Wine????

My DIL's family have invited us, for Christmas. Naturally, I wouldn't dream of showing up empty-handed. I asked Mark what we could bring and I was thinking pastries or a cheese tray. He said that there would be so much food (Sam has a large Hispanic family), that they really don't need any more.

Mark and his FIL are into wines and Mark suggested a couple of bottles would be appreciated. (Who knew that a Baptist minister drank?) I am a total dummy, when it comes to wine - Tennessee sippin' whiskey is my preferred poison.

Mark suggested a couple of wines, that he and his in-laws like: Chenin Blanc and Shiraz. Yesterday, I ventured into the liquor department and found a couple of moderately-priced bottles but, I'm not sure if they're any good. They are Beringer (California) Chenin Blanc and Lindeman's (Australia) Shiraz. Does anyone know if I made good choices?

Heretofore, my wine purchases have been confined to Carlo Rossi Hearty Burgundy ($3.99 per liter), for cooking and (in my younger, wilder days) Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill

while i was working at the restaurant i got to try many of the wines while the boss went home. >
I absolutely hated the red wines they were so gross that i would throw up.
But i did like the whites.
Falanghina was the best on my list and next came pignot griggio
The more expensive it was the worst it tasted haha.
But as my mums is an alcoholic she buys the cheapest wine that is meant to be for cooking. I just advise you not to get that one

Ohhh and maybe you can bring a bottle of prosecco?? as an appertiser

Most AUstralian shiraz is OK, but I would go for the best quality Cabernet Sauvignon that you can afford. That has taste and body, and goes beautifully with turkey.

I prefer red wines - I have heard that red wine goes with red meat and white wine goes with white meat - I am not sure if that is true, but I don't like white wine.

I agree with Jenny - Cabernet Sauvignon is great, as well is pinot noir and merlot.

Originally Posted by katl8e

(in my younger, wilder days) Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill

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I think Boone's Farm pick a flavor was part of everyone's younger and wilder days (mine was apple flavor - once - what a mistake!)

Originally Posted by Kiwideus

I prefer red wines - I have heard that red wine goes with red meat and white wine goes with white meat - I am not sure if that is true, but I don't like white wine.

I agree with Jenny - Cabernet Sauvignon is great, as well is pinot noir and merlot.

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I agree with Kellye!

Just for ask, someone know the "Gato Negro" or "Gato Blanco" It´s a Chilean (From Chile Country, SouthAmerica) brand.... hummm, hummmm, Delicious my favourite is the Merlot from "Gato Negro"

Cheers!

I'm quite big into wines. I personally like New Zeeland Sauvignon Blanc's look for Marborough Estates on the label-they should run about $15.00 Any brand of that has this qualifications will be excellent. If you want an inexpensive red-buy a Beaujolias Noveau (sorry spelling) they will be fruity and about $10-$12/bottle. The types you bought are ok as australia makes good shiraz's. Chenin Blanc's are a bit sweeter and not alot of wineries make this type of wine.

Beringer is one of my and my husband's favorites -- the White Zinfandel or White Merlot are both excellent.

Originally Posted by GailC

I'm quite big into wines. I personally like New Zeeland Sauvignon Blanc's look for Marborough Estates on the label-they should run about $15.00 Any brand of that has this qualifications will be excellent. If you want an inexpensive red-buy a Beaujolias Noveau (sorry spelling) they will be fruity and about $10-$12/bottle. The types you bought are ok as australia makes good shiraz's. Chenin Blanc's are a bit sweeter and not alot of wineries make this type of wine.

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Good choice Gail! If you ever visit New Zealand, go on a winery tour - great stuff there, the Malborough is great as well as Martinborough.

I was an anthropology major in college and one of my classes talked about vineyard and vintner culture - really fascinating stuff! The true blue vintners don't hire people that are not family, for fear their secrets will be revealed and other vineyards steal them. Loved learning about it, and because of that teacher, I got into red wines He worked summers there and didnt want to be paid, so they paid him at the end with $500 bottles of wine! Lucky Bugger!

Beringer is a good brand.

May I suggest a good California Zinfandel (they are berry and spicy tasting) - no white Zin though !

Sutter Homes White Zinfandel is a good choice also. Not terriably expensive but not cheap either like Boone's farm. I bought my boss and his wife a bottle of that for xmas they just love it.

I love Sutter Home, not too expensive but very good taste. I enjoy red or white wine, just depends what I'm in the mood for at the moment.

I am very deeply into wines... my personal favorite: Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile or at least Argentina. I have always been a tad of the belief that white wines are imitation. I have not tasted Australian wines before, but I hear they are good.

We have right now to be opened between tonight and tomorrow a 1997 Campo Viejo Grand Reserve from La Rioja (Spain)... yesterday we took the 1998 plain Reserve that was bundled with it and boy that one was tasty... you would feel the taste long after it was gone, I am looking forward to the grand reserve.

But... I do still have sitting in a corner of the cabinet a 1996 Argentinian Cabernet reserved for some special ocassion to come...

Anyway, Kat8e, in the years of wine sipping I have had, and the many, many more my parents have had, you learn there is a foolproof way of figuring out which wines are better than others: by the price.

Beringer and Lindemans are both good vintners. I'd trust any of their product. In general, you can trust both California wines and Aussie ones -- provided, of course, you don't buy anything sold in the gallon screw top jug -- those may be wet and alcoholic, but that's about all that can be said for them.

The Chenin Blanc will be a slightly sweet white, but still nice. The Shiraz, while not as full bodied as a Cabernet Sauvignon, is a good choice in a situation where you're not sure of personal tastes, because it goes with a fairly wide variety of foods. A good wine to have on the shelf, just in case.

You may have been flying blind, but I'd say you made a good landing.

CINDY I am not into wine either,give me a fireball w/ apple juice anyday!!

I'm rather fond of Mr. Daniels' product, myself. For special occasions, I have a bottle of Courvoisier in the cupboard. I've never been able to develop a taste for wine.