Red wine recommendations please......

[STAH]

Hi guys,

I usually have either white or rose wine if given the choice. Do any of you have any recommendations of a red wine that I could try? I avoid red wines as I usually find them too heavy. Any suggestions? I usually like fruity and refreshing wines.

Thanks a lot.

[LauraLou]

I'm the same, usually don't get on with reds but there are some light ones out there. I have found Casillero del Diablo - Syrah 2000 good, also Piat d'Or is light and available pretty much anywhere. There are more but I got too drunk to remember them!

[Narolines]

I wouldn't have expected a Syrah/Shiraz to be light - they're usually fairly full-bodied. Piat d'Or may be light, but it's characterless and way overpriced. I'd suggest you look in the Burgundies, and especially Beaujolais; you can often find quite light wines among them. Generally, the further south you go (Syrah is usually associated with the lower Rhone) the heavier wines become; Sicilian reds, for instance, can be hugely full-bodied and very alcoholic, as can Lebanese and Israeli wines. Burgundy is pretty near the northern limit for decent-quality but still affordable reds; try a Beaujolais-Villages - they're usually reliable, reasonably light and not bank-breaking.

[LauraLou]

I think Piat d'Or is about �4.99 down the Co-Op, so worth the expense to try it. I agree that the Diablo is heavier, just an idea from a fellow white wine drinker. There are some good wine sites on the web, or even the supermarket websites usually have a wine area.

[marmaduke]

Co-Op do an own-brand light Argentinian Malbec for �3.99.

[squirtle]

Blossom Hill "Californian" is fruity and very easy on the palate for a non red wine drinker.

[Bohne]

Generally I like most dry red wines.

I find that going for a Rioja, I am usually not disappointed, but of course it's all a matter of taste.

[stevie-p]

paul masson red californian not bad at all 3 bottles a tenner in most offies.

[beryllium]

Hi STAH, have you thought about a wine tasting course? maybe google wine tasting courses near you. Even our local bookshop holds one.....

There are some beautiful red wines out there, believe me, and once you've discovered that they really do have flavours, you'll become aware of which grapes you like...

[beryllium]

stevie-p, you are funny.... does paul masson lay well?

[jan1956]

agree with squirtle Blossom Hill Californian is soft and fruity not heavy

[Artemis]

Barolo is the bees knees. The finest red wine around at reasonable prices.

[STAH]

Thanks for your input folks - an array of info for me there!! I will certainly take longer around the wine section of Sainsbury's.

beryllium - a wonderful idea to go on a wine tasting course. Alas, I do not have the time I am afraid!!

Thanks once again folks!

[sense4all]

http://www.superplonk.co.uk/home/home.asp use this web site to help have a look at the recommendations. I have found the Co op malbec to be very drinkable. This site has a value for money element built in to the equasion! Happy tastings.