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Message
re: Wine suggestions for a beginner
Posted on 8/1/12 at 8:52 pm to BlackenedOut
Posted on 8/1/12 at 8:52 pm to BlackenedOut
quote:That is a bit extreme. Go to a wine tasting, taste a bunch of wines, decide what you like, ignore everyone else. Tastings, particularly at a reputable retailer that will put wines in front of you that you won't see at a supermarket and otherwise might not try, are a great way to broaden your experience. And to your point, breadth is the best way to find out what you like. The most efficient way to achieve that is to go to tastings. Looking at Martin's website, it's clear you can taste dozens of wines for $10-$20 and that is great experience. The key is ignoring what others say about the wines. It's useful to have a broad frame of reference, but at the end of the day, drink what you like.
wine tastings are a poor way to learn what you like
3
Posted on 8/1/12 at 8:57 pm to coolpapaboze
quote:
And to your point, breadth is the best way to find out what you like
quote:
It's useful to have a broad frame of reference, but at the end of the day, drink what you like.
I could not have said it better--in fact I've used the term "broad frame of reference" when discussing wine with beginners. This is the only way to know what you like. You have to try lots of stuff. You then can compare wine 1 with wine 9 and so forth. Then a new wine will remind you of wine 9 and pretty soon-after wine 99 maybe-you will know what you like.
Posted on 8/1/12 at 9:11 pm to coolpapaboze
quote:
wine tastings are a poor way to learn what you like
That is a bit extreme. Go to a wine tasting, taste a bunch of wines, decide what you like, ignore everyone else. Tastings, particularly at a reputable retailer that will put wines in front of you that you won't see at a supermarket and otherwise might not try, are a great way to broaden your experience. And to your point, breadth is the best way to find out what you like. The most efficient way to achieve that is to go to tastings. Looking at Martin's website, it's clear you can taste dozens of wines for $10-$20 and that is great experience. The key is ignoring what others say about the wines. It's useful to have a broad frame of reference, but at the end of the day, drink what you like.
Post quality, this is. I really enjoy tasting and tend to not interact with who is pouring unless I find that I like the wine. I really dislike wine snobs that try to show up people who are just starting their wine journey. These guys suck and honestly they can go frick themselves.
Excuding tastings from your introduction to wines would really slow the process down, I don't know why anyone would make a suggestion such as this.
Posted on 8/1/12 at 9:11 pm to ruzil
I have a theory that you have to drink, and by this buy, many crappy wines in order to find some good ones. I drink good wines almost exclusively reds. I prefer California blends because I am comfortable and most knowledgable of. I enjoy French but don't know the regions so to me it's a shot in the dark.
I suggest locally going to Calandros, Perkins or Mathernes, Perkins or Bacchus on Highland and telling them where you are. Listen to what they suggest, buy, try and develop your palette. Then develop from there. Believe it or not those three have a decent knowledge and can hit what you are looking for. Don't be afraid to step out, spend a little above your comfort zone and try something. I can find great $10 wines. But if I hit a $30 and up I can really move into a totally different realm. I don't mean more money is better but the 10-30 and above is much different.
Try many, expect to not enjoy some, dont feel like "I spent $40 on a crappy bottle of wine. Think ok I' like it I'll try something different next time."
Your palate will change. I've enjoyed many and while I still do currently I'm a Sangiovese fan. Don't be afraid. It's a lifelong quest. Enjoy the journey and appreciate it as well.
Learn a region. I have been a Napa fan because it's where I've been many times and continue to visit. For this reason, I'm blind to French wines. But it doesn't matter because of the choices I have.
Go see Ruffin at Ruffinos and eat a light dinner, tell him to pick ONE nice interesting bottle in your price point.
And sit back and listen. He as well as the others above will direct you as good as anyone in Baton Rouge.
I suggest locally going to Calandros, Perkins or Mathernes, Perkins or Bacchus on Highland and telling them where you are. Listen to what they suggest, buy, try and develop your palette. Then develop from there. Believe it or not those three have a decent knowledge and can hit what you are looking for. Don't be afraid to step out, spend a little above your comfort zone and try something. I can find great $10 wines. But if I hit a $30 and up I can really move into a totally different realm. I don't mean more money is better but the 10-30 and above is much different.
Try many, expect to not enjoy some, dont feel like "I spent $40 on a crappy bottle of wine. Think ok I' like it I'll try something different next time."
Your palate will change. I've enjoyed many and while I still do currently I'm a Sangiovese fan. Don't be afraid. It's a lifelong quest. Enjoy the journey and appreciate it as well.
