheaper than most decent Italian wines
- An Okanagan VQA Merlot, like Mission Hill, Inniskillin, etc. Merlot has fruit-forward notes. Go to a Save On Foods that has a good size wine section and chat with the wine person there about a tasty merlot. Save on has a great VQA range.

Mid Range ($15-25)
- Meiomi Pinot Noir, California. Pinot Noir has a tighter, crisper berry taste with slightly tangy hints. This one’s a good choice to see if you like pinot.
- J. Lohr Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a standby easy drinking cab that never goes on sale, cuz it slways sells well.
- Peter Lehman “The Basossan” Shiraz, Australia. Huge flavour and punch for about $20 bucks. This mofo will tell you if you like big bold power-fruit wines like shiraz or not. Seriously good shit if you do.
-7 Deadly Zins, or Ravenswood Zinfandel, California. About right to see if you like the Zins.

Bit of a Treat ($25+, from lowest to highest)
- Deep Roots Gamay, Canada VQA
- Sirens Call Shiraz, Canada VQA (Save-on)
- Molly Dooker, The Boxer, Australia
- Masi Amarone or any Brunello on sale (agree with previous poster about an Amarone for a splurge treat / special occasion).

So many more great wines I could gush on about but likely wouldn’t fit your taste profile. These gems are worth a go to see if you like the varietals, regions, and styles.

Bottoms Up!

Meiomi is my go to. I like the rest of your list, we both enjoy similar wines.

 

[Mr. J]

I don't drink wine all that much, but one that I enjoyed was Beronia Gran Reserva from Spain. I preferred the 2000 vintage, but generally a good pick regardless of year if I do say so myself.