Learn a region. I have been a Napa fan because it's where I've been many times and continue to visit. For this reason, I'm blind to French wines. But it doesn't matter because of the choices I have.
Go see Ruffin at Ruffinos and eat a light dinner, tell him to pick ONE nice interesting bottle in your price point.
And sit back and listen. He as well as the others above will direct you as good as anyone in Baton Rouge.
Posted on 8/1/12 at 9:21 pm to Martini
quote:Wisdom right here. Written by someone who has likely, as I have, slaughtered millons of brain cells in pursuit of a greater appreciation of wine.
I have a theory that you have to drink, and by this buy, many crappy wines in order to find some good ones. I enjoy French but don't know the regions so to me it's a shot in the dark.
I suggest locally going to Calandros, Perkins or Mathernes, Perkins or Bacchus on Highland and telling them where you are. Listen to what they suggest, buy, try and develop your palette. Then develop from there. Believe it or not those three have a decent knowledge and can hit what you are looking for. Don't be afraid to step out, spend a little above your comfort zone and try something. I can find great $10 wines. But if I hit a $30 and up I can really move into a totally different realm. I don't mean more money is better but the 10-30 and above is much different.
Try many, expect to not enjoy some, dont feel like "I spent $40 on a crappy bottle of wine. Think ok I' like it I'll try something different next time."
Your palate will change. I've enjoyed many and while I still do currently I'm a Sangiovese fan. Don't be afraid. It's a lifelong quest. Enjoy the journey and appreciate it as well.
Learn a region. I have been a Napa fan because it's where I've been many times and continue to visit. For this reason, I'm blind to French wines. But it doesn't matter because of the choices I have.
Go see Ruffin at Ruffinos and eat a light dinner, tell him to pick ONE nice interesting bottle in your price point.
And sit back and listen. He as well as the others above will direct you as good as anyone in Baton Rouge.
Posted on 8/1/12 at 9:23 pm to coolpapaboze
quote:
Go to a wine tasting, taste a bunch of wines, decide what you like, ignore everyone else. Tastings, particularly at a reputable retailer that will put wines in front of you that you won't see at a supermarket and otherwise might not try, are a great way to broaden your experience
Yes, yes, yes.
My best experience was attending a beginners wine tasting at a small wine store. The guy leading the group was funny and made it not snobby at all. He led us through all of the stuff you should know to start learning how to look at wines, etc, and then we tasted 3 whites and 3 reds.
Not long after that I signed up for a beginners wine course at Martin Wine Cellar in Metairie. It was 4 or 5 classes that went on once a week. Focused on a few different kinds of wines each week and they always had breads, cheese, and nuts on the table to go with the wine.
This post was edited on 8/1/12 at 10:11 pm
Posted on 8/1/12 at 9:41 pm to Martini
quote:
I have a theory that you have to drink, and by this buy, many crappy wines in order to find some good ones. I drink good wines almost exclusively reds. I prefer California blends because I am comfortable and most knowledgable of. I enjoy French but don't know the regions so to me it's a shot in the dark.
I suggest locally going to Calandros, Perkins or Mathernes, Perkins or Bacchus on Highland and telling them where you are. Listen to what they suggest, buy, try and develop your palette. Then develop from there. Believe it or not those three have a decent knowledge and can hit what you are looking for. Don't be afraid to step out, spend a little above your comfort zone and try something. I can find great $10 wines. But if I hit a $30 and up I can really move into a totally different realm. I don't mean more money is better but the 10-30 and above is much different.
Try many, expect to not enjoy some, dont feel like "I spent $40 on a crappy bottle of wine. Think ok I' like it I'll try something different next time."
Your palate will change. I've enjoyed many and while I still do currently I'm a Sangiovese fan. Don't be afraid. It's a lifelong quest. Enjoy the journey and appreciate it as well.
Learn a region. I have been a Napa fan because it's where I've been many times and continue to visit. For this reason, I'm blind to French wines. But it doesn't matter because of the choices I have.
Go see Ruffin at Ruffinos and eat a light dinner, tell him to pick ONE nice interesting bottle in your price point.
And sit back and listen. He as well as the others above will direct you as good as anyone in Baton Rouge.
Nice post. We seem to be like minded when it comes to wine. I'll have to go check out Ruffin and get some recommendations.
I learned long ago that it's not difficult to find a great expensive bottle, but it's like Christmas when you can find that great wine at the $10-15 dollar price point.
Pulling many corks is the best way to learn what you like, and the least expensive way. Once you learn a little about your palate, then direct the wine merchant with a little knowledge to maximize you investment.
Posted on 8/1/12 at 9:45 pm to coolpapaboze
quote:
Wisdom right here. Written by someone who has likely, as I have, slaughtered millons of brain cells in pursuit of a greater appreciation of wine.
I think I read somewhere that this was not true, alcohol didn't actually destroy brain cells. Where's that link, wait, what were we talking about........
Posted on 8/1/12 at 10:07 pm to ruzil
Some of the best regions for affordable wines are hands down South American countries and Spain. Spain hands down gets some of the best reviews (87-91 points on a 100 point scale) for wines in the $7-15 range. The biggest thing to decide is whether you prefer what some might call "old world" or "new world" that being European wines that are a bit more earthy or domestic wines that are more fruit forward.
I find you can buy Monastrell wines from the region of Jumilla in Spain at any wine store locally (Martins, Calandros, Mathernes, Marcellos) and stay in a budget of right over $100-150 a case. Really and truly Spain is where it's at for someone looking for the best value. You get a wine made in a fruit forward style with a touch of earthy and spicy qualities. Other regions of interest are priorat, toro, and costers del segre.
Outside of Spain, Malbecs and blends from Argentina are easy drinking and affordable as well.
Hope this helps!
PS: On another note Fete Rouge is right around the corner and is a great event for a good cause. I think it is August 24th? Price should be around $50 and there is close to 200 different wines and food from multiple purveyors and restaurants available.
I find you can buy Monastrell wines from the region of Jumilla in Spain at any wine store locally (Martins, Calandros, Mathernes, Marcellos) and stay in a budget of right over $100-150 a case. Really and truly Spain is where it's at for someone looking for the best value. You get a wine made in a fruit forward style with a touch of earthy and spicy qualities. Other regions of interest are priorat, toro, and costers del segre.
Outside of Spain, Malbecs and blends from Argentina are easy drinking and affordable as well.
Hope this helps!
PS: On another note Fete Rouge is right around the corner and is a great event for a good cause. I think it is August 24th? Price should be around $50 and there is close to 200 different wines and food from multiple purveyors and restaurants available.
Posted on 8/1/12 at 10:13 pm to Martini
quote:
I prefer California blends because I am comfortable and most knowledgable of
I know nothing about any, but am really drawn to the Cali blends lately, for the only reason I know... they just taste good
I have to stay within the 10 or so dollar range for my everyday wines and the Primal Roots Red Blend is my new go to.
Posted on 8/1/12 at 10:14 pm to lilwineman
quote:
Some of the best regions for affordable wines are hands down South American countries and Spain. Spain hands down gets some of the best reviews (87-91 points on a 100 point scale) for wines in the $7-15 range. The biggest thing to decide is whether you prefer what some might call "old world" or "new world" that being European wines that are a bit more earthy or domestic wines that are more fruit forward.
I find you can buy Monastrell wines from the region of Jumilla in Spain at any wine store locally (Martins, Calandros, Mathernes, Marcellos) and stay in a budget of right over $100-150 a case. Really and truly Spain is where it's at for someone looking for the best value. You get a wine made in a fruit forward style with a touch of earthy and spicy qualities. Other regions of interest are priorat, toro, and costers del segre.
Outside of Spain, Malbecs and blends from Argentina are easy drinking and affordable as well.
Hope this helps!
PS: On another note Fete Rouge is right around the corner and is a great event for a good cause. I think it is August 24th? Price should be around $50 and there is close to 200 different wines and food from multiple purveyors and restaurants available.
I frickin knew if we put the Batman Light out, Shaggy would show up. Props man, for the great advice. I too, have Spain, Argentina, and Chile in my sights.
This post was edited on 8/1/12 at 10:15 pm
Posted on 8/1/12 at 10:24 pm to ruzil
The hair has been cutteth. And Sunday I fly out to Napa as one of 60 sommeliers invited nationwide for an educational seminar for Russian River Valley Pinot Forum. Will be dining with the owners of Papapietro Perry winery on Sunday night 
Awesome Pinot Noir producer for something elegant and uber complex.
Spend two more days in seminars, then four days casually rolling through the valley. Plan on stopping at the Russian River Valley Brewery and consuming many a pints of Pliny in their draft pub.
But yes, there is a million wines within the $10 range that would easily whet his palate and introduce him to something more. My BIGGEST recommendation is stay away from the bulk stuff you can find at any grocery store in the nation. There is no clue how those grapes are grown or where they are sourced. Stick with the smaller guys making a name if you stay domestic. And like everyone else has said before, enjoy the process of drinking. I developed a heavy passion for the purple drank very early through sheer luck and it has been something I have been grateful for ever since. It has the ability to make a meal better, bring friends together, open up discussions over business, and everything in between.
Awesome Pinot Noir producer for something elegant and uber complex. Spend two more days in seminars, then four days casually rolling through the valley. Plan on stopping at the Russian River Valley Brewery and consuming many a pints of Pliny in their draft pub.
But yes, there is a million wines within the $10 range that would easily whet his palate and introduce him to something more. My BIGGEST recommendation is stay away from the bulk stuff you can find at any grocery store in the nation. There is no clue how those grapes are grown or where they are sourced. Stick with the smaller guys making a name if you stay domestic. And like everyone else has said before, enjoy the process of drinking. I developed a heavy passion for the purple drank very early through sheer luck and it has been something I have been grateful for ever since. It has the ability to make a meal better, bring friends together, open up discussions over business, and everything in between.
Posted on 8/1/12 at 10:26 pm to lilwineman
quote:
It has the ability to make a meal better, bring friends together, open up discussions over business, and everything in between
Posted on 8/1/12 at 10:29 pm to ruzil
BTW Doc, you need to come stop by and checkout some things Im doing at the restaurant. Just released a craft cocktail menu for the summer that has some really nice refreshing drinks alongside some cool beverages. Have a Bacon infused Bourbon for old fashioneds and Im making an old fashioned style drink with Don Julio 70th Anniv Claro Anejo and Xocolatl Mole bitters.
Posted on 8/1/12 at 10:31 pm to lilwineman
quote:
Have a Bacon infused Bourbon for old fashioneds
Had some of these in a bar in Denver recently. Awesome stuff. Is that hard to make?
Posted on 8/1/12 at 10:32 pm to lilwineman
quote:
The hair has been cutteth. And Sunday I fly out to Napa as one of 60 sommeliers invited nationwide for an educational seminar for Russian River Valley Pinot Forum. Will be dining with the owners of Papapietro Perry winery on Sunday night Awesome Pinot Noir producer for something elegant and uber complex.
Spend two more days in seminars, then four days casually rolling through the valley. Plan on stopping at the Russian River Valley Brewery and consuming many a pints of Pliny in their draft pub.
But yes, there is a million wines within the $10 range that would easily whet his palate and introduce him to something more. My BIGGEST recommendation is stay away from the bulk stuff you can find at any grocery store in the nation. There is no clue how those grapes are grown or where they are sourced. Stick with the smaller guys making a name if you stay domestic. And like everyone else has said before, enjoy the process of drinking. I developed a heavy passion for the purple drank very early through sheer luck and it has been something I have been grateful for ever since. It has the ability to make a meal better, bring friends together, open up discussions over business, and everything in between.
Shag man you wax eloquent! Love that old english. With all of that purple drank drankin', how do you find the time for Game of Thrones watchin' pray tell.
Posted on 8/1/12 at 10:34 pm to lilwineman
All right dude, you got me. Expect to see me Saturday night. Mom's birthday. Put me on the books for 630. Not kidding.
Posted on 8/1/12 at 10:38 pm to notiger1997
Really isnt all that hard but the main thing is to not actually use the bacon but to make sure the bacon fat rendered is from some high quality stuff. The fat will hold all of the aromatic molecules needed without adding contaminants. Usually requires about a 2 week soak and filtration through a chinois lined with a coffee filter after pulling out 98% of the solidified bacon fat. You must infuse it while the grease is hot and the bourbon at room temp, then shake it roughly every 15 minutes for about 3 hours or so to fully emulsify the mixture. After that allow it to chill for 13 days and then put it in the freezer for the last day. Im using Bulleit and it reminds me of Breakfast. Softens the bite of the whiskey, while turning it into flavors of maple, brown sugar, fresh grains, and bacon of course. The product will stay good for about 6 months.
Posted on 8/1/12 at 10:44 pm to ruzil
Cmon, I wont be there Saturday 
I have to get a day to pack before Sunday morning. I will make sure you get taken care of though. Or u could come see me on Friday night. How many people total?
I have to get a day to pack before Sunday morning. I will make sure you get taken care of though. Or u could come see me on Friday night. How many people total?
Posted on 8/1/12 at 10:50 pm to lilwineman
quote:
Cmon, I wont be there Saturday
I have to get a day to pack before Sunday morning. I will make sure you get taken care of though. Or u could come see me on Friday night. How many people total?
Won't be the same without you. I'll take a rain check. When do you get back?
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